Crime
Drug-driver avoids jail after midnight chase through Pembroke Dock
Suspended sentence spared despite cocaine in system
A PEMBROKESHIRE drug-driver has narrowly avoided jail after being caught behind the wheel with cocaine and the cocaine derivative benzoylecgonine in his system.
Haverfordwest magistrates heard that Stefan Sheehan, 33, was observed around midnight on September 23 driving a Vauxhall van through Pembroke Dock town centre. The van carried the logo SS Waste Removal and, according to officers, appeared to be dangerously overloaded.
“It appeared to be overloaded, as the chassis was very close to the road,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told the court. “It also had defective lights.”
POLICE IN PURSUIT
Officers followed the van through Pembroke Dock, intermittently activating blue lights in an effort to stop the vehicle. Sheehan continued along Dimond Street, Water Street and on to King William Street before turning left into a dead-end road.
“He eventually came to a stop,” Ms James said. “The police gave chase to the defendant who ran into a house, and it was there that he was arrested.”
Blood tests later showed cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system. The court was told that the offences were committed while Sheehan, of London Road, Pembroke Dock, was still serving an 18-month suspended custodial sentence imposed in January this year.
SENTENCE
Sheehan pleaded guilty to driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance, driving without due care and attention, failing to stop for police, and driving with cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.
He was sentenced to 18 months in custody, suspended for two years, and disqualified from driving for 18 months. He must also pay an £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.
District Judge Mark Layton agreed to suspend the sentence after being told Sheehan had been responding well to supervision under his existing probation order.
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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