News
Military aircraft activity over Welsh coast amid renewed Russian naval concerns
RAF surveillance patterns in Irish Sea resemble response to past spy ship incidents
A ROYAL AIR FORCE aircraft has been circling over Cardigan Bay and the approaches to the Irish Sea for several hours on Friday (July 4), prompting speculation about possible military monitoring activity in the region.
The Airbus A330 MRTT, flying under the callsign HUDSN52, was tracked performing a long, looping flight path consistent with surveillance or aerial refuelling support. The pattern is similar to those seen in previous RAF responses to foreign vessels in UK-monitored waters, particularly involving Russian naval assets.
Separately, RNLI Lifeboat 17-41—ordinarily based at Holyhead Lifeboat Station—was observed heading south towards Milford Haven. While the reason for its journey is unconfirmed, the movement is considered unusual, as the vessel is not normally deployed in the area. However, there is no direct evidence at this stage that links the lifeboat’s travel to the RAF aircraft or to any ongoing military operation.
The Herald understands from a well-placed source that a Russian vessel may be operating in the Irish Sea and is being monitored. That source, who is not authorised to speak publicly, suggested aircraft and naval assets may have been deployed in response.

In a similar incident in November 2024, the Russian ship Yantar—widely suspected of being capable of interfering with subsea communications cables—was tracked near critical infrastructure between Dublin and the Isle of Man. It was shadowed and ultimately escorted away by Western naval forces. The episode raised significant alarm over vulnerabilities in the UK and Ireland’s undersea cable networks.
Russia is known to deploy vessels like Yantar and Viktor Leonov for maritime intelligence missions in the North Atlantic, often operating just outside national territorial waters. NATO and independent analysts have warned that these ships loiter near key infrastructure, possibly mapping it for future disruption in the event of conflict.
While there is currently no official confirmation of a foreign vessel operating in the Irish Sea today, the RAF aircraft’s behaviour, combined with the recent history of such encounters, has led to speculation that a shadowing or monitoring operation could be underway.
The Ministry of Defence has not issued any public comment as of Friday afternoon. The Herald will continue to track military and maritime movements in the area and encourages anyone with relevant information to email [email protected].

Charity
Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look
A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.
The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.
The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.
The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.
Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.
Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.
“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”
The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.
At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.
With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.
Photo caption:
Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).
Crime
OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters
A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.
Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.
The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.
His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.
Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.
Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.
Crime
Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls
A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.
Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.
The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.
She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.
Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.
As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.
Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.
She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.
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