News

Black cat ‘size of labrador’ spotted in Pembrokeshire village

Published

4 months ago

November 4, 2024

Concerns are mounting that the Beast of Bodmin could be holidaying in Pembrokeshire following reports that a large black cat, ‘the size of a labrador’ has been spotted in a field in Crundale.

The sighting was made on Saturday morning in a field adjoining Howard Crescent.

“We just want to make everyone aware that the huge black cat was seen in a field at the rear of our house in Howards Crescent,” commented concerned resident, Christine Hancock. ” And it was about the size of a labrador.”

Nearby residents have also reported that their dogs have been reacting to an unidentified presence whenever they are taken for walks in the same field.

This isn’t the first time that a ‘big cat’ has been seen in Crundale. A decade ago a black puma was seen on at least three separate occasions in fields near to the village.

There have been numerous big cats sightings in Pembrokeshire, including in 2012 when a former police officer reported a close encounter with a big cat in Treffgarne, near Haverfordwest. The officer described the animal as being about three feet tall with a large head, a muscular build and a smooth coat with brown spots. Pembrokeshire County Council described it as ‘the closest anyone has been to a big cat’.

Two years later a Letterston smallholder was alerted to a large black cat escaping from his farmyard, carrying a 30lb goose in his mouth.

“He didn’t expect to see me, and I didn’t expect to see him,” said smallholder Martin Hughes. “I was shaking for about two hours after.”

Mr Hughes described the animal as being jet black, approximately three-and-a-half feet long with a long black tail, a large head, large paws and big teeth.

Meanwhile the Beast of Boncath in north Pembrokeshire has made numerous appearances to motorists and local residents, while walkers in the area have reported seeing very large pad marks.

In 2021 a motorist reported seeing a light brown, muscular animal with a long tail near to Greenway Farm, Narberth. The motorist claimed the animal appeared to be chasing or pouncing on something. And in 2023 a big black cat was reported to have run across the path of a dash cam near Tavernspite.

Two days prior to last weekend’s Crundale sighting, kayakers David Davis and his wife Natalie spotted a big black cat, the size of an alsation dog, near to the Llangollen canal. After watching the cat saunter across the fields, it disappeared into a nearby forest.

A male panther’s territory ranges between 150 and 275 square miles while the female’s territory is typically 70 to 80 square miles. Panthers mark their territory with scrapes which are piles of dirt and grass scratched up with their hind legs.

Earlier this year the British Big Cats Society reported between 300 and 500 sightings of big cats in the UK per year, the vast majority being black panthers.

Big cats were once the height of fashion in the 1960s and ’70s, however this all changed with the Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976. This resulted in people secretly releasing their pets into the wild to dodge the new ownership fees.

Community

Caldey Island mourns loss of beloved long-time resident

Published

1 hour ago

March 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CALDEY ISLAND is in mourning following the passing of its oldest resident, Rita Cunningham, at the age of 95. A well-known and much-loved figure, Rita had called the monastic island home for over four decades, leaving a lasting impact on both the island’s community and its many visitors.

Originally from Liverpool, Rita led a fascinating and varied life. She spent time as a Carmelite nun at Bridell Carmel before moving into a completely different sphere, working as an IT manager for a paper manufacturing company in Cardiff. However, it was on Caldey Island where she truly found her place, dedicating herself to numerous roles that helped sustain and enrich island life.

Rita played a key part in maintaining the island’s infrastructure, assisting with everything from building repairs and water monitoring to running St Philomena’s guesthouse. She was also involved in the production of Caldey’s famous perfume and honey. A talented musician, she took great pleasure in teaching piano to the island’s younger residents and served as the church organist for many years.

Father Jan Rossey, the Abbot of Caldey Abbey, paid tribute to her unwavering presence and devotion. “Rita was a faithful member of the island community, a reassuring figure throughout my time here. She attended Mass daily, regardless of the weather, and her contributions to our church and community will never be forgotten. We will miss her greatly.”

Known for her warmth and sociability, Rita embraced the tranquil island lifestyle but was always keen to share a chat and a story with islanders and visitors alike. Many fondly remember her sitting outside the Post Office, engaging visitors with anecdotes, her sharp wit, and a sparkle in her eye. She also had strong connections with the nearby town of Tenby, where she was always warmly received during her visits.

One of her most iconic roles on Caldey was assisting visitors with their luggage, transporting bags to and from the boats on her trusty mini-tractor. Her willingness to lend a hand, coupled with her kind-hearted nature, earned her deep affection from all who met her.

Last November, Rita marked her 95th birthday, receiving messages and well wishes from across the world—an indication of how much she was cherished.

Caldey Island announced her passing on March 6, and plans are underway for her funeral to take place on the island. Further details will be shared in due course.

Rita Cunningham’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her contributions to island life will not be forgotten.

Crime

Driver fined for ignoring no overtaking sign near Narberth

Published

1 hour ago

March 12, 2025

Court Reporter

A VAN DRIVER has been fined for failing to comply with a traffic sign on the A40 near Narberth.

Ieuan Jones, 21, of Brynheulog, Maesglas, Tredegar appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Mar 12), where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

The court heard that on October 11, 2024, at 5:16pm, Jones was driving a Citroen Relay along the A40 when he failed to comply with a no-overtaking sign. The restriction was part of The A40 Trunk Road (Robeston Wathen Roundabout to Pengawse Hill Junction) Temporary Traffic Order 2022.

Jones was fined £40, ordered to pay £110 in costs, and a £16 victim surcharge. He must pay the total amount by April 9, 2025.

A second charge against him—failing to provide police with the identity of a driver—was withdrawn.

Crime

Carmarthenshire man facing charges of rape and sexual assault

Published

1 hour ago

March 12, 2025

Court Reporter

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has appeared in court accused of multiple serious offences, including rape and controlling behaviour, with the case now being sent to Swansea Crown Court.

Phillip Evans, 74, of Derwent Street, Llanelli, appeared before his local magistrates’ court on Tuesday (Mar 12) facing three charges: rape, sexual assault, and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship.

The court heard that Evans is accused of raping a female over the age of 16 at an address in Llanelli between October 31, 2022, and December 28, 2022.

A second charge alleges that during the same period, he sexually assaulted the same woman by penetration without her consent.

A further charge states that between September 1, 2022, and December 28, 2022, Evans engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour towards his former partner, knowing his actions would have a serious effect on her.

Evans did not enter pleas to the charges during the hearing.

The magistrates declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the allegations and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

He was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Swansea Crown Court on April 4 at 9:30am.

Due to legal restrictions under the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992, the identity of the complainant is protected.

The case was heard by magistrates Mrs A Milward, Ms M Radford, and Mrs C Jones, with Sian Vaughan prosecuting on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service.