News

Port of Milford Haven responds after police called to Hakin Point

Published

7 months ago

August 22, 2025

Authority says safety is top priority after concerns raised over tombstoning at Hakin Point

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has issued a detailed response following our report yesterday about police being called to Hakin Point after concerns were raised over young people jumping into the water.

A spokesperson confirmed that the Port’s security team had contacted officers on Thursday (Aug 21). “The Port of Milford Haven’s security team called police to Hakin Point on 21 August 2025 due to concerns for the safety of young people jumping into the water there,” they said. “We have been working closely with Dyfed Powys Neighbourhood Policing Team on education around tombstoning and they have been supporting us with monitoring this situation locally.”

The Port stressed that safety is its primary concern, pointing out that 193 people lost their lives in accidental water-related incidents in the UK last year. While air temperatures may be high during the current heatwave, the Port warned that water temperatures can remain dangerously cold and carry the risk of cold water shock.

Byelaws enforced across Port property ban jumping into the water, with breaches carrying fines of up to £1,000. Enforcement lies with the Harbourmaster, but the Port said it would “prefer not to criminalise young people” and is instead focused on education and alternative activities.

The spokesperson acknowledged that staff have faced abuse when challenging people about jumping but added: “We have no record of any racial abuse involved in this particular instance.”

On Hakin Point specifically, the Port highlighted hidden dangers including underwater obstructions, pipelines and nearby vessel anchorage. “Hakin Point pier is often seen as a safe alternative to other sites but there are still significant hazards here,” they said.

The Port said it is exploring the idea of designated safe swimming areas but, in the meantime, urged people to use Milford Beach and Hakin Beach. Free paddleboarding sessions funded by the Port and run by Paddlewest three times a week are also available to local youngsters.

Extra safety signage has been installed around the Port, although the authority says some has been vandalised, which is “a criminal offence in its own right.” Security patrols and online safety campaigns have also been stepped up.

As reported yesterday, police told The Herald that those at Hakin Point on Thursday were “not breaking the law” and were well behaved, with one officer commenting: “There are far worse things that kids could be doing.”

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

52 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

59 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.