A 79-YEAR-OLD farmer from Whitland is facing a string of serious animal welfare and regulatory charges following an investigation at Penycraig Farm in Carmarthenshire.

Thomas Raymond Jones, of The Flats, St John Street, Whitland, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (May 16), where he pleaded guilty to two offences and not guilty to a further fourteen.

Martha Christine Randell of Tawelan, Bronwydd Road, Carmarthen was also charged with the same set of offences and leaded the same way.

The charges, brought by Carmarthenshire County Council, stem from alleged breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, the Cattle Identification Regulations 2007, and the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 2014.

Among the most serious allegations, Mr Jones and Mrs Randell are accused of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by failing to provide a suitable environment, proper diet, or medical treatment. He has pleaded not guilty to this offence.

They aer also charged with causing unnecessary suffering to nine lame cattle by failing to obtain veterinary treatment – a second offence under the Animal Welfare Act, to which he also pleaded not guilty.

However, the pair admitted two offences:

• Failing to meet the welfare needs of bovine animals by not providing dry lying areas and allowing access to a cow carcass.
• Failing to comply with animal by-product regulations by not ensuring the timely removal and secure storage of dead livestock, thus posing a risk to public and animal health.

Additional not guilty pleas were entered in relation to:

• Failing to provide feed and water to a cow and a calf.
• Obstructing a veterinary inspector during an official visit.
• Failing to keep proper veterinary medicine records.
• Failing to report the deaths and movements of animals and loss of cattle passports.
• Keeping untagged bison, and
• Failing to register two bulls within the required timeframe.

In total, the defendants are facing 16 separate charges. The offences span multiple dates between February and March 2024 and relate to alleged mismanagement of both companion animals and livestock.

Magistrates adjourned the case to June 13 for case management. The defendants, who are represented by Richard Griffiths Solicitors, were excused from attending the next hearing.

(Image: File photo of bison)

THE OLD library building in Narberth has been targeted by vandals ahead of its planned auction, prompting concerns from a senior Pembrokeshire councillor.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, April 26, saw the former library on St James Street broken into and damaged. The property, which has stood derelict for some time, is due to be sold by auction through John Francis.

Cllr Marc Tierney, Cabinet Member for Young People, Communities and the Wellbeing of Future Generations, said the intruders appeared to have forced entry by kicking in a side door, smashing glass panels and windows in the process.

Inside the building, crockery was destroyed and graffiti daubed across the walls.

Cllr Tierney said: “We’re all facing stretched budgets at the moment, and damage like this simply adds to the cost burden on the taxpayer. It’s very disappointing—this is an iconic building in the heart of Narberth, and it’s upsetting to see it treated in this way.”

The Herald understands this is the first time the old library has been vandalised. Pembrokeshire County Council is now increasing security at the site while the sale process continues.

There is concern the incident may be part of a wider trend of people targeting derelict buildings. Cllr Tierney warned: “There seems to be a craze at the moment for people to break into old properties and mess about. It’s not just illegal—it’s dangerous and irresponsible, especially in a residential area.”

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed they are investigating the matter.

A spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a burglary and vandalism at the old library on St James Street, Narberth, on April 26. Officers attended and identified broken windows and graffiti inside the vacant building. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Cllr Tierney also posted on social media following the incident, describing the damage as a blow to the local community and calling for those responsible to be held accountable.

He added that he hoped the building could still serve a useful purpose in future, saying: “While it is due to be sold, I’d like to think there is still a chance for this site to play a positive role in the town again.”

A HAVERFORDWEST man assaulted his partner during a night out after she told him he could not take drugs, a court has heard.

Swansea Crown Court was told that Kieran Vaughan and his partner had gone out for lunch and drinks on March 8 when the incident took place.

Prosecutor Georgia Donohue said that while they were out socialising, Vaughan was approached by another person and began discussing drugs. When his partner told him he was not to take any drugs that evening, tensions escalated.

The pair moved on to another pub, where an argument broke out. During the dispute, Vaughan grabbed his partner’s hand and tried to pull her engagement ring off her finger.

She later attended A&E with pain in her arm. Although no fracture was found, she was believed to have suffered a sprained wrist. She left the hospital before receiving treatment.

Vaughan was arrested later that day and initially denied any assault.

He was originally charged with several offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of strangulation, assault by beating, controlling and coercive behaviour, and sending a threatening message.

However, all charges except the ABH were later dropped after the victim withdrew her support for the prosecution and indicated she wanted to resume the relationship.

Vaughan, aged 37 and of Caradoc Place, subsequently pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault by beating. The prosecution accepted the plea.

The court heard that Vaughan has 27 previous convictions for 44 offences and was already subject to a community order at the time of the assault.

Defending, Jon Tarrant said his client had spent the equivalent of four months in custody on remand and had been aware the complainant no longer supported the case before he entered his guilty plea.

Sentencing, Judge Huw Rees imposed a four-month prison term, meaning Vaughan would be released immediately under standard prison release arrangements.

The existing community order remains in force.

“There is a lot of work for you to do,” Judge Rees told him.

Community concern reignites over Caradoc Place address

Following Vaughan’s release, concerns have resurfaced among neighbours in the Furzy Park and Caradoc Place area of Haverfordwest, where both he and his partner reside.

Six residents have previously written to housing association ATEB demanding action over ongoing disturbances at the address, citing antisocial behaviour, threats, and intimidation.

One neighbour told The Herald this on Friday evening: “He is back at the house. We are all worried. The police told us nothing—he just turned up.”

In March, the situation prompted a major police response after an incident at the property led to the arrest of a woman. At that time, neighbours described chaotic scenes as the arrest unfolded, with one mother, Yana Gencheva, tearfully recounting how the stress was affecting her autistic daughter.

Another neighbour, Jan Davies, who has lived in Caradoc Place for over a decade, said in a letter to ATEB: “It’s currently impossible to live in Caradoc Place. We are not enjoying retirement—we’re living in fear in our own homes.”

The Herald has contacted ATEB again for comment on the renewed anxiety in the community following Vaughan’s return.