News
Carmarthen co-driver dies in Jim Clark rally crash
Dai Roberts, 39, was killed during Saturday’s race near Duns in the Scottish Borders
A CO-DRIVER from Carmarthen has tragically died following a crash during the Jim Clark rally in Scotland.
Dai Roberts, aged 39, was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday (May 24) after the vehicle he was in left the road during a stage near Duns in the Scottish Borders.
The driver, 27-year-old James Williams, was seriously injured and taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. His injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.
Roberts was an experienced figure in the world of rallying. In 2014, he survived a crash during the Ulster Rally in Belfast which claimed the life of his then-driver, Timothy Cathcart, who was 20. Two years earlier, his younger brother Gareth, also a rally co-driver, was killed in an accident during a race in Palermo, Italy. He was 24.
This weekend’s Jim Clark rally and Sunday’s Reivers rally were both cancelled following the incident. The event, named after the late Formula One world champion Jim Clark, is a popular annual fixture that draws competitors from across the UK. Around 260 participants were due to take part over the weekend.
A statement from the event organisers, the Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club, confirmed the fatal incident and said support was being provided to those affected.
James Williams Rallying also issued a heartfelt tribute: “It is with a heavy heart we have to share this sad news. The motorsport community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved Dai Roberts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roberts family at this difficult time.”
Superintendent Vincent Fisher of Police Scotland said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
Motorsport UK, the governing body for the sport, said it had launched a full investigation and would work closely with organisers and relevant authorities.
The Jim Clark rally has a long history but has also been marred by tragedy in the past. In 2014, three spectators were killed and six others injured when two cars veered off the course. The event was suspended and only resumed five years later, in 2019, following significant safety reforms.
The rally forms part of several championships, including the Probite British Rally Championship, the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship, and the Protyre National Asphalt Championship.
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order
ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.
The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.
Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.
Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.
He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.
The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.
A pre-sentence report was ordered.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
Crime
Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe
FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.
At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.
The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.
In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.
Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.
Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.
While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.
The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”
He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”
Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.
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