Crime
Pembrokeshire chef found ‘howling and out of control’ after taking ketamine
A PEMBROKESHIRE chef has appeared before magistrates after being found ‘howling and out of control’ in the pub in which he was employed.
Members of the public became aware of Dean McCartney’s condition when they were present in the premises on December 20,2022.
“The defendant was working as a chef in a pub in Penally when witnesses heard howling noises coming from downstairs,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“Another male was trying to retain him as the defendant was throwing his arms and legs around and he was clearly under the influence of drugs. He was out of control and didn’t know what he was doing.”
Officers were called to the premises, and during a search of McCartney’s backpack they discovered a white powder. Subsequently analyses of the powder’s content confirmed that it was ketamine, which is an illegal Class B drug.
McCartney, 28, of Newell Hill, Tenby, pleaded guilty to a charge of possession when he was brought before magistrates this week. Ms Jackson confirmed that the offence took place while McCartney was serving a suspended sentence.
“The obvious question here is why on earth it’s taken so long to come to court,” stated his solicitor, Mr Michael Kelleher.
“My client is a qualified chef and, as a result of another drug conviction in December 2023 for possession of cocaine, is now being drug tested on a regular basis.
“Bear in mind just how long this has been hanging over his head. This should have been addressed a long, long time ago.”
Mr Kelleher added that McCartney is currently unemployed, however he attended a work trial last week.
“Unfortunately he fell down the stairs, so is now unable to start working there,” he said.
Dean McCartney was fined £80 for possession of the class B drug and £40 for breaching the suspended sentence. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge. A forfeiture and destruction order was imposed for the drugs.
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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