News
Birth of child was no excuse
A THIEF who said he could not attend a probation appointment because his partner was giving birth was sentenced to twelve weeks in prison at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jan 6). Matthew Adams, aged 23 of Carr Terrace, Pennar had pleaded guilty to four charges of theft from vehicles on October 22, 2014, on December 9. On that occasion the Magistrates felt that a presentence report should be prepared, but he did not attend on the date that was given. Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said: “On October 22, vehicles were broken into during the early hours of the morning.
“From a Nissan Micra and a Toyota Avensis, he stole a wallet and cards. “From a Toyota Yaris he stole a rucksack, £50 in cash and other property including identity cards, and he stole loose change and two mobile phones from a Volkswagen Up. “All of the vehicles had been left unlocked. “One of the victims had certain information about a person he thought might have been involved and he went round to this person’s house and looked through the window. He noticed his rucksack inside and called the police.
“The other items were found when the police arrived and the defendant was arrested. “At the time he had also been smoking cannabis, and whilst on his way home from Pembroke and Lamphey he discovered that the wallets had no money in them and he threw the wallets over the hedge. He wanted to keep the phones for himself. “He also had about £15 in change from the cars, which he spent at a chip shop. He said he wanted to check the phones as he was being nosey but he found that they were locked.
“In interview he told the officer he went for a walk at around 1am and was looking in cars for money. “He explained that he had checked a number of cars and says he took the items for his own use going on to say, ‘I’ve been struggling for money, it’s no excuse I know’. Defending, Matt Greenish said: “His appointment was on December 18 but his partner gave birth on that day. “He should have been in contact with the court but his mind was with his partner at that time. He has had a shortage of money and there have been a number of ongoing issues”.
Matt Greenish asked the Magistrates to adjourn the case for three weeks to allow for a report but they were not prepared to wait and he was sent to prison for 12 weeks. He was also ordered to pay £50 in compensation to Shaun Griffiths and an £80 victim surcharge.
Crime
Pembroke Dock pub assault trial set for August

A MAN accused of attacking another man at a pub in Pembroke Dock will face trial later this year.
Stuart York, aged 60, of Wellington Street, Pembroke Dock, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with unlawful wounding following an incident at The Prince of Wales pub on May 30, 2023.
It is alleged that York pushed a man and caused grievous bodily harm to the back of his head.
He pleaded not guilty.
The court heard that York denies being the man seen on CCTV footage of the incident, claiming he was barred from the premises at the time and did not drink alcohol.
Judge Huw Rees set a trial date for August 21. York was granted bail.
Climate
Crown Estate report draws on Menter Môn research to support tidal energy

A NEW report from The Crown Estate highlights the latest advances in environmental monitoring for tidal stream energy, drawing on data and gathered by the Anglesey-based Marine Characterisation Research Programme (MCRP). The report explores how the tidal stream energy sector is improving its understanding of the potential environmental impacts of devices such as turbines, with a focus on how they interact with marine wildlife, including movement patterns and habitat use.
The report brings together data from across the UK, including a major contribution from the MCRP, which was developed alongside the Morlais tidal energy scheme in north Wales. It covers key areas such as collision risk, displacement of species and the range of monitoring tools being used at tidal sites — helping to support future development.
Helen Roberts, Project Lead at MCRP, said: “It’s great to see the work we’ve led in Wales helping to inform thinking at a UK level. The MCRP has brought together industry, researchers and regulators to build a clearer picture of how tidal stream devices interact with the environment – and this report reflects that collaborative effort.”
The MCRP is part of social enterprise Menter Môn’s energy project portfolio and is funded by the Crown Estate and Nuclear Decommissioning Agency. It was established to support the safe deployment of tidal energy devices off the coast of Holyhead as part of the Morlais scheme.
Looking ahead, the findings in the report will help shape how data is shared and transferred across the tidal energy sector, making better use of existing evidence, cutting duplication and promoting progress within the sector.
Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eKXa5Yku
Entertainment
Spring into the Easter holidays with family fun across the Park

THE EASTER HOLIDAY promises action-packed fun in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, with family-friendly activities taking place across the Park and at the Authority’s three main attractions – Carew Castle, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc. The events coincide with the start of Discover National Parks Fortnight (4 to18 April), which celebrates the UK’s protected landscapes.

