Domestic incident in Fishguard involved assault and smashed crockery

A FISHGUARD man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting assaulting a woman and damaging property during a drink-fuelled incident.

Peter Bromley, aged 50, of Parc y Chwarel, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 26) for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage.

The court heard the offences took place in Fishguard on January 13, when Bromley assaulted a woman and damaged crockery belonging to her. The value of the damage was not specified but was under £5,000.

Magistrates were told the offences were aggravated by the fact Bromley was already subject to a community order at the time and had been drinking.

The bench said the offences were serious enough to cross the custody threshold, particularly as they involved domestic violence against the same injured party.

Bromley was sentenced to eight weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. The custodial term had been reduced from 12 weeks to reflect his guilty pleas.

He must complete a 26-day programme requirement and up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity with probation as part of the suspended sentence order.

The court also imposed a restraining order lasting until February 25, 2027. The order prohibits Bromley from contacting the woman directly or indirectly, entering any premises where she lives, or posting or causing any reference to her to be made online.

No compensation order was made because the injured party was not supportive of such action.

Bromley was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs.

Magistrates said the prison sentence had been suspended due to a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, but warned that any further offences or breach of the order could result in immediate custody.

Defendant due to be sentenced next week after guilty plea

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has admitted sending a threatening message in which he said he would hack a woman’s head off with a sword.

Charles Bianchy, aged 37, of Pembroke Street, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Feb 26) for a hearing ahead of sentencing.

The court heard that the offence took place on September 16, 2025, in Pembroke Dock, when Bianchy sent a message conveying a threat of serious harm towards a female. Prosecutors said the message referred to hacking her head off with a sword, intending — or being reckless as to whether — someone reading it would fear the threat would be carried out.

The charge is contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023, which covers communications that convey threats of death or serious harm.

Bianchy had previously indicated a guilty plea on January 13 this year.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be prepared by the Probation Service. He was remanded on conditional bail.

As part of his bail conditions, Bianchy must not contact witnesses directly or indirectly, must not attend an address in Cuckoo Wood, Pembroke Dock, and must not enter or permit any data relating to the complainant to be placed on any electronic network.

He has also been ordered to cooperate with probation officers ahead of sentencing.

The case will return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 3) at 10:00am.

Defendant sent to Crown Court after magistrates refuse bail

A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with burglary following an alleged incident at a house in Haverfordwest.

Ashley Rickard, aged 28, of no fixed abode but with an address listed as Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before magistrates on Thursday (Feb 26).

Rickard is charged with burglary of a dwelling and theft, contrary to Section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968. The court heard the allegation relates to an incident on February 20 at a property in Fleming Crescent, Haverfordwest, where two televisions of unknown value were allegedly stolen after entry was gained as a trespasser.

The case was sent directly to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Magistrates heard a full bail application but refused bail. The court was told there were concerns the defendant was likely to offend and had previously failed to surrender. It was also stated that the alleged offence took place while Rickard was on police bail and on licence, with previous breaches recorded.

Rickard was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, March 30 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The custody time limit in the case expires on August 27, 2026.

Rickard is represented by Mike Kelleher. The prosecution was led by Linda Baker. The bench comprised Mrs H Disney, Dr R Talbot-English, and Mr R Mathias.