Crime

Trefin dog noise row: Woman admits one charge as council drops rest

Published

7 months ago

November 11, 2025

A LONG-RUNNING row over dog noise in the small coastal village of Trefin has taken a new turn after a local woman admitted breaching a Community Protection Notice — while multiple other charges were dropped by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Julia Goodgame, aged 58, of Bryn Y Derwydd, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Nov 10) facing nine allegations of failing to keep her dogs under control, contrary to the terms of a Community Protection Notice (CPN) issued by the council in June.

The case, prosecuted by David Wheel of Welch & Co on behalf of the council, followed months of complaints from neighbours and a protest in the village earlier this year over what residents described as “constant barking” and “uncontrolled dogs”.

Residents’ frustration

In August, residents of Bryn Y Derwydd staged a small protest calling for stronger action, claiming that up to ten dogs were being kept at one property and that the noise had become intolerable.

One pensioner told The Herald they had been “kept awake for months”, while others complained of dogs roaming freely and fouling gardens.

Local councillor Neil Prior, who represents Llanrhian, said at the time that the situation had been “slow and frustrating” for all involved, adding that council officers, housing staff and police had been in discussion for over a year about possible enforcement.

Court proceedings

The council issued the CPN on June 17, requiring Ms Goodgame to keep her dogs under control and prevent excessive noise. She was later accused of breaching the notice on nine occasions between June 17 and July 15, with further allegations in July and September.

At Monday’s hearing, Ms Goodgame — who represented herself — pleaded guilty to one count, relating to June 20. The remaining eight counts were dismissed after the council offered no evidence.

Magistrates adjourned the case until December 11 for sentencing and to consider the council’s application for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) and costs.

Ongoing dispute

The case has divided opinion in Trefin, with some residents welcoming the prosecution and others calling for mediation and support rather than legal action.

The outcome of next month’s hearing will determine whether longer-term restrictions are imposed under the proposed CBO.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

11 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

12 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.