Court told David Murphy failed to seek treatment for his dog’s skin disease, resulting in a suspended prison sentence and ten-year animal ban

A CARMARTHEN man has been banned from keeping animals for ten years after admitting that he caused unnecessary suffering to his dog by failing to obtain treatment for a skin condition.

David Allen Murphy, aged 40, of Quay Street, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 24, for sentencing following a prosecution brought by the RSPCA.

Murphy had previously pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Cora, a Collie and German Shepherd cross, between November 28 and December 28 last year.

The court heard that Murphy failed to adequately investigate and address the dog’s skin disease, despite knowing, or being expected to know, that his failure to act was likely to cause suffering.

Magistrates imposed an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

The court said the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be considered, but agreed to suspend the term because Murphy was considered to have a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

Murphy was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity under the supervision of the Probation Service.

He was also disqualified for ten years from owning, keeping, dealing in or participating in the keeping of any animal. He will not be permitted to apply for the ban to be lifted for at least seven years.

Murphy was ordered to pay £2,904.36 in costs to the RSPCA, a further £600 in court costs and a £154 victim services surcharge.

His guilty plea was taken into account, reducing the prison sentence from 26 weeks to 18 weeks.

Murphy also admitted failing without reasonable cause to surrender to court on July 23 after previously being released on bail. No separate penalty was imposed for that offence.

Final decision on proposals, including a central 24-hour stroke unit at Glangwili and treat-and-transfer services at Withybush, is expected in November

MORE than 3,000 people have taken part in discussions over the future of stroke services across west Wales as an eight-week public consultation by Hywel Dda University Health Board comes to an end.

The consultation, which closed on Sunday, July 26, examined proposals that could see specialist acute stroke care concentrated at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen.

Under the health board’s preferred option, Glangwili would host a 24-hour acute stroke and rehabilitation unit, while Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth would retain a stroke rehabilitation unit.

Bronglais, Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest would provide “treat and transfer” services, with patients assessed and stabilised before being moved elsewhere for specialist care where necessary.

The proposals have prompted concerns about travel distances, ambulance capacity and access to urgent treatment, particularly for patients living in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.

Hywel Dda said it had received more than 700 questionnaire responses, while more than 3,000 people had taken part in 120 engagement events, meetings and activities.

The health board stressed that no final decision had yet been made.

Medical Director Mark Henwood said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete a questionnaire, attend an event or share their views with us during this consultation.

“The response we have received reflects how important stroke services are to people across our communities and neighbouring health board areas.

“We know there has been considerable discussion about the proposals, and we appreciate the thoughtful and constructive way people have engaged with the consultation.

“We would like to reassure people that no decisions have been made.”

Stroke services are currently provided at all four of Hywel Dda’s main hospitals, including Withybush, Glangwili, Prince Philip and Bronglais.

However, the health board says the current system does not consistently meet national clinical standards and does not provide round-the-clock specialist stroke cover.

It argues that patients are more likely to achieve better outcomes when treated in specialist units with access to expert teams and equipment 24 hours a day.

Mr Henwood said patients should continue to call 999 immediately if they suspect someone is having a stroke.

He added: “Now, and in the future, patients will continue to be taken to the nearest appropriate hospital for urgent assessment and treatment.

“If specialist treatment such as a thrombectomy is needed, patients will continue to be transferred to specialist centres in Bristol or Cardiff.”

The health board said concerns raised about travel and patient transfers would be considered alongside input from the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust and other national providers.

Mr Henwood said any future transport arrangements would be “carefully planned and modelled” to meet patients’ needs while protecting emergency ambulance capacity.

All feedback will now be reviewed alongside responses from the first phase of consultation in 2025, clinical evidence, data and updated impact assessments.

A full consultation report is expected to be presented to the Hywel Dda board in November, when a final decision on the future of stroke services is due to be made.

Any changes are likely to be introduced in phases.

The health board said patients would continue to access stroke services in the same way as they do currently until a decision is made and any new arrangements are implemented.

Barti Rum’s sea buckthorn fizz praised for its flavour and distinctive puffin-inspired can design

A PEMBROKESHIRE-BORN rum brand has secured five major awards for a new canned cocktail inspired by the Welsh coastline.

Barti Rum’s Sea Buckthorn Fizz was recognised at the 2026 World Drinks Awards, receiving UK Gold in the Spirit and Mixer category and being named a Global Style Winner.

The cocktail also won three design honours, including Gold for Can Design, Best Can Design and Best Label Design.

Launched in February, the drink combines Barti Spiced Rum with sea buckthorn, a bright orange coastal berry known for surviving in harsh conditions and nutrient-poor soil.

The berry gives the cocktail a crisp citrus flavour and tropical character rarely found in alcoholic drinks, particularly in the ready-to-drink market.

The award-winning can features a walking puffin inspired by nearby Skomer Island. Its artwork was created by Welsh artist Tom Frost, who has worked with Barti since the brand’s earliest days.

Barti Rum founder Jonathan Williams said: “Tom has been part of the Barti journey from day one and was responsible for bringing our now internationally recognised Barti Rum label to life. It is a true celebration of Welsh coastal culture.

“When it came to flavour combinations, sea buckthorn was at the top of the list. Not because it was trending, and not because we were trying to be different, but because, like Barti, it is shaped by the coastline, thriving against the odds and producing something truly memorable.

“To receive international recognition for the cocktail’s flavour and design is a huge moment for our little Welsh rum company and a testament to the creativity, craftsmanship and heritage behind the brand.”

The Sea Buckthorn Fizz is one of three ready-to-drink cocktails recently launched by Barti. The range also includes Barti Ginger and Lemon Iced Tea and Apple and Barti.

Each flavour draws inspiration from the Pembrokeshire coastline where the company was founded.

The awards come as Barti expands the canned cocktail range across Wales, with its first international shipments now on their way to Japan.

Barti Rum was founded in Pembrokeshire in 2017 by former street food chef Jonathan Williams and has since become one of Wales’ best-known independent spirits brands.