A LONG-RUNNING row over dog noise in the small coastal village of Trefin has taken a new turn after a local woman admitted breaching a Community Protection Notice — while multiple other charges were dropped by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Julia Goodgame, aged 58, of Bryn Y Derwydd, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Nov 10) facing nine allegations of failing to keep her dogs under control, contrary to the terms of a Community Protection Notice (CPN) issued by the council in June.

The case, prosecuted by David Wheel of Welch & Co on behalf of the council, followed months of complaints from neighbours and a protest in the village earlier this year over what residents described as “constant barking” and “uncontrolled dogs”.

Residents’ frustration

In August, residents of Bryn Y Derwydd staged a small protest calling for stronger action, claiming that up to ten dogs were being kept at one property and that the noise had become intolerable.

One pensioner told The Herald they had been “kept awake for months”, while others complained of dogs roaming freely and fouling gardens.

Local councillor Neil Prior, who represents Llanrhian, said at the time that the situation had been “slow and frustrating” for all involved, adding that council officers, housing staff and police had been in discussion for over a year about possible enforcement.

Court proceedings

The council issued the CPN on June 17, requiring Ms Goodgame to keep her dogs under control and prevent excessive noise. She was later accused of breaching the notice on nine occasions between June 17 and July 15, with further allegations in July and September.

At Monday’s hearing, Ms Goodgame — who represented herself — pleaded guilty to one count, relating to June 20. The remaining eight counts were dismissed after the council offered no evidence.

Magistrates adjourned the case until December 11 for sentencing and to consider the council’s application for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) and costs.

Ongoing dispute

The case has divided opinion in Trefin, with some residents welcoming the prosecution and others calling for mediation and support rather than legal action.

The outcome of next month’s hearing will determine whether longer-term restrictions are imposed under the proposed CBO.

Victim taken to hospital as police close Charles Street for several hours

A NEYLAND man has been remanded in custody following a serious assault in Milford Haven at the weekend.

Benjamin Cullen, aged nineteen, of Gordon Parry Road, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Nov 10) charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after an incident on Charles Street late on Saturday night (Nov 8).

The court heard that the victim, Nicholas Hammond, was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Cullen did not formally enter a plea.

The case was committed to Swansea Crown Court, where he is due to appear on Monday, November 24.

He was remanded in custody after magistrates heard details of his previous record and concerns that he may offend or interfere with witnesses if released on bail.

A second man, aged thirty-six, was also arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Police and ambulance crews attended the scene at around 11:30pm on Charles Street, which remained closed for several hours during the investigation.

POLICE have arrested two men on suspicion of rape and false imprisonment following a serious incident on Main Street, Pembroke, on Sunday morning (Nov 9).

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called at 9:45am to reports of a woman in distress at a property above Mehfil’s Indian restaurant. The woman was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Two men, aged 36 and 27, were arrested at the scene. They have since been released on bail while police enquiries continue.

Officers remained outside the premises for much of the morning, with several police vehicles and ambulances attending. A cordon was placed around the entrance to Willings Walk shopping arcade as forensic work was carried out.

The Herald understands that the woman’s condition is stable, and police have confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police, quoting reference DP-20251109-132.