A Cardigan public house landlord has hailed a decision by magistrates who found him not guilty of eight charges stemming from a morning police raid on the licensed premises.

James William Bowen, aged 43, The Lamb Inn, Finch Square, who was represented by Alan Lewis, was charged with obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty and seven various offences under the Licensing Act.

Prosecutor Rhyan Jones said that when police called at the watering hole at 8.48am on Sunday, June 11, the door was closed and it was alleged alcohol was being served out of hours – the pub was legally permitted to open at 9am.

In evidence the officers claimed they heard the publican shouting inside the premises.

Cross-examined at length by Mr. Lewis they conceded that the door was opened by the bar person less than a minute after their arrival.

The case was listed for a two-day trial at Ceredigion Magistrates Court in Aberystwyth on Thursday and Friday and a total of 13 defence witnesses attended to give evidence.

Only the two officers gave evidence for the prosecution on Thursday and at around 5pm Mr. Lewis submitted that there was no case to answer.

After retiring to consider the matter presiding magistrate Alan Thomas and his two colleagues agreed and dismissed all charges.

Afterwards landlord Mr Bowen said “I think it was a decision for common sense and I am very pleased with the outcome.”