Crime

Robber threatened driver with hammer in Manorbier ordeal

Published

6 months ago

November 6, 2025

A MAN from Spittal who jumped into a driver’s car while armed with a claw hammer and demanded cash has avoided jail.

Swansea Crown Court heard that on October 12 last year, the victim had just dropped off a friend in Manorbier when Kal Bowen, 22, suddenly stepped in front of his vehicle and got into the passenger seat.

Bowen was carrying a claw hammer and told the driver he would “change his life” if he didn’t hand over money.

The frightened victim said he had no cash and pressed the horn for help before trying to drive off, but Bowen grabbed the handbrake to stop him. He then forced the man to hand over £20 before demanding more, telling him to transfer money on his phone and then insisting they go to the Post Office to withdraw cash.

The victim, believing it was the only way to end the confrontation, agreed. At the Post Office, he withdrew another £20 and bought a four-pack of beer for Bowen, who warned him not to call police.

However, the victim drove straight to the police station, where the incident was reported. Bowen was arrested in the early hours of October 13. Officers later recovered a hammer from his car, though Bowen admitted throwing the one used in the robbery into a nearby field.

Prosecutor Sian Cutter said Bowen believed the victim owed him money because a friend had previously bought drinks using cash that belonged to him. The ordeal left the car damaged, with repairs to the handbrake costing just over £200.

Bowen admitted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. The court was told he had two previous convictions for drink driving.

Defending, Ian Ibrahim described the incident as “a remarkably stupid thing to do”, adding that Bowen had stayed out of trouble since, remained drug-free, and was working as a self-employed plasterer.

Judge Huw Rees imposed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, with 180 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days. Bowen must also pay £204.25 compensation, and a five-year restraining order was issued to protect the victim.

Crime

Man appears in court charged over death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer

Published

18 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

FAMILY WATCHED FROM PUBLIC GALLERY AS CASE SENT TO CROWN COURT

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with causing the death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer Tim Minett by dangerous driving.

Mr Minett was riding a Blood Bike Wales Honda motorcycle on the afternoon of July 2, 2025, when it was involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Crafter van on the A478 between Glandycross and Blaenffos.

He had been transporting blood supplies for the NHS at the time.

This week the van’s driver, Roger King, 57, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with causing Mr Minett’s death by dangerous driving.

King stood in the dock to confirm his name, age and address as members of Mr Minett’s family watched from the public gallery.

Magistrates were told that, due to the seriousness of the allegation, the case can only be dealt with at the Crown Court.

Proceedings will continue at Swansea Crown Court on May 29.

King was released on unconditional bail until that date.c

Crime

Man breached restraining order by entering woman’s home

Published

19 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

COURT HEARS APPLICATION MADE TO DISCHARGE ORDER

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been sentenced after being found inside a woman’s home despite being banned from contacting her.

Peter Bromley, 51, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard, was made subject to a restraining order by Haverfordwest magistrates on February 26.

The order prevented him from having any direct or indirect contact with Rhiannon Bowen.

But on April 8, police received a call claiming Bromley was present at Ms Bowen’s address in Fishguard.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that when officers arrived at the property, Ms Bowen initially denied that Bromley was there.

However, when officers gained access to the property, they found Bromley inside the kitchen.

This week Bromley pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order.

He was legally represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who told magistrates that Ms Bowen had recently begun proceedings to have the restraining order removed and discharged.

“Considerable progress has been made by the defendant in various areas of his life,” said Mr Lloyd.

Bromley was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £80 surcharge.

He must also complete a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement.

Crime

Drink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop

Published

19 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

SENTENCE ADJOURNED FOR PROBATION REPORT

A 23-YEAR-old motorist has been given an interim driving ban after admitting he was over the drink-drive limit when he damaged a bicycle in a collision.

Ajay Mathias was driving his Ford Fiesta along the A478 at Allensbank on April 8 when he collided with the bicycle.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that subsequent breath tests showed Mathias had 44 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Mathias, of Min y Llan, Letterston, appeared before magistrates this week where he pleaded guilty to drink-driving and failing to stop after a road accident.

Sentencing was adjourned until April 30, when magistrates will consider a probation report.

Mathias was released on unconditional bail until that date.