Crime
Farmer attacked man in Fishguard supermarket dispute
Children left in tears as long-running row boiled over in CK’s
A PEMBROKESHIRE farmer who became “emotionally overwhelmed” during a long-running dispute assaulted another man in front of young children inside a Fishguard supermarket.
The incident took place on May 24 at CK’s in Fishguard and was witnessed by members of the public as well as the victim’s two young children.
This week at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Mark Layton was told that Richard Harries, 62, entered the store and came across complainant Michael James Lewis.
“There’s a lot of background in this case,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James. “The victim, his partner and their two young children went to CK’s in Fishguard to buy sweets before going to watch a film.
“When he saw Richard Harries, he wanted to get further away from him. But the defendant then began walking towards him, shouting, ‘It’s disgraceful and disgusting that you support a paedo.’”
Harries then struck Mr Lewis to the left and right sides of his face.
“I’m not sure if it was a punch or a slap, as it all happened so quickly,” Mr Lewis said in a victim impact statement read to the court. “By now my children were both crying and were extremely traumatised. One of them said they never want to go back to CK’s again.
“[Richard Harries] is still bitter and he allowed matters to escalate in a public place, without seeming to care about the consequences.”
The details of the underlying dispute were not aired in open court, though they were referenced in a probation report handed to Judge Layton ahead of sentencing.
Harries, of Cwm, Puncheston, pleaded guilty to assault by beating. He was represented by solicitor Alaw Harries.
“The defendant is deeply remorseful for his actions and the impact they’ve had on the victim,” she said. “But he doesn’t use the background as an excuse. He was emotionally overwhelmed at the time and lost it.”
Harries was sentenced to 18 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months. He must complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, carry out 250 hours of unpaid work, and pay £500 compensation to Mr Lewis, along with a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.
Judge Layton also imposed an indefinite restraining order prohibiting Harries from contacting Mr Lewis directly or indirectly, entering his address, or posting anything about him online.
“People should feel safe in public, without the risk of harm coming to them,” the judge said. “Clearly your actions that day were unacceptable.”
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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