Man jailed for stealing over £1,000 of food and alcohol from M&S

Published

9 months ago

March 24, 2025

A father-to-be has been sentenced for stealing over £1,000 worth of food and alcohol from the Marks and Spencer store, Haverfordwest.

An off-duty police officer observed Gary Davies, 45, place meat and alcohol in a trolley on February 15, and walk out of the food hall without making any attempts to pay.

“The total value of the goods was over £1,000, but when the discounts were taken into consideration, the total amounted to £987.39,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“When he was challenged, the defendant said he was going outside to meet his wife, but when he was searched, there were no cards nor any other methods of payment on him.”

Ms Vaughan concluded by saying that the theft was committed while Davies was serving a suspended custodial sentence for a previous conviction.

Each of the stolen items were subsequently recovered by M&S staff.

Davies, of Cartersford Place, Swansea, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared before magistrates via a video link from HM Swansea Prison where he has been remanded in custody since committing the offence.

He was legally represented in court by solicitor Jess Smith, who said the custodial remand is having ‘a significant impact’ on her client.

“He’s not a stranger to the courts nor to the custodial environment, but he has now been on remand for some five weeks,” she said.

“The impact this is having on him and his partner, who is five months pregnant, is considerable. He’s concerned that the length of the sentence he receives today will result in him missing the birth of his child. The couple are very reliant on each other.”

Jess Smith went on to say that Davies is currently receiving cancer treatment, following a recent diagnosis.

Davies was sentenced to nine weeks in custody which will run consecutively to his suspended sentence, resulting in a total of 25 weeks in prison. He was ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £125 costs.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

9 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

9 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.