News
Fuel vouchers helping families across Wales keep warm this winter
CHILDREN across Wales are staying warm at home this winter, thanks to Welsh Government-funded fuel vouchers designed to help households struggling with rising energy costs.
Ahead of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Friday (Oct 17), Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Jane Hutt met with the Fuel Bank Foundation to see how government funding is supporting families most affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
Since 2022, the Welsh Government has invested more than £6.9 million in the Foundation’s work across Wales, with a further £600,000 committed for 2025-26.
The Chief Executive of the Fuel Bank Foundation, Matthew Cole, said: “We are very proud to have partnered with the Welsh Government for several years now. During this time, we have been able to provide emergency fuel top-ups to more than 200,000 people across Wales – nearly 90,000 of whom were children.
“The Welsh Government’s support has also enabled us to provide deliveries of fuel to over 500 households who live off the gas grid and to deliver more than 3,000 heated throws to people who struggle to heat their entire home. We could not be prouder of what we have achieved together and the difference we have made for people in Wales.”
Tackling fuel poverty
This support forms part of the Welsh Government’s wider strategy to tackle poverty. Between 2022 and 2026, it has invested over £7 billion in programmes to alleviate financial pressures, help maximise household income, and keep more money in people’s pockets.
Since 2019, more than £27 million has been directed to community food organisations to combat food insecurity, while the Warm Homes Nest scheme continues this commitment with over £30 million allocated this year to help low-income households improve energy efficiency and access affordable heating.
Easier access to support
All 22 local authorities are now implementing the Welsh Benefits Charter, designed to streamline applications and make it easier for residents to claim support.
Jane Hutt said: “Global factors like rising energy costs have placed enormous pressure on households. We remain determined to ensure every child in Wales can grow up free from poverty, with dignity and genuine opportunities for their future.
“I’m proud of the progress we’re making with our partners, and we’re committed to building on this success to create a Wales where every family can thrive.”
Those seeking advice or financial support can contact Advicelink Cymru on 0808 250 5700 to check what help they may be entitled to.
Crime
Man sentenced for stalking Milford Haven woman
Restraining order imposed by Haverfordwest magistrates
A MAN has been sentenced after admitting stalking a woman in Milford Haven.
Andrew Richards, 39, of High Street, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).
Richards had previously pleaded guilty to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
The court heard that between December 2, 2025 and February 15, 2026, he pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of Tamsin Matthias and which he knew, or ought to have known, amounted to harassment.
Magistrates imposed a community order running until September 8, 2027.
As part of the order, Richards must undertake alcohol treatment for nine months under the direction of the probation service.
He must also complete up to twenty days of rehabilitation activity as directed by probation.
Richards was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £500 compensation to the victim, £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.
The court made a restraining order lasting until September 8, 2027.
Under the order, Richards must not contact the victim directly or indirectly and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material on social media or the internet referring to her directly or indirectly.
The court heard a victim personal statement from the complainant, which was read to the court by the prosecutor.
The case was prosecuted by Dennis Davies, with Richards represented by Mike Kelleher.
The hearing was before magistrates Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.
Crime
Man, 80, sentenced for stalking after campaign of unwanted emails and posters
Restraining order imposed after Haverfordwest case
A MAN has been sentenced for stalking after admitting a campaign of unwanted contact and harassment in Haverfordwest.
Michael Lockheart, 80, of Daisy Lane, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).
The court had previously heard that between July 27 and September 10, 2025, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to stalking.
The offence involved sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop making contact, putting up defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to the complainant’s GP and local authority.
Lockheart had entered a guilty plea to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, on January 27, 2026.
Magistrates imposed a community order running until March 8, 2028.
As part of that order, Lockheart must undergo non-residential mental health treatment for 12 months under Dr Cormac Duffy, as directed by probation.
He must also complete up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity.
Lockheart was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation, a £600 fine, £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.
The court also made a restraining order lasting until March 8, 2028.
Under that order, he must not seek, approach or communicate with the complainant by any means, directly or indirectly. He must not knowingly enter any address where she is living, and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material online or on social media referring to her directly or by implication.
A victim personal statement was read to the court by the prosecutor.
The case was heard by Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.
Crime
Man cleared of sexual assault allegation after magistrates rule no case to answer
Case dismissed following hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court
A MAN from Milford Haven has been cleared of a sexual assault allegation after magistrates ruled there was no case to answer.
David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 9).
He had been charged with sexual assault on a woman aged sixteen or over, contrary to section three of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
The court heard the allegation related to an incident said to have taken place in Johnston, Pembrokeshire, on March 16, 2025.
Due to legal reporting restrictions, the complainant’s identity cannot be published under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.
During the hearing, the prosecution was represented by Dennis Davies, while Fletcher was represented by David Wheel of Welch & Co Solicitors.
After hearing the evidence presented by the prosecution, the magistrates ruled that there was no case to answer.
The bench, comprising Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman, formally found Fletcher not guilty.
The case was dismissed and Fletcher was discharged.
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