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Crime

XL Bully spared destruction after owner handed strict court order

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Bruno the dog must be muzzled, microchipped and neutered under two-month deadline

A MAN from Pencader has been given two months to secure an exemption for his XL Bully dog or face seeing the animal destroyed, following a hearing at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 27).

JAMES DAVIES, aged 35, of Bryn Hebog, Llanllwni, appeared before magistrates after Dyfed-Powys Police applied for a destruction order for his adult male XL Bully, known as Bruno.

Contingent destruction order

The court was told the dog meets the statutory definition of a prohibited type under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Magistrates said they were satisfied the animal fell within the XL Bully classification and therefore required an exemption in order to be kept lawfully.

Instead of ordering Bruno’s immediate destruction, the bench granted a contingent destruction order, meaning the dog can be kept only if Davies complies with a lengthy list of conditions designed to protect public safety.

Davies must, within 28 days, apply to register Bruno on the official Index of Exempted Dogs and provide proof of:

  • microchipping
  • third-party liability insurance
  • veterinary certification confirming the dog has been neutered

Bruno must be fully registered with DEFRA within two months from the date of the order.

Strict control rules

The court also imposed stringent behavioural controls. Bruno must be:

muzzled at all times in public, in any vehicle, and inside the home if anyone is present other than Davies, his partner, or his three children

kept on a lead no longer than six feet, held by someone aged 16 or over who is physically capable of controlling the dog

secured in a separate room or muzzled and on a lead whenever the front door is opened to visitors

only allowed to roam freely in the garden once it has been made fully secure with a 6-foot perimeter fence

Davies must also bear all associated costs, including registration fees, insurance, and kennel fees incurred while Bruno was held during the court process. The application fee of £284 must also be paid.

Warning issued

Magistrates warned that any breach of the conditions will result in Bruno being destroyed.

The bench said the order “adequately balances public safety with the respondent’s rights”, noting they had considered both the dog’s temperament and its past behaviour before granting the exemption pathway.

Bruno will remain at risk of destruction unless full compliance is achieved within the required timeframes.

 

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

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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.

 

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Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

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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.

 

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Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

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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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