Crime
Riverside Shopping Centre confirms Haverfordwest Winter Fair arrangements
RIVERSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE in Haverfordwest has provided an update on this year’s Christmas lights and fireworks, despite ongoing development around the town’s quay.
The Winter Fair is scheduled for November 30 in Haverfordwest Town Centre, running from 11:00am. However, construction continues around the quay as Pembrokeshire County Council works towards revamping the historic castle and museum site.
Riverside Shopping Centre manager Nigel Stopher said: “This year, the fireworks will be set off above Foley House instead of the castle due to regeneration works in town. The display will be slightly shifted to the left, offering a new vantage point.”
“Despite the construction, the Christmas lights will be switched on as usual, and by the time of the event, the amount of work near the riverside quay will have been reduced. This year’s Winter Fair will also feature additional activities,” he added.
The free community event aims to create a magical winter festival, blending history, music, food, games, and local spirit. It will conclude with the traditional Christmas light switch-on and a firework display.
One highlight of the Riverside Winter Fair will be the debut of ‘The Children of St Saviours’ – a cantata performed by Haverfordwest High students. This new piece, inspired by the town’s history and recent finds at Western Quayside, tells the story of Haverfordwest’s past.
Adding to the festivities, a banner procession led by the South Wales Police Brass Band will showcase banners crafted by local primary students during autumn workshops.
Haverfordwest’s community board game café will host a pop-up event, inviting people to enjoy board games and socialise in a friendly setting.
Local artists Neil Musson and Jono Retallick will present a model hot air balloon and a floating gallery, celebrating Haverfordwest’s residents. The project takes inspiration from embroidered tablecloths in the Haverfordwest Town Museum, bearing signatures of locals dating back to 1914.
Markets and food offerings
Haverhub will host a Winter Craft and Makers Market, while Castle Square transforms into a street food market curated by the Haverfordwest Business Circle. Haverhub announced on Facebook: “As part of the Winter Fair, Haverhub is thrilled to host the Winter Craft and Makers Market from 11am to 5pm. Our hall will be brimming with local traders, festive gifts, and decorations. Interested stallholders (£25) can apply through our website link.”
The event promises a vibrant start to the festive season, drawing on community involvement and showcasing the town’s heritage amidst its transformation.
Crime
Haverfordwest man denies historic rape charges involving underage girl
Trial listed at Cardiff Crown Court for 2027
A HAVERFORDWEST man has denied a series of historic sexual offences against an underage girl and is due to stand trial at Cardiff Crown Court in 2027.
Lee Mahagan, aged 52, of High Street, Haverfordwest, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.
The charges relate to allegations involving a girl aged between 13 and 15, which are said to have occurred in Cardiff between 2009 and 2010.
The court was told that the case is expected to take around five days when it goes before a jury. A trial date has been set for January 25, 2027.
Mahagan was granted conditional bail by Judge Hywel James following a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.
The defendant is represented by David Pinnell, while Daniel Jones is appearing for the prosecution.
Crime
Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub
Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday
DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an incident reported at Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).
An 18-year-old man was arrested after officers were called to the venue, which is a popular late-night spot in the seaside village. The allegation relates to events said to have taken place during the early hours of the morning.
Joshua Probert, aged 18, has since been charged with one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 18).
The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under law, and no further details about the allegation can be reported at this stage.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Officers are understood to have carried out initial investigative work shortly after the report was made, including speaking to witnesses.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
- Anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, on 0808 500 2222. Calls are free and confidential.
Crime
Milford Haven man jailed after drunken attack on partner and police officers
A MILFORD HAVEN man who launched a violent drunken assault on his partner before attacking two police officers has been jailed for three years and six months.
Alexander Campbell was sentenced on Wednesday (Dec 16) at Swansea Crown Court after admitting causing grievous bodily harm and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court heard that Campbell had been in a relationship with his partner, Miss Cox, for six years. On the night of the offence, he returned home highly intoxicated and became argumentative.

The counsel for the prosecution told the court that Miss Cox advised Campbell to go upstairs and sleep off the alcohol. Instead, he began poking her and told her not to tell him what to do.
Campbell then launched what Miss Cox described as “a flurry of punches that rained down on her.”
Neighbours contacted police after hearing the disturbance. When officers arrived, they found a smashed bowl on the floor and Miss Cox lying on the sofa under a blanket, covering her face.
Body-worn camera footage played in court showed Campbell threatening officers, telling them: “I will turn this place into a f***ing murder scene.”
As officers attempted to separate the parties, PC Thomas placed her arm out to create distance. Campbell grabbed her wrist with force, an assault captured on body-worn video.
He then attacked PC Jones, climbing on top of him and punching him repeatedly, again recorded on police body-worn footage.
PC Thomas later attended Withybush Hospital, where she received four stitches under local anaesthetic. Miss Cox suffered severe facial bruising, with one eye swollen almost shut.
The court was told that Miss Cox’s ten-year-old daughter was upstairs at the property during the incident.
Campbell has 27 previous offences. In mitigation, the court heard that he accepted alcohol turned him into a different person, telling the court: “I’m an ugly person when I drink. I’m a different person when I’m sober.”
Sentencing Campbell, the judge said he knew better than anyone how alcohol affected him.
“You came home in a bad mood and almost predictively, you assaulted her,” the judge said.
“The noise and aggression was such that the neighbour called the police.”
“You gave her a bruise on her face that can only be described as a large shiner.”
“In short, you have injured three people. Your conduct was utterly pathetic, like an overgrown child.”
The judge also referred to Campbell’s violent history, describing him as a “cowardly bully.”
While acknowledging that Campbell had previously complied well with a suspended sentence after removing his own alcohol tag, the judge said custody was unavoidable.
Campbell was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence.
Warning him about his future, the judge added: “If you carry on with this behaviour you will spend a lifetime in prison. The only person who can change this is you.”
The court also granted a restraining order for five years.
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