At Carew Castle, visitors can look forward to trails, tales and plenty of medieval mischief. From Saturday 5 April to Sunday 27 April, Bunny’s Big Egg Hunt invites children to search the Castle grounds for hidden eggs using a smartphone, with a sweet reward for those who succeed. The ever-popular Horrid Histories will also return with gory stories and terrible tales of Castle life, included free with admission on weekdays at 11am from 7 to 25 April.
Those in search of adventure can take on Find the Key!, a quest to uncover four hidden keys – only one of which unlocks the Castle’s treasure chest. The challenge takes place daily at 3pm, excluding Tuesdays. On those days – 8, 15 and 22 April – the focus shifts to a Guided Family Castle Tour at 1.30pm, followed by FIRE! Launch of the Giant Trebuchet at 2.30pm, when the legendary siege engine is set into motion.
The Storymaster’s Quests: Castle of Adventure will return with immersive fantasy experiences created by Oliver McNeil and voiced by Tom Baker. Suitable for ages 6+, tickets are £6 per person, with Castle admission also applying. Dates vary. See website for further details.
To round off the fun, the Mini Easter Fair runs from 18 to 21 April, offering rides and games for younger visitors. Small charges apply.
For opening times and booking information, visit www.carewcastle.com.

At Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, families will be able to travel back in time this Easter with a mix of hands-on activities and ancient skills.
On Tuesdays 15 and 22 April, Druid Magic offers the chance to light fires, bake bread and try traditional face painting, while learning how the Druids of Iron Age Britain connected with the world around them.
Fun in the Fort on Wednesdays 16 and 23 April features a changing line-up of prehistoric crafts, while Discovery Days on Thursdays 17 and 24 April invite visitors to try something new – from ancient techniques to creative experiments inspired by the past.
A new Family Spinning Workshop on Sunday 13 April will teach the ancient art of turning fleece into yarn using a drop spindle. Sessions take place at 11am and 1.30pm. See website for booking information.
Further information can be found at www.castellhenllys.com.
At Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre in St Davids, the focus turns to nature, creativity and seasonal celebration. Running from 12 to 27 April, the Egg Trail Adventure will invite young explorers to search the site for beautifully designed eggs inspired by local birdlife.
Hands-on fun continues with two drop-in Make & Take workshops. On Wednesday 16 April, visitors can build a cosy shelter for hedgehogs in time for Hedgehog Awareness Week. The following Wednesday, 23 April, children can create a colourful pinecone insect in the Ladybird Sanctuary Workshop.
For those looking for a deeper creative experience, a Foraged Poetry Prints Workshop with artist Bean Sawyer will take place on Thursday 24 April from 10am–1pm. Using cyanotype printing and found fragments of poetry, participants will create striking blue-toned artwork using natural materials. Booking is essential.
Visitors can also browse the St Davids and Solva Art Group exhibition from 17 to 23 April, showcasing spring-themed work by local artists, with proceeds supporting charity.
To find out more, visit www.orielyparc.co.uk.

Beyond the main attractions, visitors can enjoy a selection of guided walks and wildlife experiences across the wider National Park.
On Thursday 10 April, the Smugglers and Pirates Walk sets off from Solva Harbour at 10am. This 3.5-mile coastal route reveals hidden coves, Iron Age forts and tales of maritime mischief.
Later in the month, bird enthusiasts can enjoy two chances to connect with the Park’s feathered residents. On Thursday 24 April, What’s That Bird? at Minwear Wood will help participants learn how to identify woodland species by sight and sound, guided by a National Park Ranger. The season concludes with a peaceful Dawn Chorus Walk on Sunday 27 April, starting from Lower Fishguard at 6am — an early morning opportunity to welcome the day to the sound of birdsong.
To plan your visit and discover more events, go to www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.
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