Crime

Woman who died on Fishguard ferry named

Published

10 months ago

February 27, 2025

A WOMAN who was found dead onboard a ferry travelling from Fishguard to Rosslare on Tuesday (Feb 25) has been named locally as 39-year-old Mary Cash.

Ms Cash, originally from Ireland but living in the UK, was reportedly travelling with family and friends to a funeral in Co Kildare when she was discovered unresponsive in a bathroom cabin on the Stena Nordica.

While her death was initially treated as unexplained, Gardaí now believe it to be a personal tragedy and do not suspect foul play. A post-mortem examination was carried out at Waterford University Hospital on Wednesday, but Gardaí have stated that the results will not be released “for operational reasons.”

BRAWL FOLLOWED DISCOVERY

Reports now indicate that a brawl erupted onboard following the discovery of Ms Cash’s body, leading to an emergency distress call from the ferry captain. Witnesses have described the incident as “extremely shocking,” with some stating that tensions escalated among a group of passengers, sparking a heated altercation.

A transport company owner familiar with the incident said a driver present at the time had observed members of the group behaving erratically before the incident, suggesting alcohol or drugs may have been involved. The driver also noted that a hearse was on board, indicating that the group was en route to a funeral in Kildare.

MAN RELEASED WITHOUT CHARGE

A man who was arrested in connection with the investigation has now been released without charge. A Garda Family Liaison Officer continues to engage with and support the family of the deceased.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed: “A Garda Senior Investigating Officer will now supervise the completion of an investigation for the purpose of a file to assist a Coroner’s Inquest.”

Authorities have reiterated that there are no separate investigations into any public order incidents aboard the vessel.

LARGE EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Following the discovery of Ms Cash’s body, the ferry captain issued an emergency distress call approximately 30 minutes before docking. Armed Gardaí and officers from the Public Order Unit boarded the vessel upon arrival at Rosslare Harbour, sealing off the area as a crime scene.

The Stena Nordica was carrying a significant number of passengers at the time, including fans returning from Ireland’s Six Nations match against Wales.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Wexford councillor Ger Carthy said: “I think the reaction here locally was one of shock and indeed sadness at what transpired on board the Stena Nordica en route to Rosslare Port here and the tragic events that unfolded. The response by Gardaí and state agencies was second to none, with a large presence of specialist units and national ambulance services.”

FERRY DISRUPTIONS

Stena Line confirmed that services were temporarily impacted, with sailings cancelled following the incident. However, Rosslare Europort has stated that all services resumed on Wednesday evening and are now operating as normal.

A spokesperson for Stena Line said: “An incident occurred on the 2:00pm sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare. This is a police matter.”

Gardaí are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as inquiries continue.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

13 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

14 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.