Crime
Opportunist thief jailed for Carmarthenshire handbag robbery
JAKE DIGHTON, 31, of Bridge Street, Llanelli, has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison after admitting to snatching a woman’s handbag as she walked home after a work’s night out in Llanelli.
Describing the incident that happened late on Friday 20 June, the victim explained how she noticed a shadow appear over her left shoulder as she walked home with colleagues along Glenalla Road.
She recalled thinking the shadow was just a passer-by, but then felt someone forcefully grab her handbag, causing her to fall to the ground.
Despite suffering cuts and bruises, she attempted to chase the suspect as he ran away with her handbag, but lost sight of him and made her way home.
A report was made to police who launched an investigation to identify the suspect. Thanks to CCTV in the local area, the suspect was identified as Jake Dighton who was swiftly arrested on suspicion of robbery.
The strength of evidence against Dighton led him to plead guilty to the charge when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday 25 July.
On Friday 5 December, he was sentenced to three years and three months for the offence.
The officer in this case, DC Rhydian Davies, said: “We welcome the sentencing of Jake Dighto. This was a traumatic incident for the victim who has been reliving the incident since that night.
“I’m hopeful that this sentencing will help the victim, who has struggled to go out in public since the ordeal, to continue her progress in returning to her ‘old self’.
“Dighton’s predatory behaviour is completely unacceptable, and no one should fear walking the streets of their hometown.
“The impact on the victim cannot be underestimated, and I commend her for her bravery and the strength with which she supported our investigation and the court proceedings that followed.
“It was evident that the incident had had an impact on the victim’s family too, and I’m grateful to her friends, family, and the wider Llanelli community for their support. The level of support shown clearly illustrates that this behaviour will not be tolerated on our streets.
“This was an excellent example of how several departments within Dyfed-Powys Police worked together to bring the perpetrator to justice. I extend special thanks to Llanelli’s Criminal Investigation Department, the Local Investigation Unit, our Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team, and our response colleagues.
“Thank you to the local community and wider public who responded to our appeal for information and for supporting our investigation.”
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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