Crime

70-Year-old woman in court over death baby Mabli

Published

2 years ago

August 23, 2024

A 70-YEAR-OLD woman has appeared in court charged with causing the death of an eight-month-old baby girl following a tragic crash outside Withybush Hospital last year.

Bridget Curtis, of Begelly, Pembrokeshire, stood before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court, facing a serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

REPORT FOR BBC WALES TODAY 22.08.2024

The charge stems from a devastating incident that took place on June 21, 2023, when Curtis, behind the wheel of her BMW 520D, was involved in a collision that led to the death of Mabli Cariad Hall, an eight-month-old baby girl.

A report from bbc wales today earlier this year, on the anniversary of baby mabli’s death

During the brief court appearance, Curtis, represented by John Dye of 3D Solicitors Ltd, only spoke to confirm her name, date of birth, and address. She did not enter a plea. The case has been committed to Swansea Crown Court, with a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for September 20, 2024. Curtis was granted bail until her next court appearance.

The tragic event unfolded just outside Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 11:50am, responding to reports of a serious collision. The crash involved four people, including the infant, a pedestrian, the driver (Curtis), and a passenger in the vehicle. The severity of the crash prompted an immediate and extensive emergency response.

Mabli Cariad Hall was airlifted from the scene to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff before being transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, Mabli succumbed to her injuries. An inquest later revealed that the cause of death was severe traumatic brain injuries, a tragic outcome that has left the community reeling.

In the months following the accident, Mabli’s family has endured an unimaginably difficult period. In a statement released by Dyfed-Powys Police, the Hall family expressed their deep gratitude towards the police for their diligent handling of the case. “This last year has been the most horrendous time of our lives. Our family life has been changed forever, and to this day, we are still trying to come to terms with what has happened,” they said.

The family also acknowledged the support they received from 2Wish, a charity that offers assistance to families who have experienced the sudden loss of a child. They described reaching this stage of the legal process as a significant step forward, though they remain aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

“We are grateful that we have now reached this stage of the process. We understand we have more to come, but this is the biggest step forward we’ve had since June last year,” the family noted.

The family’s statement also extended thanks to friends, family, and the broader community who have supported them during this challenging time. “We will never forget the love and support shown to us and for the memory of our precious angel, Mabli Cariad,” they said.

The charge of causing death by dangerous driving is a serious one under Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The case’s transfer to Swansea Crown Court indicates the gravity of the alleged offence and the complexities involved in the legal proceedings.

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.