Crime

Teen jailed for drunken assault on man in his sixties outside Milford Haven pub

Published

5 months ago

November 29, 2025

A NEYLAND teenager has been sent to a Young Offender Institution after carrying out a violent, drink-fuelled attack on a man more than forty years his senior while the victim waited for a lift home.

The court heard that the 62-year-old had spent the evening watching rugby with friends on November 8 before joining his son for a quiet drink at the Lord Kitchener in Milford Haven. When he stepped outside to meet his partner, who was driving over to collect him, he walked across the road to wait near the bus stop.

While he stood there, he was approached by Benjamin Cullen, then 18, who was loudly talking on his phone. Cullen suddenly turned on him, demanding to know why he was looking in his direction. The older man swatted the teenager’s phone from his hand — later saying he thought Cullen may have been filming him — and the situation quickly escalated.

**The hearing took place at the Crown Court in Swansea**

Cullen lashed out, kicking the man and dragging him into the road before hitting him while he was on the ground. Several people nearby intervened, but Cullen took off his outer layers of clothing and charged back at the victim, punching and kicking him again despite attempts to calm him down.

The victim’s son arrived during the second outburst and briefly managed to restrain the teenager, who then broke free and ran off. Emergency crews found the injured man drifting in and out of consciousness. He was taken to hospital with wounds to his head, hands and knees.

Police found Cullen a short time later at the Nos Da bar. Even as he was arrested, he insisted he had done nothing wrong. In interview he later claimed he had been frightened and was only defending himself — a position he abandoned when he pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court was told that Cullen, now 19 and of Gordon Parry Road, Neyland, already had a long history of offending: 21 previous convictions covering 44 offences, including violence.

His barrister said the teenager had spent the day drinking heavily following a family row and lacked the maturity to control his behaviour.

Judge Huw Rees said Cullen’s actions were “persistent and gratuitous” and fuelled entirely by alcohol. He ordered him to serve 18 months in a Young Offender Institution.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

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

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

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

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

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.