Crime
Trial for Pembrokeshire farm animal cruelty delayed until next year
A MAN and his daughter, accused of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs, pigs, and sheep at a Pembrokeshire farm, have had their trial postponed to March next year.
Richard Scarfe, 43, of Park Street in Pembroke Dock, and Brogan Scarfe, 24, of Woodbine Terrace in Pembroke, denied the allegations which relate to the treatment of animals kept at the Ridgeway in Lamphey between January 25, 2022, and April 19, 2023.
During a previous hearing, defence barrister Alycia Carpanini asserted that Brogan Scarfe “denies that the animals were suffering.” She highlighted that a vet had visited the farm the day before the animals were seized and reported “no issues.”
Richard Scarfe previously informed the court that he was not responsible for the care of the animals, as he had been banned from keeping animals.
The trial was initially scheduled for February but was vacated due to delays in instructing a defence expert and complications with the legal aid funding application. A new date was set for July 29.
However, the case returned to Swansea Crown Court, where Andrew Taylor, representing Richard Scarfe, explained that the initially appointed expert “no longer accepts legal aid work.”
“There’s no way I can go into a trial without an expert or an expert report,” Mr Taylor stated. He added that a new expert had been identified but would require four months to complete his report.
Prosecutor Christian Jowett argued that the delay was due to the actions of the defendants’ representation. “This could have been done in August of last year,” he said, adding that the animals are currently in care at the public’s expense. “That will mean that these animals will have been kept for two years, and that is almost entirely the fault of the defendants’ representation.”
Judge Catherine Richards, addressing the further delay, expressed her dissatisfaction with the situation. “It’s not a position I’m impressed with,” she remarked.
Judge Richards ordered that the defence expert report be submitted by November 22, and the trial is now set to commence on March 3.
A MAN from St Davids is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse, including physical assault and coercive control, spanning more than two years.
Ryan Bowen, aged 44, of Nun Street, appeared in court accused of controlling and abusive behaviour towards his partner between August 2019 and January 2022.
Bowen is alleged to have physically assaulted the woman by slamming a car door on her leg, punching her in the ribs, and pushing her. The court also heard he verbally abused her, belittled her as a mother, and threatened to kill her.
It is further alleged he controlled her finances, dictated what she wore, where she could sleep, and where she was allowed to work.
Prosecutors also claimed he threatened to take her children away and told her he would kill himself if she ever left him.
Bowen has denied the charges.
Judge Paul Thomas KC asked defence barrister Dyfed Thomas whether his client would consider pleading guilty to any lesser charges. Mr Thomas responded that Bowen was “adamant” the allegations were untrue and would not be changing his plea.
A trial has been listed for December 9. Bowen was granted bail until that date.
POLICE are investigating the theft of a motorbike from the A470 near Storey Arms, close to Brecon.
The Lexmoto LXR, described as blue and silver in colour, was awaiting recovery when it was stolen sometime between 9:00pm on Tuesday (Apr 8) and 11:00am on Wednesday (Apr 9).
Officers are appealing to anyone who was travelling along the A470 during that time and may have seen anything suspicious.
Dash cam footage could be especially helpful to the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via:
| Online form
| 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk
| 101
Quote reference: 25*307219
A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted assaulting a woman following an incident in the town earlier this year.
Kieran Vaughan, aged 37, of Caradoc Place, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in connection with an incident on March 8.
While Vaughan denied the more serious charge, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault by beating.
Prosecutor Georgia Donohue told the court: “That’s acceptable to the Crown because the complainant has withdrawn her support.”
Judge Geraint Walters adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report. Vaughan will be sentenced on May 15.
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