Jac’s golden croc stands foot above the rest in panto design competition

Published

1 year ago

November 25, 2024

The wait is finally over and The Torch Theatre is delighted to announce that 11-year-old Haverfordwest High School pupil, Jac, is the winner of the Design a Golden Object competition for this year’s spectacular pantomime, Jack and The Beanstalk.

Young people from across West Wales were invited to design a priceless object that can only be found in the Giant’s Golden Room. With 150 entries across all age ranges, Jac has been crowned the golden winner.

The judges were delighted with the designs, which included stinky socks, everlasting cheesecakes, glittering football boots and sparkly butterflies, but Jac’s design for a giant golden croc was a foot above the rest.

“I was so happy, and couldn’t believe I’d won,” said a delighted Jac. “I’m excited to see my croc in giant size because I have crocs and I had them on when I was thinking about what I could draw. I thought it would be funny to see it in a huge size.”

He added: “I think the crocs’ magic power should be to hide the smell of really smelly feet, so they always smell nice. I go to the pantomime every year, so I can’t wait to see my idea in it.”

Tim Howe, the senior manager for youth and community at the Torch said, “Thank you so much to everyone who took part in the competition. It was an absolute pleasure to receive the fabulous entries from young people across the county and we were really amazed by all the incredibly imaginative, colourful and sparkling designs. But some very tough decisions had to be made by our designer, Kevin, and Chelsey, our director. But we’re so excited to announce Jac as our 2024 design competition winner.

The runners up were Gwilym and Lucie (under 5s), Nell (5-11), Jayden (11-18).

Jacks and the Beanstalk will feature on the Torch Theatre stage from Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 29, with matinee and evening performances. Tickets are priced £23.50/£19.50 Cons/ £75 family. A relaxed environment performance will be on Saturday, December 14 at 2 pm.

Crime

Man sentenced for stalking Milford Haven woman

Published

10 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed by Haverfordwest magistrates

A MAN has been sentenced after admitting stalking a woman in Milford Haven.

Andrew Richards, 39, of High Street, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

Richards had previously pleaded guilty to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

The court heard that between December 2, 2025 and February 15, 2026, he pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of Tamsin Matthias and which he knew, or ought to have known, amounted to harassment.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until September 8, 2027.

As part of the order, Richards must undertake alcohol treatment for nine months under the direction of the probation service.

He must also complete up to twenty days of rehabilitation activity as directed by probation.

Richards was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £500 compensation to the victim, £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court made a restraining order lasting until September 8, 2027.

Under the order, Richards must not contact the victim directly or indirectly and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material on social media or the internet referring to her directly or indirectly.

The court heard a victim personal statement from the complainant, which was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The case was prosecuted by Dennis Davies, with Richards represented by Mike Kelleher.

The hearing was before magistrates Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.

Crime

Man, 80, sentenced for stalking after campaign of unwanted emails and posters

Published

10 hours ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Restraining order imposed after Haverfordwest case

A MAN has been sentenced for stalking after admitting a campaign of unwanted contact and harassment in Haverfordwest.

Michael Lockheart, 80, of Daisy Lane, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

The court had previously heard that between July 27 and September 10, 2025, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to stalking.

The offence involved sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop making contact, putting up defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to the complainant’s GP and local authority.

Lockheart had entered a guilty plea to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, on January 27, 2026.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until March 8, 2028.

As part of that order, Lockheart must undergo non-residential mental health treatment for 12 months under Dr Cormac Duffy, as directed by probation.

He must also complete up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity.

Lockheart was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation, a £600 fine, £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court also made a restraining order lasting until March 8, 2028.

Under that order, he must not seek, approach or communicate with the complainant by any means, directly or indirectly. He must not knowingly enter any address where she is living, and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material online or on social media referring to her directly or by implication.

A victim personal statement was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The case was heard by Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.