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Barry John – Welsh rugby legend passes away at 79

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  • Fly-half “died peacefully surrounded by loving wife and children”
  • “The King” secured three Five Nations victories and triumphed over the All Blacks in 1971

WELSH rugby icon Barry John has passed away at the age of 79. The esteemed former Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half died peacefully in hospital, as announced by his family.

John, affectionately dubbed “The King” by New Zealand journalists following his pivotal role in the Lions’ celebrated 1971 Test series win over the All Blacks, earned 25 caps for Wales from 1966 to 1972. During his illustrious international career, he clinched three Five Nations championships, a Grand Slam, and two Triple Crowns.

A statement from John’s family conveyed: “Barry John passed away peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales, surrounded by his loving wife and four children. He was a devoted father to his 11 grandchildren and a beloved brother.”

Born in the village of Cefneithin to parents William and Vimy John, he was one of six siblings. His three brothers – Delville, Alan, and Clive – also pursued rugby.

John kick-started his career at Llanelli, making his first-team debut against Moseley two days prior to his 19th birthday in 1964. He was capped by Wales two years later, and in 1967, he transferred to Cardiff, where he quickly established a formidable partnership with Sir Gareth Edwards.

John participated in Lions tours in 1968 and 1971, with the latter expedition marking the only instance New Zealand has succumbed to a Test series defeat by the Lions.

Across four Tests, John contributed 30 of the Lions’ 48 points, captivating audiences with his mesmerising skill on the flickering black and white television screens, reminiscent of Manchester United’s George Best’s otherworldly performances.

His remarkable talent garnered widespread adoration – he finished third in the 1971 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, following Princess Anne and George Best – and featured on the BBC’s ‘Superstars’ programme alongside celebrated names like Bobby Moore, Jackie Stewart, Joe Bugner, and Tony Jacklin.

After earning 25 caps for Wales and playing five Tests for the Lions, John retired at the zenith of his career at 27, leaving a lasting legacy.

Throughout his tenure with Wales, John was partnered by Edwards in 23 international matches, in addition to all five Lions Tests – one against South Africa and four against New Zealand. JPR Williams, another luminary from Welsh rugby’s golden era, passed away four weeks prior.

Jonathan Davies, a distinguished Welsh player from the 1980s and 1990s, paid homage to John, writing on X: “RIP Barry – another one of my heroes sadly gone.”

Residing in Cardiff, John is mourned by his wife Janet and their children Kathryn, Lucy, Anna, and David.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

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A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

  • Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
  • Common assault
  • Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

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Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

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Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • A second count of assault
  • Criminal damage
  • An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
  • A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

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Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

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Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • Intentional non-fatal strangulation
  • Common assault on a woman
  • Criminal damage in a domestic context
  • Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
  • Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.

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