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Crime

Animal health team praised after conclusion of complex cruelty case

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Father and daughter sentenced over prolonged animal welfare breaches

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Animal Health Team has been commended for its dedication and professionalism following the conclusion of a complex and long-running animal welfare case.

Richard Scarfe, of Park Street, Pembroke Dock, and his daughter Brogan Scarfe, of Woodbine Terrace, Pembroke, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (May 12) for sentencing, having earlier pleaded guilty to multiple offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The pair admitted causing unnecessary suffering to pigs, sheep, poultry and dogs between January 25, 2022 and April 18, 2023.

Richard Scarfe had previously been disqualified from keeping animals. His breach of the ban carried a starting point of immediate custody, but Judge Catherine Richards suspended his 11-month prison sentence for 12 months due to concerns over the impact on dependents.

In addition, he was handed a lifetime disqualification from owning or keeping animals, participating in the keeping of animals, or having any control or influence over the way animals are kept. This ban covers all species and cannot be reviewed for at least 10 years.

He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work, undergo a 12-month mental health treatment requirement, and attend 15 rehabilitation activity days.

Brogan Scarfe was banned from keeping pigs, sheep, bovines, avians and dogs for five years, with no application for termination permitted for three years. She also received a 12-month community order, including 100 hours of unpaid work.

Following sentencing, Cllr Jacob Williams, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, praised the work of the council’s animal health officers.

He said: “The Animal Health Team provides support and advice to farmers to ensure legal compliance. In this case, guidance was offered at the outset, but repeated breaches left the council with no choice but to take formal action to protect the animals.

“Veterinary surgeons certified that the animals were suffering and issued a certificate allowing their seizure under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act.

“This has been a protracted and complex case involving both civil and criminal proceedings. Animals are a proud and vital part of Pembrokeshire life, and the council’s animal welfare officers deserve great credit for their commitment to protecting their wellbeing and securing justice.”

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

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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.

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Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

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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.

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Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

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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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