News

Court date set for council’s action against landfill operators

Published

1 year ago

October 17, 2024

The County Council’s civil action against the operators of the Withyhedge Landfill site is set to have its first hearing on Monday, 21st October.

The hearing will be held at the Swansea Civil Justice Centre and will be broadcast via video link due to the considerable public interest in the case.

Introducing a progress report on Thursday’s Council meeting on efforts to reduce the stench and public nuisance emanating from the site, Councillor Rhys Sinnett outlined the steps the Council has taken, in partnership with other agencies, to address the persistent issues.

Significant engineering works are ongoing, Cllr Sinnett told the meeting, particularly regarding the problematic waste cell, identified as cell number 9. He added that the site had been closed to waste, pending the completion of these works.

Cllr David Bryan sought clarification on the continued presence of Atlantic Recycling lorries travelling to and from the site. In response, Deputy Chief Executive Richard Brown explained that, while the site had been closed to waste for several months, the lorries were transporting thousands of tonnes of clay and soil to reseal and line the problematic cell and prepare an additional one.

During the discussion of air pollution readings, Cllr Alan Dennison questioned the value of ongoing monitoring given the low levels detected. In response, Council CEO Will Bramble stated that the readings adhered to limits set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). He added that, despite low concentrations, the odour from the site still exceeded the WHO’s minimum threshold.

Mr Bramble also noted that the prevailing south-westerly winds were most affecting the nearby community of Spittal, while northerly winds had an adverse impact on Crundale.

Addressing the public and Council members’ concerns, particularly in light of the public outcry, Mr Bramble emphasised that the Council was committed to tackling the issue seriously. Cllr Dennison had previously led a wave of criticism regarding the Council’s handling of the matter.

Cllr Mike John inquired about the costs associated with air quality monitoring and whether the Council intended to recover these expenses from the site operator. Mr Bramble said he could not yet provide a cost estimate, and depending on legal advice, recovering the costs might involve further legal proceedings.

Cllr Alistair Cameron praised Council officers, Cllr Sinnett, and other Cabinet members for addressing local concerns on such a complex issue.

Councillors overwhelmingly voted to note Cllr Sinnett’s report on the Withyhedge situation.

The case now moves to its next stage at Swansea Civil Justice Centre on Monday, 21st October.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

19 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

19 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

20 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.