News
Cycling fever rolls on after Tour of Pembrokeshire success
Countdown begins to British and Welsh Cycling Championships in Ceredigion
FRESH from the success of the JCP Solicitors Tour of Pembrokeshire last weekend, Wales is gearing up for even more two-wheeled action — this time in Ceredigion, where the British and Welsh Cycling Championships are set to take place next month.
On Saturday (May 24), more than 1,600 riders from across Wales and beyond took part in the Tour of Pembrokeshire, despite wet and misty conditions. Setting off from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St David’s, cyclists tackled some of the most scenic — and challenging — roads the county has to offer.
The popular charity sportive featured three routes to suit all abilities: the gruelling Epic 105-mile ride with over 10,000 feet of climbing; the Classic 60-mile route; and a Community 25-mile route for newer cyclists. Riders navigated the Preseli Hills, coastal roads, and narrow country lanes in an event that has become one of the highlights of the Welsh sporting calendar.
Now, the spotlight shifts north as the British and Welsh Cycling Championships come to Ceredigion from 26 to 29 June.
To mark the one-month countdown, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Environmental Services, Councillor Shelley Childs, has been out promoting the region’s cycling appeal — and encouraging others to enjoy the stunning local routes.
A lifelong cyclist and former competitor with Ystwyth Cycling Club, Cllr Childs holds a first category racing licence and has represented Great Britain in the World and European Duathlon Championships, finishing fifth in his age group. He credits Ceredigion’s landscape with providing the perfect training ground.
“Ceredigion has so many fantastic cycling opportunities,” he said. “No wonder it was chosen as the home of the British Cycling Championships this June. The views are magnificent and the terrain is both beautiful and testing. It’s no surprise this county has produced elite riders like Josh Tarling, Stevie Williams, and Gruff Lewis.”
Cllr Childs, who also co-organises AberCycleFest and is a life member of his local cycling club, said he’s excited to welcome cyclists and supporters to Aberaeron and Aberystwyth for the championships.
“There’ll be something for everyone — whether you’re a racing fan, a leisure rider, or just looking for a great day out,” he added.
For route maps and full event information, visit: Cycling Championships – Ceredigion County Council
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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