News

Tanni calls for bold action to get more girls into sport

Published

4 months ago

August 7, 2025

ONE of Wales’ greatest-ever athletes and Chair of Sport Wales, Tanni Grey-Thompson, is calling on the next Welsh Government to adopt several policies which would, amongst other things, help to keep more girls engaged in sport and physical activity from a young age.

Tanni said: “We’re enjoying a massive summer of women’s sport with so many major events that are gripping the nation. There will be countless numbers of girls across Wales feeling inspired by new role models this summer, and that’s really exciting.

“Women’s sport is gaining more recognition, respect and momentum, with progress certainly being made in terms of exposure and visibility for women’s elite sport. But participation inequalities still exist.

“The simple fact is that fewer women and girls participate in sport than men and boys in Wales, and that has been the case forever.

“The gender gap begins in childhood, so it’s vital that we get more girls enjoying sport and physical activity from a young age and keep them coming back for more.

“At Sport Wales, we want this summer of women’s sport to be a watershed moment,” Tanni continued. “In the run up to the Senedd elections next spring we are urging political parties in Wales to include policies in their manifestos which will help to level the playing field for women and girls as well as supporting other groups of people who are currently under-represented in sport.”

One recommendation is to increase funding for sport in Wales so that it is comparable with similar countries.
Another recommendation is for Wales to have a completely new approach to young people’s engagement in physical activity in, and around, the school day, which in turn will support more girls to be engaged in sport.
Tanni said: “There’s a huge opportunity to ensure that not just women and girls, but the people of Wales as a whole are healthier and happier, simply by adequately funding sport to its full potential.

Tanni added: “It isn’t just about throwing extra money at the problem. It’s about using the funding wisely. We’re really enthused by the way our partners who deliver sport in Wales are working to break down the barriers that hold women and girls back and are creating sporting environments where everyone can thrive – whenever, wherever, however and for life. Increased investment would support even more of this work.

Moving on to discuss Sport Wales’ plans for schools, Tanni said: “We know we have a specific issue with girls not being active enough, but many boys aren’t getting enough exercise either. Kids need to be moving more and we must create a better infrastructure which allows that to happen.

“We’re developing an initiative to support schools in creating more opportunities for young people to be active throughout and around the school day, increasing skills and confidence in physical activity, and providing better connections with their local communities. This is particularly important for girls as our insight tells us that girls can lack the confidence to try new sports.

“The initiative would integrate sport and physical activity into young people’s daily routines, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.”

Tanni concluded: “Having a fitter and healthier nation would also naturally create a bigger talent pool for nurturing elite success. If we want more success for our female athletes on the world stage, that begins with investment in grassroots opportunities.

“This summer of women’s sport has been amazing. Let’s build on this momentum and make lasting change.”

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

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

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

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

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

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.