Court hears offences took place at Three Rivers Estuary

A WIRRAL man has been fined thousands of pounds after admitting offences involving illegal cockle fishing and the use of a vehicle on a protected estuary.

Callum Stephen Williams, 27, of Harvest Lane, Moreton, Wirral, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 5) charged with fishing for or taking cockles from a closed cockle bed at the Three Rivers Cockle Fishery.

The court heard that the offence took place on May 21, 2025, while restrictions were in force under the Cockle Fishing Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024. Mr Williams pleaded guilty to the charge.

Magistrates fined him £2,000 and ordered him to pay an £800 victim services surcharge and £1,000 in prosecution costs. A collection order was made, with deductions to be taken from benefits if necessary. His guilty plea was taken into account when sentence was imposed.

The court also dealt with a further offence arising from the same date, in which Mr Williams admitted causing or permitting a mechanically propelled vehicle to be driven on the Three Rivers Estuary without prior written authority. No separate penalty was imposed for that offence.

Multiple offences committed while cockle bed was closed to protect stocks

THREE men have appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 5) after illegally fishing for cockles from a closed cockle bed at the Three Rivers Cockle Fishery.

The court heard that Richard William Edwards, 44, of Fernhill Road, Gorseinon, Swansea, admitted fishing for or taking cockles from a closed bed on May 21, 2025. The prohibition was in force under the Cockle Fishing Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

Magistrates fined Mr Edwards £1,000 and ordered him to pay a £400 victim services surcharge and £400 in prosecution costs. A collection order was made, with payment due by March 5. His guilty plea was taken into account when sentence was imposed.

Brogan Morgan Phillips, 19, of Harddfan, Bryn, Llanelli, also pleaded guilty to fishing for cockles from the same closed bed on May 21, 2025. For that offence, he was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay a £1,200 victim services surcharge and £1,000 in prosecution costs.

The court also heard that Mr Phillips admitted a further offence at the same location on June 5, 2025. For that offence, magistrates imposed an additional fine of £1,000. A collection order was made, with a total outstanding balance of £5,200 to be paid by instalments.

Ethan Jay Thomas, 19, of Station Road, Bynea, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to fishing for cockles from the closed bed on May 21, 2025. Sentencing for that offence was adjourned.

Mr Thomas denied a second charge relating to an alleged offence on June 5, 2025. That matter was adjourned until March 19, when the case will return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for trial. Sentencing in relation to the offence already admitted will also be considered at that hearing.

Magistrates hear persistent loud music caused nuisance to neighbours

A NEYLAND resident has been fined thousands of pounds after repeatedly failing to comply with a community protection notice, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard.

Beryl John, 75, of Gothic Road, Neyland, Milford Haven, was convicted in his absence on Thursday (Feb 5) of breaching a community protection notice on multiple occasions.

The court heard that on November 8, 10, 13, 23 and 29, 2025, John failed to ensure that persistent and continuous music played at an excessive volume from his property did not create a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living nearby.

The offences were committed despite a community protection notice having previously been issued. Magistrates found the breaches proved in absence.

For the first offence, John was fined £1,000. John was also ordered to pay a £400 victim services surcharge and £1,000 in prosecution costs. No separate penalties were imposed for the remaining offences.

A collection order was made, with the total balance of £2,400 to be paid by March 5.