News
Police helicopter is ‘slow’ to reach incidents
A REPORT has claimed that a police helicopter takes almost an hour to respond to incidents in the Dyfed-Powys area.
Dyfed-Powys Police pay £891,000 for air support from bases in north and south east Wales, as well as bases in England. A base in Carmarthenshire was shut down due to cuts by the National Police Air Service in January 2016.
The response time – over 50 minutes on average – is the second worst in both Wales and England.
However, a Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson has said that the helicopter service was a ‘valuable asset’. With 349 hours of air support, the force has paid £2,553 for every hour of flights over the last year.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “The HMICFRS report on the provision of police air support clearly demonstrates that Dyfed-Powys Police has benefited financially from the efficiencies of being a partner in this national service.
“There is a reduction in the cost of police air support available across the Dyfed-Powys Police area alongside the ability to access a 24/7 service, a capability not available to us prior to the new arrangements. It is important to note that the deployment of resources is now consistently based on an agreed threat, risk and harm assessment.
“As a result of this new assessment criteria the use of the helicopter has reduced within the Dyfed-Powys area.
“As an NPAS strategic board member I ensure that rural police forces such as Dyfed-Powys are not forgotten and during my time on the board we have seen significant financial savings being realised for Dyfed-Powys Police.
“The board has also been assured that the new fixed wing capability will be distributed more widely than initially proposed and a fixed wing asset will be available in Wales in due course to compliment the helicopter.”
A spokesperson for the police force added: “Dyfed-Powys Police is provided with an air support service from NPAS as part of the national collaboration, before which we had our own helicopter which was undoubtedly a more limited capability.
“The effectiveness of the service now provided by NPAS is regularly reviewed by senior leaders from Dyfed-Powys Police in conjunction with representatives from NPAS and the outcomes from these reviews are used to influence the service provided by NPAS.
“This is a valuable operational resource for us as a rural area, and we will continue to work with NPAS colleagues to get the best service for our communities using this valuable asset when circumstances are appropriate, and this will include seeking greater coverage from future developments.”
Crime
Theft case over Tresaith beach items discontinued in court
A THEFT case relating to items taken from a Pembrokeshire beach has been discontinued at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.
Gryffydd Morgan, aged 52, of Bro Arth, near Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire, had been due to stand trial in connection with alleged thefts at Tresaith Beach.
Morgan had denied two charges of theft, contrary to the Theft Act 1968.
The court previously heard that the allegations related to incidents on July 18, 2025, when it was claimed that a tent and a deck chair belonging to Clare Marshall had been stolen.
A second charge alleged that a tent belonging to Beverly Walker had also been taken on the same date.
Morgan had entered not guilty pleas to both charges at an earlier hearing.
However, when the case returned to court on Friday (Mar 27), the prosecution offered no evidence.
As a result, magistrates formally dismissed both charges.
No further details were given in court as to why the case had been discontinued.
News
West Wales man remanded in custody over serious sexual assault charge
A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with a serious sexual offence alongside a number of other alleged offences.
Lyndon Robinson, aged 32, of no fixed abode, appeared before magistrates on Friday (Mar 27).
Robinson is charged with assault by penetration, contrary to Section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
The court heard that the allegation relates to an incident on December 11, 2025, in Wales, during which it is alleged that Robinson intentionally penetrated the vagina of a woman with his finger without her consent and without a reasonable belief that she was consenting.
The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity.
The court was also told that Robinson faces additional charges, including intentional strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and harassment causing fear of violence, relating to the same complainant.
No pleas were entered during the hearing.
Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial.
Robinson was remanded in custody.
Bail was refused on the grounds of the nature and seriousness of the offences, the risk of further offending, the risk of causing injury or fear of injury to an associated person, and the risk of interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.
Robinson is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Monday, April 27, at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Entertainment
Moby Dick returns to Fishguard as festival secures £44,300 grant
A CELEBRATION of one of Hollywood’s most memorable moments in Pembrokeshire is set to take place this autumn, as Fishguard prepares to mark seventy years since the filming of Moby Dick.
The Ar Ymyl y Tir/On Land’s Edge Festival has secured £44,300 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to commemorate the 1956 classic, which brought global attention to Fishguard and Goodwick.

Directed by John Huston and starring Gregory Peck, Richard Basehart, Orson Welles and Leo Genn, the film used Fishguard Bay as a backdrop for scenes featuring Captain Ahab’s ship, the Pequod. Many local residents were recruited as extras, while cast and crew stayed in the Fishguard Bay Hotel and Fishguard Arms.
Memories of the production remain vivid in the community, with stories passed down over generations — including the loss of a seventy-foot model whale at sea, a Miss Fishguard dancing with Leo Genn at the Town Hall, and Gregory Peck being spotted in local shops.
Organisers say this year’s festival will bring those memories back to life while also looking to the future.

Events will include a lantern parade led by a giant model whale created by Small World Theatre, literary talks exploring the history of whaling, and an augmented reality experience placing a virtual whale in Fishguard Bay.
The project will also collect photographs, souvenirs and personal recollections from local people, alongside discussions on marine conservation, maritime heritage and changing attitudes towards whaling.
Further highlights will include a screening of Moby Dick at Theatr Gwaun, an exhibition featuring ‘Humpy’ — the humpback whale that appeared in Fishguard Bay in 2024 — and the creation of a commemorative mural.
OLE chairman Dr Patrick Thomas said the funding represented a major boost for the project.
He said: “Together we will create a joyous celebration of a remarkable episode in the history of Fishguard and Goodwick, and ensure that people’s living memories of that time are recorded and preserved for posterity.”
Cliff Benson, founder of Sea Trust Wales, said the festival would also highlight the importance of protecting marine life.
He said: “We are delighted to take part in the On Land’s Edge Festival and highlight the need to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises rather than hunt them.
“Part of our contribution will be a presentation at Theatr Gwaun exploring how attitudes around the world have shifted towards conservation.
“There will also be other contributors enhancing the festival over the weekend, which we believe will appeal to all ages, from local residents to visitors.”
The project has also received backing from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, along with local history groups Ein Hanes and Hanes Abergwaun.
Town mayor Cllr Billy Shaw welcomed the news.
He said: “This will add another fantastic festival to Fishguard and Goodwick’s growing list of events.
“Every event we hold helps promote the twin towns on both a local and national stage, and this one offers something unique that will attract visitors and locals alike.”
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