News
Saundersfoot: X-Factor contestant launched New Year dip

Launched ice cold swim: Jay James
JAY JAMES is now used to thousands of fans screaming at him, so he probably wasn’t daunted by the crowds attending the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Dip.
The local X Factor contestant was there to launch the event, now in its 31st year, seeing 1,521 swimmers in fancy dress plunge themselves in the ice cold Pembrokeshire waters.
For the second year, Jay James started the swim which took place alongside a mascot race, made up of well-known local mascots, prior to the main event with Danny Dog of Heatherton Country Sports Park lifting the prestigious Superfast Cymru Trophy.
Following the event, Jay put a heartfelt message on Instagram along with a snap from the event and a selfie with the event’s official mascot Charlie Shivers: “We made history in our home town today, lush to finally come home! Massive love and thanks to the thousands who came out and supported the event, another amazing year, happy 2015.”
Jay, who grew up in Saundersfoot and is deeply proud of the village, will give the countdown and signal the start of this legendary local event where hundreds of swimmers will brave the icy waters to raise money for charitable and worthy causes.
Each year thousands of people visit the village of Saundersfoot to watch or participate in the swim. The 2015 swim will be the village’s 31st and the charitable event has raised around £500,000 since it began and an incredible £37,500 last year.
Jay James, who has taken part in the swim many times before, said: “I grew up with the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim being a yearly tradition and to be able to come back and launch it is a huge honour and a privilege. I urge everyone to donate as the money raised goes towards some fantastic causes and local charities that really make a difference.”
Ex-Royal Navy serviceman Jay made it through to the final eight on ITV’s X Factor and Simon Cowell named him as a favourite to win the show. Jay entertained millions of viewers, as well as the judges, week after week with his rendition of hits including Adele’s Skyfall and his unique twist to I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Proclaimers reached number 7 on the iTunes chart. From February 2015 Jay James will join Andrea Faustini, Ben Haenow, Fleur East, Lauren Platt, Only The Young, Stereo Kicks and Stevi Ritchie on the X Factor Live Tour. Kicking off in Belfast, The X Factor 2015 Live Tour will see the eight contestants performing classic songs and viewers’ favourites from the TV series.

Jay James: At event for the second year.
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
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.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
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.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
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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