News

Kurtz raises Gumfreston flooding in the Senedd as petition deadline nears

Published

3 weeks ago

January 28, 2026

LOCAL Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz has raised the long-running flooding problems affecting the B4318 at Gumfreston in the Senedd, as a public petition calling for urgent action approaches its closing date.

The B4318 is a vital route for residents, local businesses and visitors, yet it has been repeatedly closed due to flooding, causing significant disruption, safety concerns and growing frustration within the community.

Following an on-site meeting with local county councillor Rhys Jordan, Mr Kurtz raised the issue directly in the Senedd, calling for a long-term solution delivered through a coordinated, multi-agency approach. He has also written to the Chair of the Petitions Committee, urging committee members to visit the site to see the scale of the problem first-hand.

With the petition deadline fast approaching on 31 January, residents are calling on the relevant authorities to take decisive action to address the root causes of the flooding and prevent further closures of this important stretch of road.

Speaking outside the Chamber, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “Like clockwork, whenever there is heavy rain this road floods, and despite the best efforts of the hardworking local county councillor, Rhys Jordan, it is clear that Pembrokeshire County Council cannot resolve this issue alone.

“That is why it was right to raise this matter in the Senedd and demand action. Too often, this flooding causes serious problems for local residents and emergency services alike. The situation has become so severe that a local resident has even developed a web app to keep people informed about whether the road is passable.

“I urge everyone to sign this petition. Until a proper solution is found, the situation will only deteriorate. I will continue to press the Welsh Government to act, and I thank Councillor Jordan and the wider community for rallying together behind this campaign.”

Crime

Man who threw corrosive liquid at guest and fled abroad jailed

Published

28 minutes ago

February 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A BUSINESSMAN who threw a corrosive liquid into a guest’s face during a row at a spiritual retreat before fleeing the country has been jailed for 18 months.

Dean Mayze, aged 38, from Abercrave in Powys, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm following the attack at his Hafan-y-Coed retreat in December 2022.

Swansea Crown Court heard the assault happened after an argument with guest Keifer Price, who had complained about the condition of his accommodation, including a lack of heating and washing facilities.

During the confrontation, Mayze produced a blue container and threw its contents upwards into the victim’s face.

The liquid — described as smelling like ammonia — entered Mr Price’s eyes, nose and mouth, leaving him in severe pain and struggling to breathe.

Medical evidence confirmed injuries consistent with a chemical burn to both eyes. He suffered abrasions, a corneal defect and the loss of the outer corneal layer in one eye, requiring significant treatment to prevent permanent sight loss. He has since recovered without lasting injury.

Fled across Europe

Following the attack, Mayze fled the UK, triggering an international search.

The court heard he travelled across several European countries, including Ireland, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece, before eventually being arrested in Romania in 2025.

Despite being on the run, he remained in regular contact with police by text and email, at one point telling officers he would not be returning to Wales.

His partner initially claimed responsibility for the assault and later received a suspended prison sentence after admitting perverting the course of justice.

Previous conviction

The court was told Mayze has a previous conviction for wounding involving a corrosive substance in Kent in 2013.

Defence barrister Andrew Taylor said his client had experienced harsh conditions while detained in Romania, including contracting scabies without treatment, and described him as remorseful.

However, Judge Geraint Walters said it was “pure luck” the victim had not suffered permanent injuries, describing the attack as a “particularly wicked way of inflicting violence”.

Sentence and order

Mayze, who appeared via video link from prison, had previously denied a more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and made subject to a three-year restraining order.

Crime

Police appeal after man injured in St Davids incident

Published

6 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in St Davids which left one man injured.

The incident happened in Nun Street at around 11:10am on Tuesday, December 30. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Police are now asking anyone with information, dash cam footage, or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Alternatively, email [email protected], send a direct message via social media, or call 101 quoting reference DP20251230094.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

7 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.