News
EXCLUSIVE: Bramble Hall Farm animal confiscation hearing deemed unlawful
A COURT case in Haverfordwest to seize neglected animals from Bramble Hall Farm will have to be re-run. The High Court in Cardiff has ruled that the original hearing was unfair, and therefore unlawful.
At Cardiff Civil Justice Centre on Friday (Jun 28), Lord Justice Swift ruled that due process was not followed. The farmer, Mr Sean Burns, should have had more time to prepare for the case, he said.
His solicitor, Aled Owen, said that evidence was only served on his client just twenty minutes before the confiscation hearing.
On January 28 and 29, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Animal Health and Welfare Team obtained and executed court warrants at Bramble Hall Farm, Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock.
The Council worked with the support of other agencies and animal charities.
An application was made under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 by Pembrokeshire County Council on to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on March 7.
At Court on March 7, Mr Owen told Magistrates that the lack of time given to prepare his client’s case was ‘against the principle of natural justice’.
In order to allow for proper preparation of the defence case, he requested a 7-day adjournment. The Court refused the request and the hearing went ahead.
In granting the appeal, the High Court made no observations as to Mr Burns’ guilt or innocence, nor did it make any criticism of the way the Council and Police acted. The case turned on whether or not Mr Burns had enough time to address the issues raised in the prosecution’s case.
The case will, therefore, have to be re-run.
The application for a civil order sought the following: For 20 horses and a donkey to be put in the care of the RSPCA, 50 dogs to the Dogs Trust, 80 sheep and three goats to the local authority to be sold. The court was told at the time that the pigs would have to be destroyed.
The destruction order was ‘due to the pigs all having access to animal by-products, presenting a risk to public health.’
Some weeks after the case, the pigs were given a reprieve after a home became available for them.
A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We respect the court’s decision and the case in Cardiff High Court. The original hearing will now have to be re-run at the Magistrates’ Court.”
After Friday’s High Court hearing, Aled Owen told The Herald: “This is a matter which could have a serious impact on my clients reputations. A great deal was said locally which was not in fact correct. The Court held that because my clients are considered vulnerable that they didn’t have a chance to put their case fairly.
“The High court has agreed that they should be given that opportunity in order to redress the omissions in the way the matter was conducted.
“The court highlighted that there were lessons to be learned in the way that this case was conducted. This case has been heard in a blaze of publicity and under the scrutiny of social media.
“It is only right that vulnerable people, such as my clients, are given the opportunity to conduct their cases fairly and the opportunity to be properly heard.”
Entertainment
Cardigan musician to perform climate fundraiser concert
CLASSICALLY trained Cardigan musician Rosalind Powell will perform a concert of original alternative pop songs next month in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion.
The concert, Singing for the Future, takes place at St Mary’s Old School Hall, Cardigan, on Saturday, June 6, at 7:00pm.
Rosalind, who has a music degree from Cambridge University, is a composer, pianist and teacher of piano, singing and music theory.
The concert will show another side of her musicianship, with a programme of original songs drawn from her three albums, Sound Eagle, Circumference and Dragonfly.
It follows a successful recent launch event for Sound Eagle at the Cellar Bar.
Rosalind said: “Climate change and biodiversity loss are issues that I care deeply about, and I’m so pleased to be able to give my support through music.
“Our future is threatened by the climate and nature crises, but so many people are doing positive things to improve the situation and bring us hope. I’m glad this fundraiser will help towards that.”
Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested price of £8, although those who cannot afford the full amount can pay less. Teas, coffees and cakes will also be available.
Rosalind’s Sound Eagle album recently received a warm review from The Pit London music site, which described it as “a dreamy and reflective world” and praised its blend of alternative pop, soft jazz influences and classical piano.
Rosalind said she has already been featured on 15 radio stations, will perform at Llangollen Fringe’s Music Around Town event in September, and is planning a West Wales tour later this year.
The concert falls on the first day of Great Big Green Week. Weather permitting, Cardigan Extinction Rebellion will also hold a street stall on Wednesday, June 10, giving away plants, seeds and information about gardening for wildlife.
News
Car bursts into flames near Redberth Croft as road closed after incident
Nobody injured after vehicle fire near A477 prompts emergency response
A CAR was destroyed by fire near the entrance to Redberth Croft on Tuesday evening (May 19), prompting a road closure while emergency services made the area safe.
The incident happened just off the A477 at Redberth, where a vehicle caught fire and rolled into a hedge and the new entranceway to Redberth Croft.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze.

In a statement shared on social media, Redberth Croft thanked firefighters for their rapid response.
The business said: “A huge thank you to the Fire Brigade for their swift response in safely putting out a car fire that rolled into our hedge and new entranceway at Redberth Croft.
“Thankfully nobody was hurt, and we’re incredibly grateful for the professionalism and quick action of the emergency services.”
Photos from the scene show the vehicle completely burnt out, with extensive damage to the engine bay and interior, as firefighters worked nearby.
Motorists were warned to avoid the area while the road remained closed for safety reasons.
Redberth Croft added: “Please be aware that this is just off the A477 next to our new entrance, and the road is currently closed while the area is made safe. Please avoid the area and take care if travelling nearby.”
It is not yet known what caused the fire or whether any other vehicles were involved.

Photo caption:
Burnt out: Fire crews at the scene after a car rolled into the hedge near the entrance to Redberth Croft (Pics: Redberth Croft)
Community
Milford Haven mourns loss of ‘legend’ Muci Power
Tributes pour in for former Lord Kitchener landlord
TRIBUTES have flooded in from across Milford Haven following the death of Alan Edward Thomas “Muci” Power, remembered as a “true legend” and one of the town’s best-known characters.
Mr Power, affectionately known as Muci, passed away suddenly but peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Sunday, May 10, aged 79.
Best known to many as the former landlord of the Lord Kitchener public house in Milford Haven — affectionately known as “The Kitch” — Muci became a familiar and much-loved figure in the town, known for his humour, friendship and larger-than-life personality.
The devoted husband of Meryl, father, grandfather and great-grandfather leaves behind a family at the centre of Milford life, while countless friends have spoken of the memories they shared with him over many years.
The Royal British Legion paid tribute, saying: “Rest in peace, Muci. You will be dearly missed by us all here at the Royal British Legion. Thank you for the memories and your presence in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones during this difficult time.”
Hundreds of tributes have also been posted online, with many describing Muci as a “Milford legend” whose passing marks the end of an era.
Friends remembered good times at The Kitch, where Muci was at the heart of local life for many years.
Ryan Hackett wrote: “Will have a T.A.C. for you mate on Tuesday. Will miss you Matey. Another Milford legend gone.”
Simon Jenkins said: “Muci was one in a million, a true legend. Milford has lost a true gent.”
Many spoke of his warmth and generosity, with Nigel Hackett thanking him for “being there when I needed someone.”
Muci was the devoted husband of Meryl, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Karl and Claire, and Hayley and Roy, proud grandfather of Morgan, Sam, Caitlin and Jay, and adored great-grandfather of Amalie.
His funeral service will take place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Tuesday, May 26, at 11:30am.
For those wishing to pay their respects, the hearse will leave the Lord Kitchener, Charles Street, Milford Haven, at 10:40am.
Immediate family flowers only.
All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven, SA73 2AN. Tel: 01646 693180.
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