Crime
Pembroke man jailed for string of offences and faces Crown Court arson charge
Mark Bloxham sentenced for drink driving, assault on police officer and public order offences before being remanded on separate arson allegation
A PEMBROKE man has been jailed for multiple driving and public order offences and has also been sent to Crown Court accused of arson with intent to endanger life.
Mark Bloxham, 41, of Greenfield Farm, Pembroke, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Sep 29). He faced several charges arising from incidents in the town earlier this month.
Drink driving and driving while disqualified
On September 5, Bloxham drove a green Daihatsu on Orange Way, Pembroke, while more than three times the legal drink-drive limit. Tests showed 111 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit being 35.
He was also found to have no valid insurance or MOT certificate and was driving while disqualified.
Magistrates imposed a 40-month driving ban and jailed him for 12 weeks, taking into account the high alcohol reading, his disqualification, and the number of offences committed at the same time.
Public order and assault on officer
During the same incident, Bloxham used threatening behaviour towards a member of the public, Steven John Harvey, causing harassment and alarm. He also assaulted an emergency worker, PC Richards, by headbutting him.
Magistrates described the assault as an “A1 offence” because of the headbutt and imposed an uplift in sentence. Bloxham was jailed for 12 weeks for the assault, consecutive to his other custodial terms.
Arson allegation sent to Crown Court
Separately, Bloxham faces an allegation of arson with intent to endanger life, relating to an incident on September 27 in Milford Haven.
It is alleged that he set fire to a box, intending to damage property and endanger life. The case was sent to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 31.
Bloxham was remanded in custody until that hearing.
(Image: File)
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.
Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.
The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.
Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.
Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.
“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.
The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.
Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.
“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.
When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”
Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”
As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”
A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.
Crime
Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order
A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.
The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.
The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.
It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.
A plea of not guilty was entered.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.
A reporting restriction remains in force.
Crime
Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site
A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.
Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.
The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.
Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.
Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.
The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.
The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.
The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.
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