News

Duo armed themselves with bottles in Tenby

Published

11 years ago

October 29, 2014

TWO men from Pontypridd appeared in Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Oct 28) after both had been charged with disorderly conduct.

Mark Sweeney, aged 31 of Ynys Y Bwl and Ian Rhys Morgan, aged 32 of Leyshon Street both pleaded guilty to the charge.

Prosecutor, Ellie Morgan said: “On September 7 just past midnight, Sergeant Williams was on duty in Tenby on George Street. Bar staff came out of the Three Mariners Hotel and asked for immediate assistance. The two men were inside and had armed themselves with bottles. They acted aggressively and had already smashed a number of bottles and glasses, and were shouting ‘Come on you f****** w******.’ The officer approached them armed with pepper spray and asked them to put the bottles down. They complied but were still shouting ‘F*** you’. They were then detained and arrested.”

Ms Morgan continued: “CCTV of the incident shows numerous members of the public who were present running out of the pub. The officer said he was alarmed and felt fearful. Morgan said he couldn’t remember the important part, but before it happened he and his friend were having a laugh. He said he was very drunk and something drastic must have happened for him to act in that way, saying ‘We must have been outnumbered or something’. He was seen throwing a bottle and said he felt like he was being blamed for everything, but something must have happened. Sweeney said that males started shouting at them and he smashed a glass, but he shouldn’t have. He said he had eight pints and has a clear recollection one minute and then can’t remember what happens the next. He said ‘I was threatened and I was just reacting, you know?’.”

Defence solicitor, James Subbiani said: “Both pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and both were very frank and candid. They’d been to Oakwood in the day and decided to go to The Three Mariners Hotel. They were attacked and reacted inappropriately and ejected from the pub. They cooperated with police immediately, but they should have gone to the police themselves as they would have been treated like victims and not criminals.”

Probation officer, Julie Norman said: “Both were fully cooperative with me in preparation for the report. They’d been part of a party of four and had been to Oakwood. They booked a room in a B&B and the other two people decided to go back to the hotel. Sweeney and Morgan decided to stay out for one last drink and it all went wrong.They were drunk but were in a happy mood and had a good evening. They were provoked and an unpleasant incident occurred resulting in a scuffle.”

Ms Norman continued: “Sweeney has tried to sort himself out and get away from offending, and in the last eight years has gained employment and tried to lead a pro social life. Morgan is a married man and his last conviction was nine years ago. He was sentenced to a term of custody in the past and is disappointed he is back.”

After long deliberation, magistrates told the court: “We have been discussing custody as this is a serious offence. We don’t want that type of behaviour in our county. All of your previous offences have been drink related. You didn’t have to stay out, you could have just gone home and stayed out of trouble. When are you going to get the message?”

Magistrates imposed a 12 month community order with the requirement of completing 180 hours of unpaid work. They must also pay £85 cost and £60 victim surcharge.

News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

Published

14 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Herald Sport

A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

Published

14 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

Published

14 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.