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First Minister gives letter of thanks to 99-year-old veteran as Wales marks VJ Day

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THE FIRST MINISTER OF WALES today presented a letter of thanks to a veteran who served in Asia Pacific, as Wales commemorates the 80th anniversary of VJ day and the end of the Second World War.

Duncan Hilling from Saundersfoot, who joined the RAF in April 1944 before transferring to the Royal Welch Fusiliers, received the tribute from Eluned Morgan in recognition of his extraordinary service during the war. The 99-year-old’s military journey took him through India, Japan, and Malaya during some of the conflict’s most challenging periods.

Mr Hilling was among the first UK forces to enter both Hiroshima and Nagasaki just weeks after the atomic bombs were dropped in August 1945, witnessing firsthand the devastating aftermath. He was one of eleven siblings, seven of them also served during the war. Remarkably, all of them survived the conflict.

VJ Day, marked on 15 August, commemorates Victory over Japan and the end of the Second World War, remembering those who served in the war against Japan in the Pacific region.

Mr Hilling said: “I went out to Japan and spent a year there, it was a fascinating country. We arrived before any other troops, we went to Hiroshima and the horrors of the atomic bomb were still there, it was hideous. We asked people what they remembered about the bomb, and they couldn’t remember anything, just a flash. To me it was horrible, my comrades, six of us, felt the same. I don’t think people can ever understand what it was like. Let’s hope to goodness it never happens again.”

“I was absolutely amazed by the First Minister coming to see me and giving me a letter of thanks. I think of all the boys who were in Japan with me, nearly all of them gone now as I am nearly 100.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “It is a privilege to personally thank Mr Hilling for his incredible service and sacrifice. His experiences in Hiroshima and Nagasaki remind us of the true cost of war and the courage of those who served in Asia Pacific. On this 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we honour all veterans like Mr Hilling who helped secure the peace and freedom we enjoy today.”

 

Crime

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

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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.

 

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Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

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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.

 

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Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

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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.

 

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