Crime
Drink-driver used alcohol as ‘coping mechanism’ court hears
A COURT has heard how a 29-year-old woman turned to alcohol as ‘a coping mechanism’ after learning that two of her close family members had been diagnosed with cancer.
At around 11pm on June 20, Janecia Cook was observed by police officers driving her VW Golf through Merlins Bridge in what the Crown Prosecution has described as ‘an erratic manner’.
“She was seen crossing the solid double white line and was braking erratically,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
Officers stopped the vehicle, and when they spoke to Cook, they could see that her eyes were glazed and her speech was slurred.
“She also appeared to be unaware of her surroundings,” added Ms Jackson.
A roadside breath test proved positive and Cook, of South Court, Haverfordwest, was taken to Haverfordwest police station where further breath tests were carried out. These showed she had 84 mcg of alcohol in her breath. The legal limit is 35.
Cook pleaded guilty to a charge of drink-driving and was represented in court by Mr MIchael Kelleher.
“At the time of the offence, the defendant was going through a very difficult period in her life,” Mr Kelleher told the court.
“Two very close family members had been diagnosed with cancer and she was assisting them in their treatment, driving them to and from hospital appointments and she simply couldn’t cope. She took to alcohol as a coping mechanism.”
Mr Kelleher went on to say that Cook hasn’t drunk alcohol since her arrest and has also attended AA meetings and has referred herself to the Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Service.
“She is doing all she can,” he said.
Cook was disqualified from driving for 17 months. She was fined £250 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £100 court surcharge.
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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