News
Sad farewell to Folly Farm’s majestic Lion, Hugo
Folly Farm has announced the heartbreaking loss of one of its most iconic residents, Hugo the African lion, who passed away this week at the age of 17.
Hugo arrived at the award-winning Pembrokeshire attraction in 2014, alongside his mate Luna and their four cubs – Sola, Zahra, Alika, and Ebele. Described as a “firm favourite” among both staff and visitors, Hugo quickly became a beloved figure at the zoo, known for his powerful presence and regal demeanour.
Folly Farm confirmed that Hugo had recently experienced a short period of illness. A comprehensive health assessment, carried out by the in-house veterinary team in collaboration with specialist zoo vets, revealed he was suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD), a common but irreversible condition in ageing big cats.
His most recent health episode was identified as a uraemic crisis – a dangerous build-up of toxins due to kidney failure. Given his diagnosis and advanced age, the team made the difficult but compassionate decision to prevent further suffering by saying a peaceful goodbye.
“It’s never easy to say goodbye to one of our animals, particularly one as special as Hugo,” a spokesperson for Folly Farm said. “He has been a majestic presence here for over a decade and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Tributes have begun pouring in on social media from visitors and long-time supporters of the zoo, many sharing fond memories and photos of the lion whose roar once echoed across the Pembrokeshire countryside.
Folly Farm has asked the public to extend their sympathies to the dedicated keeping team who cared for Hugo and are now mourning his loss.
Visitors are invited to share their memories of Hugo as the zoo remembers the life of one of its most cherished residents.
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
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
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
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.
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