Crime

Man jailed for public indecency and assault in Fishguard

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2024

SWANSEA CROWN COURT has sentenced Mathew Reading to ten months in prison following an incident in which he exposed himself and urinated on his victim’s driveway.

The events unfolded just days after Reading attacked the same man in a Fishguard pub. Prosecutor Regan Walters recounted how Reading assaulted the man, who had his arm in a cast, on 27 January. Reading punched the victim, who then fell to the floor, where he was further kicked by an unknown assailant.

Following the attack, Reading was arrested and released on bail while police investigated. However, on the evening of January 31, the victim’s wife and their 12-year-old non-verbal autistic son were at home when their dog began barking. The boy went to the door to investigate and saw Reading exposing himself and urinating on their driveway.

“The defendant was standing with his penis exposed and he was urinating on the drive,” Mr Walters explained to the court. Reading then shouted threats and made obscene gestures towards the house. When the boy’s mother came to the door, Reading directed further abuse at her before attempting to approach the house. The quick-thinking mother shut the door, and Reading was arrested the following morning.

In a statement read by Mr Walters, the boy’s mother expressed her alarm and distress at Reading’s “completely out of order” behaviour. Reading remained silent during police questioning but later admitted to exposure and witness intimidation in the magistrates’ court.

Reading also faced charges of common assault for the pub attack, which he admitted. He will be sentenced for this offence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on 13 June.

The court learned that Reading, of Maes Y Llan in Dinas Cross, has a significant criminal history, with 22 previous convictions for 30 offences. Defence barrister Caitlin Brazel informed the court that Reading had been in custody since 2 February, equating to an eight-month sentence already served. She attributed his actions to a “foolish and drunkenly motivated decision” rather than sexual intent, citing two family tragedies in 2019 that had sent Reading into a “downward spiral”.

Judge Paul Thomas KC condemned the pub attack as “a particularly cowardly attack” and sentenced Reading to eight months for witness intimidation and a further two months for exposure. Additionally, Reading must register as a sex offender for seven years. The court also issued a two-year restraining order to protect the victim.

Crime

Port and Crown Estate join forces to tackle marine fly-tipping in Castle Pill

Published

11 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Five derelict vessels set for removal as pilot project targets growing safety and environmental risks

A JOINT operation has been launched to tackle marine fly-tipping and the growing problem of derelict vessels in the Milford Haven Waterway.

The Port of Milford Haven and The Crown Estate have teamed up for a pilot project targeting Castle Pill, a tidal inlet connected directly to the main port channel, where abandoned boats and illegally dumped waste have become an increasing concern.

Officials say the presence of derelict and poorly managed vessels poses serious risks not only to the environment but also to maritime safety and port operations, with fears that unsecured boats could break free and drift into the busy navigational channel.

The project will involve monitoring, enforcement, and removal work, alongside preventative measures aimed at stopping further fly-tipping.

At least five derelict vessels are scheduled to be removed from Castle Pill. The Port has warned that the boats are at immediate risk of breaking loose during spring tides, potentially causing disruption and danger if they enter the main channel.

Brian Macfarlane, Harbour Patrol Officer at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Derelict vessels are a serious and unpredictable safety and environmental risk.

“Unlit and poorly maintained boats can break free, sink, or drift into navigational channels with little warning, endangering crews, disrupting port operations, and threatening the environmentally protected waters of the Milford Haven Waterway.”

Ryan Pratt, Coastal and Leisure Portfolio Manager at The Crown Estate, said the partnership was an important step in safeguarding the coastline.

He said: “Caring for our marine and coastal environment is vital so future generations can continue to benefit.

“This partnership provides a practical, effective response to fly-tipping and abandoned vessels, helping to protect sensitive habitats and the people who depend on safe, reliable waterways.”

The pilot scheme forms part of a wider effort to improve environmental protection, prevent pollution, and ensure the safe management of marine assets across the Milford Haven Waterway.

Crime

Teenager banned from roads after being caught six times over drug-drive limit

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A DOCK teenager has lost his licence after driving his vehicle on the Cleddau Bridge when he was six times over the legal drug-drive limit.

Gethin Moseley, 19, was stopped by officers carrying out random traffic checks on the bridge on January 24. Smelling cannabis emanating from his Mazda, a roadside drugs swipe was carried out which proved positive Subsequent blood tests showed that Moseley had 14 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system, the legal limit being 2.

Moseley, of Milton Terrace, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to drug-driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week. He was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill who informed the Bench that the defendant only uses cannabis recreationally or socially. He has no previous convictions.

Moseley was fined £249 and ordered to pay a £100 court surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Crime

Drunk motorist arrested at Pembrokeshire petrol station

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A Johnston motorist has appeared before magistrates after being caught driving when he was almost twice the legal drink-drive limit.

Police received a call at around 11am on April 23 from a member of the public concerned that local resident Martin Phelps, 55, was driving after consuming alcohol.

“He was at the petrol station and the member of the public was concerned that he was drunk,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“When they arrived, they could see he was unsteady on his feet and had trouble getting into his parked vehicle.”

When spoken to by the officers, Phelps admitted drinking alcohol earlier that morning. Subsequent breathalyser tests carried out at the police station, showed that Phelps had 68 mcg of alcohol in his system, the legal limit being 35.

Phelps, of Langford Road, Johnston, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill.

“He’s had a troublesome relationship with alcohol which has increased over the years,” she told the court.

“He’s engaged with the Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Advisory Service and Alcoholics Anonymous over the years, and this incident has been a wake up call for him.”

Phelps was disqualified from driving for 17 months and fined £120. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge. He was disqualified form driving for 17 months.