Crime
Cadw prosecuting man already in prison over neglect of historic site
PEMBROKESHIRE man James Kershaw, 44, currently serving a prison sentence for sexual offences, is now facing new charges related to the alleged neglect of Pill Priory, a historic site.
The former gardener and businessman appeared via video link at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court last week from HMP Channings Wood in Devon.
Kershaw is accused of causing damage to the 900-year-old Benedictine monastery ruins in Milford Haven between January 2015 and February 2022. The charges were brought under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

If convicted, Kershaw could face up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine.
Kershaw’s legal troubles began with his conviction in 2022 for attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor, following a sting operation by vigilante groups. He was sentenced to three years and ten months in prison and placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
The court proceedings regarding Pill Priory have been adjourned.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 27 at Swansea Crown Court.
Did you know?
Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, has been actively involved in tackling heritage crime in Wales. While Cadw itself does not have direct prosecution powers, it plays a crucial role in supporting and training police forces across Wales to address offences related to historic sites. This includes crimes like damage to scheduled monuments, theft of architectural materials, and unlawful activities such as metal detecting on protected sites.
Recent initiatives, such as the collaboration under the Alliance to Reduce Crime against Heritage (ARCH), have seen Cadw join forces with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that heritage crimes are systematically investigated and prosecuted when necessary. The efforts focus on crimes that harm Wales’s rich historical assets, including listed buildings and scheduled monuments.
When it comes to prosecution, the responsibility lies with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. Cadw supports these efforts by providing expert knowledge and ensuring that the laws protecting heritage sites are enforced. For instance, damage to a scheduled monument without proper consent is a criminal offence, and those found guilty can face significant fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the damage
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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