Crime

Pembrokeshire magistrates fine 27 for dropping fag butts

Published

2 years ago

August 22, 2024

In a recent session at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, 27 individuals were fined for littering offences committed across Pembrokeshire.

The offenders, who were all found guilty in their absence, were charged with dropping cigarette ends in various public places.

The cases, brought forward by Pembrokeshire County Council, highlight a range of offences where individuals carelessly discarded cigarette butts in public areas, including train stations, hospitals, and retail parks. Despite not attending court, the cases were proven in their absence, leading to fines and additional costs.

Each defendant was fined £220, ordered to pay a surcharge of £88 to fund victim services, and incurred prosecution costs of £150. This brings the total amount each defendant must pay to £458. In one case, a defendant who pleaded guilty was fined a reduced amount of £40 with an additional £16 surcharge and £20 in costs, resulting in a total of £76.

Here are the details of those fined:

Gareth Bailey, 42, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven
Daniel Cook, 29, of The Avenue, Pontygwaith, Ferndale
Peter Cullen, 33, of Maes Y Llan, Llandeloy, Haverfordwest
Nathan Edmundson, 32, of Rectory Avenue, Hakin, Milford Haven
Paul Evans, 38, of Fernhill Road, Haverfordwest
Alana Francis, 22, of Augustine Way, Haverfordwest
Jonathan Gammon, 51, of Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock
Jack Hall, 26, of Ramsey Court, Siskin Close, Haverfordwest
Phil Horsely, 55, of Dew Street, Haverfordwest
Richard Hughes, 62, of Brodawel, Solva
Luke Hutton, 34, of Prestacott, Beaworthy, Devon
Gavin James, 44, of Vicary Crescent, Milford Haven
Michael James, 36, of Heol Glyndwr, Fishguard
Maria Koleva, 38, of Nantyffin, Llandissilio, Clynderwen
Jacob Lloyd, 28, of Maes Ewan, Solva
Fiona Mackenzie, 56, of Bell Tower Close, Walsall, Birmingham
Darren Richard Markes, 46, of Dark Street, Haverfordwest
Tanya Roberts, 48, of College Court, Haverfordwest
Brad Saunders, 31, of Rolle Street, Barnstaple, Devon
John Simon, 35, of Curlew Close, Haverfordwest
Garry Sims, 63, of Market Street, Haverfordwest
Bavaen Stan, 28, of Maesmelyn Street, Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire
Ivan Stefanov, 40, of Nantyffin Motel, Llandissilio, Clynderwen
Simon Fleet, 50, of Hill Street, Haverfordwest
Jamie Harding, 36, of Wentworth Close, Hubberston, Milford Haven
John Hooper, 59, of Springfield Close, Neyland, Milford Haven
Carl Hopkins, 61, of Fredrick Street, Neyland, Pembrokeshire

In total, the 27 defendants are expected to pay £12,366 in fines and costs. The fines and charges are part of ongoing efforts by Pembrokeshire County Council to maintain cleanliness in public areas and discourage littering. Collection orders have been made for all the fines, ensuring that the penalties are enforced.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

3 days ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

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

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

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

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

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.