A CARDIGAN pub landlord has spoken of his “amazement” that charges of breaching licensing laws were ever brought against him after the case was dismissed by Aberystwyth magistrates last week.

Jamie Bowen, of The Lamb Inn, Finch Square, saw charges dismissed midway through the trial after magistrates described police evidence as “inconsistent and tenuous.”

The 43-year-old had been charged with seven breaches of the Licensing Act 2003 and one charge of obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty after police found people in the pub at 8.45am on 11 June this year – 15 minutes before its licensable hours began at 9am.

In the rear beer garden officers were said to have found three men and a woman – only one of whom had a glass with drink in it.

The group maintained that they had not been served alcohol in the pub, and had entered the beer garden by the rear entrance after a party.

Mr Bowen denied knowing who the people were there when quizzed by officers.

Speaking after the case, a relieved Mr Bowen – who refused to criticise the police – said: “I was absolutely amazed that proceedings were brought against me as I had not done anything wrong.

“At the end of the day justice was done and I am pleased by the outcome.”

Read the full story in this week’s Cardigan edition