News
Council ‘formally contact’ Police

LAST WEEK, The Pembrokeshire Herald revealed that Pembrokeshire County Council had contacted Dyfed-Powys Police in relation to the ongoing scandal surrounding massive grant payments made in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock.
It appeared as though the Council had rowed back from a formal referral, despite assurances given to two local Councillors that such a referral would be made. It is not clear what factor caused the formal referral’s delay ahead of last Friday’s Extraordinary Meeting.
At the time, we published two documents which appeared to suggest that the architectural firm acting as agents for Baron of the Bedsits Cathal McCosker, had sent a different tender specification to a local company than it had sent to the thirteen other firms bidding for the work.
Last week, a Council spokesperson told The Herald:
“We can confirm that we have been in contact with the police. In the event that we are satisfied that a fraud has been committed against the Council, we will formally refer the matter.”
On Tuesday this week The Herald were told by Pembrokeshire County Council:
“We can confirm that the matter has now been formally referred to the police.
“There will be no further comment while an investigation is in progress.”
The formal referral to the Police comes after the discredited IPPG administration in County Hall attempted to block a proper investigation into the affair, which has been extensively covered in Pembrokeshire’s Best Magazine and pursued by Hakin Councillor Mike Stoddart. At that meeting, scandal-hit IPPG leader Jamie Adams, who is shortly to face an inquiry into his own expenses claims, co-ordinated an IPPG smear.
The referral to the Police leaves Council Officers, who assured the members of the Council’s Audit Committee that there was nothing wrong with the operation of the scheme, in a very difficult position.Gwyn Evans, the Council’s European Officer, pictured opposite, in particular assured Audit Committee members that there were NO problems that would be found in relation to the Commercial Property Grants Scheme and the Town Heritage Initiative.
On the basis of the Council’s own statements above, it seems as though a problem has been found.
Crime
Case reopened after emergency worker assaults in town centre incident

A MAN convicted of assaulting two police officers and verbally abusing two women in Haverfordwest has had his case reopened—but his convictions and sentence remain in place.
DANIEL WATSON, aged 36, of Rowan Drive, Heybridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon (July 14) for a legal application under Section 142 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 to reopen his case.
The original conviction, imposed on May 13, 2025, was set aside and reheard in full. Following review, magistrates reimposed a community order with an increased duration.
The court heard that on April 24, 2025, Watson launched a series of abusive and violent acts in Haverfordwest, including:
- Using threatening and abusive behaviour towards Tanya Sargeant and Beth Davies, causing them harassment, alarm or distress.
- Assaulting PC 1162 James, a female police officer, and PC 1390 Rees, a male officer, during the incident.
- Resisting PC James while she was carrying out her lawful duties.
All offences took place on the same day in the town.
Magistrates imposed a revised 18-month community order requiring Watson to complete up to 10 days of rehabilitation activity, extended from the original 12 months due to the serious nature of the offences.
Watson was also fined £480, ordered to pay £50 in compensation to each officer, a victim services surcharge of £114, and £85 in court costs, bringing his total financial penalty to £779. He must pay in instalments of £50 per month starting from September 8, 2025.
The offences were officially recognised as aggravated due to being committed against emergency workers acting in the course of their duties.
Crime
Stalking offender’s alcohol tag removed after court agrees it is ‘inappropriate’

A MAN who stalked a woman and caused damage to her property has had his alcohol abstinence requirement revoked by the court on medical grounds.
THOMAS JONES, aged 35, of Croft Road, Broad Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (July 14) for an application to amend his existing community order.
The application, brought by the National Probation Service, sought to remove the Alcohol Abstinence and Monitoring Requirement (AAMR) from a sentence imposed in May this year. The court was told the requirement was inappropriate as Jones is alcohol dependent.
Magistrates granted the request, revoking the original order made on May 6 and replacing it with a revised community order.
Jones was originally sentenced for two offences committed in Milford Haven.
The first involved criminal damage on July 21, 2024, when he damaged a door, radiator, cat litter tray and scratch pole belonging to a woman.
The second offence was stalking the same woman, between December 5, 2024, and January 22, 2025. The court previously heard that Jones attended her address on multiple occasions, made over 100 phone calls in a four-day period over Christmas, sent direct and indirect messages including Facebook posts, and left unsolicited gifts including a parcel and an envelope containing a spa voucher.
For the stalking offence, Jones was fined £80 and handed a community order requiring him to complete up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity by July 13, 2027.
A new collection order has been made for the unpaid fine, which must be paid by August 11.
Crime
Man arrested after stabbing in Tenby housing estate

A MAN was taken to hospital with stab wounds following a serious incident in a quiet residential estate in Tenby on Monday (July 14).
Emergency services were called to Hafalnod, a cul-de-sac near the edge of town, shortly before 2:00pm. A heavy police presence, including firearms officers, remained at the scene for several hours.
Police cordoned off a section of the estate, sealing off footpaths and green areas with tape, while officers carried out house-to-house enquiries. Images taken by The Pembrokeshire Herald at around 5:30pm show at least three marked vehicles, officers at the scene, and what appears to be blood on the pavement.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told The Herald: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of an assault in the Hafalnod estate, Tenby, at about 1:40pm on Monday, July 14.
One man was taken to hospital after being stabbed with a knife. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Officers, including firearms officers, remained at the scene throughout the day whilst they carried out their enquiries.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and remains in police custody.
We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.
There continues to be an increased police presence within the area, and if anyone has any concerns please speak to those officers.”
The Herald understands from the victim’s family that he is recovering in hospital.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police quoting the incident in Hafalnod on July 14.
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