News

Jail for meat cleaver wielding takeaway chef

Published

11 years ago

December 18, 2014

A TAKEAWAY worker who wielded a meat cleaver at a civil enforcement officer was sent to custody for 24 weeks on Tuesday. Zhi Hua Zhao, aged 56, of Newcastle Emlyn, had pleaded not guilty to a charge of using threatening and abusive words at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on July 29. However at his trial on Tuesday, Magistrates found him guilty.

Prosecuting, Vaughan Pritchard Jones said: “On the date in question, Nicholas James, a civil enforcement officer, had gone to the Red Cow restaurant in Adpar to collect a fine that Mr Zhao owed. Mr James identified himself but at first there was some confusion on Zhao’s part and he told Mr James that the person he was looking for was not in the restaurant and told him to come back on another day.

He was in fact the man he was looking for and he was trying to avoid making the payment. He made it clear that that he wasn’t going to leave until he had the money and Zhao became more agitated. He turned the lights off and went to close the door. Mr James turned them back on again but Zhao turned the lights off again and locked the door. Zhao shouted at him to get out, Mr James replied ‘How can I get out when you’ve locked the door’? He became more agitated and Zhao then disappeared into the kitchen area.

He came back holding a meat cleaver. He was holding it parallel to the ground but he then raised his arm so the blade was pointing upwards. He then said ‘this will make you leave’ and he continued to tell the man to leave. At that stage the enforcement offi cer said he would call 999 and the defendant seemed to calm down. Some customers then entered the store but as a result of hearing him on the phone to the police they left.

Mr James has then gone to leave the restaurant but at this point Zhao pushed him out of the door. He spoke to the gentleman again with a colleague a few days later and payment was made. There were no problems at the second attempt.” Defending, Mike Kelleher said: “It is strange that the bailiff would not have cards in another language to help someone understand why he was there.

He produced paperwork that came from Northampton, if you had a penalty from a Carmarthen court it would seem a bit strange to see a letter from Northampton. Mr Zhao can also not read English. This could have been sorted out in a better way. I have explained to you how he reacted, he couldn’t understand what was going on, he may not have known of the powers that a bailiff possesses. It is not a threatening move to turn the lights off and it is our case that he locked the door but then unlocked it straight away.

This was an unfortunate incident, he was confused and the whole situation has been blown out of proportion simply because Mr Zhao did not understand.” The Magistrates deliberated and after some time they found that Mr James was an honest, straightforward and credible witness. They added that the case was found proven beyond reasonable doubt and found Zhao guilty. On sentencing the Magistrates heard how Zhao has a previous conviction for a very similar offence. The Chairman of the bench said: “We feel that the only appropriate sentence in this case is an immediate custodial sentence. We have taken into account the seriousness of the offence and Mr Zhao’s antecedent history and send you into custody for a period of 24 weeks.”

News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

Published

15 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Herald Sport

A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

Published

15 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

Published

15 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.