News

Welsh Labour MS Hefin David dies suddenly aged 48

Published

7 months ago

August 13, 2025

WELSH politics has been left in shock following the sudden death of Caerphilly Senedd Member Dr Hefin David, aged 48.

Gwent Police confirmed they were called to a property in Nelson on Tuesday evening (Aug 12) following reports of a medical emergency. Paramedics also attended but Dr David was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers said there are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the coroner.

Tributes from across politics

First Minister Eluned Morgan described Dr David as “a much-loved member of the Labour family” and praised his dedication to his constituents, warmth and passion for public service.

Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS said: “I am very sad to hear the shocking news of Hefin David’s death. My deepest condolences go to Hefin’s family and friends, and I would also like to extend my condolences to the Welsh Labour Party. He was a man who always stood up for his constituents and was respected on all sides of the Senedd.”

Welsh Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies also called the news “heartbreaking and tragic,” while Plaid Cymru’s Delyth Jewell said: “We were from different parties but worked together on many local issues. I will miss him. What a sad and dreadful loss.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Dr David was “a powerful voice for the people of Wales and a committed public servant” who worked tirelessly to give every community and individual the opportunities they deserved.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds MS said: “We are all thinking of his loved ones, especially his wife Vikki Howells MS and his children, his staff members and his community in Caerphilly.”

Career and public service

Born in Caerphilly in 1977, Dr David studied politics, economics and European policy before qualifying as a teacher. He lectured in human resource management at Cardiff Metropolitan University and earlier at the University of Wales, Newport.

He was first elected to Caerphilly County Borough Council in 2007, representing the St Cattwg ward. In 2016, he became MS for Caerphilly, succeeding Jeff Cuthbert, and was re-elected in 2021. He also served as the Senedd’s Finance Commissioner.

Dr David was known for his work on employability, education access for those with additional learning needs, and regeneration of the Valleys. He spoke publicly about the importance of support for autistic people, drawing on his family’s personal experience.

He leaves behind his partner, Vikki Howells MS, and their two children.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

7 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

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

Published

7 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

8 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.