News
Guilty plea to animal welfare charges
A HAVERFORDWEST woman has pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to ensure the welfare of animals.
Michelle Evans, aged 35, of West Court, appeared before the town’s Magistrates Court on Monday (Jan 19).
Evans pleaded guilty to the offences but her sentencing was delayed in order for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Prosecuting, John Tarrant said: “A member of the tenancy management team had been writing to Mrs Evans about the gas in the property. They also attended the flat and they could hear her shouting at the dogs to be quiet. She wouldn’t allow access at first but she eventually let them in. The house was in a filthy condition and she was told that it was unacceptable. However, the problem continued and on August 14, Inspector Hogan attended at the flat again. There was no reply at the property but he could see through the window a dog which looked alert. He also peered through the letterbox and could see that the hallway was full of rubbish. The inspector came back the next day and was able to gain access. He drew back the curtains and noticed an immediate smell of faeces and urine which made him wretch and cough. There was more faeces on the floor and the litter tray was also full of faeces. He went in to another room where there was a black and white dog which is described as being very thin to the hips. He went upstairs and he could again smell faeces and urine which made him wretch and cough again. He noticed a cat which was also in a skinny condition and the animals were taken for examination. The dog was underfed and the cats all had a large burden of fleas and had a lean bodily condition. The police officer who attended said that he had never seen any case of animal cruelty as bad as this and he also had to go back to the station to change his clothes so he could continue his duty. She accepts responsibility for the animals and that she failed to meet their needs.”
Defending, Matt Greenish said: “All four animals were underweight and had fleas. She had been going through a difficult period but she insisted that she had left enough food and water for them. She has let things get the better of her and she is ashamed of her actions. She was trying to deal with the matter and she should have contacted the vets but she left it too late. The dog and the cats have all fully recovered. She has no previous convictions against her.”
The Magistrates asked for a pre-sentence report to be done and the matter was adjourned for three weeks.
They also indicated that a banning order would be considered against Mrs Evans.
She was released on bail with the condition that she should co-operate with the probation service and the case will return to court on February 3.
News
Police appeal after Nerf gun bullet hit baby
POLICE in Narberth are appealing for information after a disturbing incident on Kiln Park Road on November 6.
A mother and her baby were walking along the road when a foam bullet was fired at them from a Nerf gun.
The projectile struck the baby.
According to the mother, a dark blue hatchback car pulled up beside them before the gun was fired. The vehicle then sped off, heading either toward Narberth town or the Pemblewin roundabout.
The incident occurred just before 5:45pm.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police using the following details:
- Online: Submit information
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 101 (Quote reference: 24000944199)
News
Pembrokeshire celebrates 60% Gigabit capable connectivity milestone
GIGABIT Capable broadband is now in place for more than half of the county with aspirations from Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme for the county to be fully connected to better broadband.
Pembrokeshire County Council said it is proud to announce a significant milestone in its journey to better broadband. 60% of homes and businesses in the county can now access full fibre broadband compared to 5% in 2019.
This achievement is the culmination of a concerted effort by various stakeholders, including Alternative Network providers (AltNets) Ogi, Voneus, Dragon Wifi as well as Openreach and dedicated local authority’s Digital Champions, who have continuously engaged with communities to ensure they are aware of the benefits of being better connected and the ways in which they can make that happen.
Funded by Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme, the Digital Champions in place at Pembrokeshire County Council are continuing to assess the needs of people locally and advise on the options available to them to help improve their broadband. This paired with the strong relationships being built with infrastructure supplier and mobile network operators, means that Pembrokeshire is well placed to see further increases to this milestone in the very near future.
Cllr Paul Miller: Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “Thanks to the hard work of all the stakeholders and this local authority’s Digital Champions, we’re thrilled to see Pembrokeshire reach 60 per cent broadband coverage.
“This is a testament to their dedication to bridging the digital divide and ensuring all our residents have access to the critical tools they need to succeed in today’s economy. Pembrokeshire County Council is committed to supporting this type of innovative programmes, and I look forward to seeing Pembrokeshire reach even greater levels of connectivity.”
Looking at the broader picture, Pembrokeshire’s digital team have been working closely with the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) and the Welsh Government on funding streams, helping facilitate a high level of support for digital infrastructure projects, whilst empowering communities to actively advocate for improved connectivity in their areas.
Much of the behind the scenes work within Pembrokeshire County Council has also been an integral part of reaching this milestone, with close working relationships with supportive community and county councillors, planning, infrastructure, highways departments within Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority all contributing to the successful delivery of projects.
Pembrokeshire’s rural communities and towns, including the county town of Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, and Fishguard, have benefited immensely from these efforts, with the county’s journey towards digital inclusion being far from over. But reaching the 60% gigabit capable milestone marks a significant step forward in realising the vision of a connected and prosperous future for the region.
Climate
Keir Starmer ‘spotted’ in Cardigan for climate action
SHOPPERS and visitors in Cardigan were taken by surprise recently when Keir Starmer—or someone who bore a striking resemblance to him—made an appearance at a climate action stall. The stall, set up in the town centre, invited people to write to their Members of the Senedd urging them to support an international Fossil Fuel Treaty.
‘Keir’ led the way, being the first to post his letter in a special postbox on the stall, which was part of a Global Day of Action for climate justice.
Slow progress at COP29
Organiser Philippa Gibson, a retired Welsh teacher, explained the urgency behind the event. She said:
“The COP29 meeting in Azerbaijan this week is moving at a snail’s pace. Oil lobbyists and petro-states like Azerbaijan have overwhelming influence, blocking serious action on reducing fossil fuel dependency. But ordinary people across the world are saying enough is enough—it’s time for a fossil-free future.
“The climate crisis is already affecting Welsh communities. Rising sea levels are eroding our coastlines, while extreme weather endangers lives, homes, and food security. The economic shockwaves are being felt everywhere.”
Wales urged to lead the way
Physics teacher David Grace, another volunteer at the stall, highlighted the global stakes:
“These threats are even more severe for Pacific Island states, some of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. They are leading the Fossil Fuel Treaty campaign because their survival depends on it. Wales has a duty to stand with them and support their demands for a rapid global transition away from fossil fuels.”
The organisers noted that Wales has an opportunity to lead on climate action by endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Thirteen nations, the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament, and thousands of organisations worldwide have already joined the growing movement.
‘Strong support’ in Cardigan
The stall drew significant local support, with many residents signing a petition and posting letters or postcards to their Members of the Senedd. The postbox quickly filled up as people expressed their backing for the Treaty.
A campaigner from Parents for Future, who was helping at the stall, stressed the importance of action:
“By endorsing this treaty, the Welsh government would align with existing policies and commitments. As part of a global effort, Wales could set an example, showing that early action is key to preventing climate disaster. This is vital for the sake of all children, both here in Wales and in more vulnerable countries.”
The event highlighted a growing desire among communities to push for urgent climate action. As part of the day’s activities, ‘Keir’ left a memorable mark—not just as a leader, but as a symbol of the change people want to see.
(Keir’s mask was created by artist Bim Mason.)
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