News

Pembroke Dock: Fairbrass closing in on 100…and out every time

Published

11 years ago

July 24, 2015

swansea crown court A PEMBROKESHIRE man is closing in on 100 criminal convictions.

Richard Fairbrass appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Jul 24) to be sentenced for his 96th, 97th and 98th offence.

He admitted assaulting an acting police sergeant and to threatening to kill a sergeant and his family.

Fairbrass, aged 52, became involved in a scuffle with another man inside the Prince of Wales pub in Pembroke Dock on April 1.

Police responded and used CS spray to part the men and calm the situation, but in the process Fairbrass punched acting sergeant Sean Doble in his face.

After his arrest and while he was being driven to a police station, Fairbrass became “extremely abusive, ranting and raving and swearing at the police.”

But the ranting turned more sinister when he asked about Sgt Hamish Nicholls, who was not involved in his arrest or even on duty.

He threatened to kill him, and said, “Lock me in a cell with him and I will be the only one to walk out.”

Fairbrass said he knew Sgt Nicholls’ wife was a serving officer and that they had three children. “When I find out where she and the children live I will kill them as well,” he said.

The court heard that Sgt Nicholls became concerned to discover that Fairbrass was aware of his family’s make up.

Judge Peter Heywood, the sentencing judge, was also told that Fairbrass already had 95 previous convictions to his name, including one for a threat to kill for which he received a three year jail sentence.

And he was in breach of a conditional discharge for obstructing a police officer.

Dyfed Thomas, the barrister representing Fairbrass, said he had been drunk and made “foolish, nasty remarks while in the back of a police car.”

He had never intended to carry out any of the threats.

Mr Thomas said Fairbrass lived in the locality and had children and grandchildren within the community.

Judge Heywood told Fairbrass, “You had been on the pop and made drunken but sinister remarks.

“The drink was in and the wit was out. You have been in trouble for most of your life, although your offending has been falling away in recent years,” he added.

Fairbrass, whose bail address was given as in Cornwall, was jailed for two months for the assault and 12 months for the threats to kill, making a total of 14 months.

Crime

Fence posts thrown into field damage farming equipment

Published

40 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information after fence posts were removed and thrown into a field between Croesgoch and Llanrhian.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the alleged criminal damage happened sometime between Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3.

The posts, which were next to woodland between the two villages, were removed from the ground and thrown into a nearby field.

They later became lodged in farming equipment, causing significant damage.

Police said the area is only accessible via a footpath.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*366788.

News

Claire Archibald vows to ‘stand up for rural Wales’ after Senedd election victory

Published

41 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New MS says every constituent enquiry will be taken seriously as she opens doors to public

NEWLY elected Senedd Member Claire Archibald has pledged to be “available to all constituents” across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion after formally taking up her role representing the region.

Archibald, who was elected earlier this month, said she was “deeply grateful” to everyone who had placed their trust in her and promised to work hard on behalf of communities across west Wales.

In a statement issued following her election, the new MS said she intended to keep her offices open and accessible, with a focus on helping residents with day-to-day concerns.

Claire Archibald said: “I am honoured to have been selected as a representative for Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me.

“I want to be available to all constituents who need my support. My offices will be open, and every enquiry will be taken seriously. I will do my very best to help every single person here in our beautiful corner of Wales.”

Archibald said she entered politics because she believed Wales was “heading in the wrong direction” and wanted to help protect communities, family values and frontline services.

She added: “Above all, I want to make sure Cardiff Bay understands that rural communities matter too.”

Her comments are likely to resonate with many voters in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, where issues including healthcare access, farming pressures, transport links and cost-of-living concerns featured heavily during the Senedd election campaign.

Archibald joins the new intake of representatives following the first election held under Wales’ expanded Senedd system, with Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion now represented under the larger multi-member constituency model.

Taking office: Claire Archibald MS after being selected to represent Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion in the Senedd (Pic: Supplied).

Local Government

Pembrokeshire County Council welcomes new chairman

Published

44 minutes ago

May 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CLLR DELME HARRIES has been elected chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council for the coming municipal year.

Cllr Harries, who was elected in 2022 to represent the Bro Gwaun ward, is a member of the Independent Group.

He has worked for the NFU for many years and has extensive experience in agriculture, governance and community leadership.

Within the council, he has held several key roles, including chairman of the Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee. He is also the council’s Members’ Champion for the Welsh Language and for Children and Young People.

Cllr Harries is deeply involved in education and youth development. He serves as a local authority governor at Ysgol Ger y Llan and Ysgol Casmael a Llychllwydog, and is club leader of Llysyfran Young Farmers Club.

He also chairs the POINT Youth Project in Fishguard, where he is a trustee.

Young Farmers background

Cllr Harries has held numerous senior leadership roles within the Young Farmers’ movement at county, national and international level.

These include chair of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs from 2019 to 2024, chair of Wales Young Farmers Clubs, chair of European Young Farmers, and chair of Pembrokeshire YFC.

In recognition of his contribution, he has been awarded honorary life memberships and vice-presidencies within Young Farmers organisations at county, national and UK level.

He is also a director and trustee of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.

Upon taking the chains, Cllr Harries thanked outgoing chairman Cllr Maureen Bowen.

He said: “I am truly humbled and honoured to have your support in appointing me as Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council for the coming year.

“When I was elected to represent the Bro Gwaun ward in 2022, this role was certainly not on my list of expectations. To now stand before you as your Chair is something I feel deeply privileged to do, and I am extremely grateful for the confidence you have placed in me to serve as the civic leader of this authority.

“I am particularly proud to serve as Chair in a year when Pembrokeshire will welcome the National Eisteddfod. This is a moment of huge significance for our county, and I hope we will all embrace this wonderful event, which promises to be one of the very best.

“I look forward to seeing many of you in Llantood this August as we celebrate our language, culture and heritage together.”

Cllr Nick Neumann was elected vice-chairman for the coming year. He was nominated by Cllr Di Clements and seconded by Cllr Mark Carter.

Caption:

New chairman: Cllr Delme Harries with new vice-chairman Cllr Nick Neumann, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed Meurig Raymond, High Sheriff of Dyfed Andrew Phillips, Presiding Member Cllr Simon Hancock and outgoing chairman Cllr Maureen Bowen.