News

Seal pup’s 120km swim ends in rescue and release

Published

40 seconds ago

April 15, 2026

Young grey seal found weak at St Brides Bay after remarkable journey from Cornwall is now back in the wild

A GREY seal pup found dehydrated and underweight on the Pembrokeshire coast after travelling around 120km from Cornwall in just four days has been released back into the wild after months of rehabilitation.

The pup, affectionately named Muse, was discovered on the rocks at St Brides Bay on December 11. Rescuers later confirmed he had been seen four days earlier at Port Gaverne in North Cornwall, meaning the young seal had completed a remarkable journey across the wild in a matter of days.

Muse was taken into care by the RSPCA and transferred to West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Taunton, Somerset, where staff nursed him back to health over the winter months.

He was released at a location in Devon on Wednesday, April 8, alongside five other rehabilitated seals.

RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Supervisor Ryan Walker said: “It was absolutely wonderful to see Muse along with the group of seals going back to where they belong.

“They had all been admitted either with injuries, were unwell or were underweight and we have spent the time needed to get them back to full health and at a weight fit for release.”

When Muse was found in Pembrokeshire, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer and Wildlife Officer Ellie West said he was in a poor state, showing signs of dehydration, weight loss and illness.

She also noticed marks on his back similar to those used by rescuers to identify seals that have already been assessed. After contacting British Divers Marine Life Rescue, it was confirmed he was the same pup their volunteers had checked in Cornwall on December 7.

Ellie said: “When I initially assessed him, little did I know that he had travelled such a long way in such a short time.

“When I spoke with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue they confirmed that the pup was the same one their volunteers had marked four days previously on December 7 at Port Gaverne, North Cornwall.

“However, in the four days after this, he made his way to St Brides Bay, covering a distance of around 120km.”

She said the journey was unusually long for such a young pup and that by the time he reached Pembrokeshire he had become dehydrated, had lost more weight, was passing dark loose faeces and had ulcers in his mouth.

Muse was given immediate treatment, including tube feeds of electrolyte fluids and fish, before being taken to West Hatch.

Ryan said the pup recovered well and fed independently throughout his rehabilitation.

He said: “He’s consistently gained weight each week over the past few months showing he can compete well with the other seals for his share of the fish.

“His last weight was measured at 41.5kg – nearly tripling in size since he was picked up on the beach.”

By Christmas Eve, Muse had increased his weight from 16kg to 19kg. He later moved to shallow outdoor pools in early January before joining the main pre-release pool with 11 other seals at the end of February.

The five other seals released alongside him had all been rescued by British Divers Marine Life Rescue. They were named Jimi Hendrix, Lewis Capaldi, Run DMC, Kate Nash and Oxford Comma, in keeping with the centre’s music-themed naming tradition this year.

The RSPCA said caring for seal pups is a lengthy and expensive process, with each animal often staying at the centre for several months. During seal season, which usually runs from September to March, the centre spends an average of £1,400 a week on fish and veterinary care.

The charity is reminding the public to keep a safe distance if they spot a seal on the beach.

Ellie said healthy seal pups are often left alone while their mothers feed at sea, but added that anyone concerned about a pup that appears distressed, injured or unwell should call for help rather than approach it.

She also warned dog owners to keep pets on leads near seal colonies, as seals are wild animals and can bite if threatened.

Business

Mathias Dairies makes doorstep delivery a smart choice as fuel costs rise

Published

21 minutes ago

April 15, 2026

Staff Writer

Family-run Pembrokeshire business says more households are turning to regular home deliveries for milk, bread and everyday essentials

RISING fuel costs and the demands of busy modern life are leading more Pembrokeshire households to rethink the way they shop for everyday essentials.

For many families, short trips into town for milk, bread, eggs or other basics can quickly add up in both time and money. In more rural parts of the county, where a car journey is often unavoidable, the cost of repeated trips is becoming an increasing concern.

Mathias Dairies, a long-established family-run business serving Pembrokeshire, says doorstep delivery is proving to be an increasingly practical alternative.

The company has been operating across the county for more than 37 years, delivering fresh milk and a growing range of everyday products direct to customers’ doors, often before the day begins.

What began as a traditional milk round has developed into a wider weekly delivery service. Alongside fresh milk, customers can order bread, eggs, butter, juices, cheeses and oat milk, as well as items including biscuits, compost and seasonal extras.

For households in outlying areas, the service can remove the need for repeated short journeys during the week, offering a simpler way to keep cupboards and fridges stocked with everyday basics.

Customers have praised the service for its reliability and convenience.

One customer said: “Never miss a delivery brilliant service.”

Another added: “We don’t have to keep running into town anymore for basics.”

A third described it as: “Proper old-school service, but exactly what modern life needs.”

Mathias Dairies says its service is designed to fit around customers’ routines, with flexible ordering and no delivery charge.

At a time when fuel prices remain a concern for many households, the business believes doorstep delivery is no longer simply a nostalgic throwback, but a sensible and cost-effective option for modern family life.

By combining traditional service with a wider range of household essentials, the company continues to offer Pembrokeshire residents a reliable alternative to unnecessary travel.

To arrange a delivery, contact Mathias Dairies on 01437 731777 or email [email protected]. The business can also be contacted through its Facebook page, Mathias Dairies – Pembrokeshire.

Crime

Man sentenced after admitting possession of pepper spray and knuckleduster

Published

41 minutes ago

April 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Court hears prohibited weapons were found at Penygroes address

A 41-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced after admitting possessing a knuckleduster and indicating a guilty plea to possessing pepper spray.

Llanelli Magistrates’ Court heard that Oliver Lycett, of Bridge Street, Penygroes, was before the court on Tuesday (Apr 14) in connection with the two weapons offences.

The first charge stated that on Oct 18, 2025, Lycett possessed a knuckleduster in a private place, contrary to the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

He also faced a second charge of possessing pepper spray without the authority of the Secretary of State, an offence under the Firearms Act 1968.

The court record shows Lycett entered a guilty plea to the knuckleduster offence and an indicated guilty plea to the pepper spray offence.

District Judge M Layton imposed a community order running until Apr 13, 2027.

As part of the sentence, Lycett must complete up to 10 days of rehabilitation activity.

The court also ordered the deprivation of both weapons, meaning the knuckleduster and the pepper spray are to be forfeited.

Lycett was fined £120. He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

A collection order was made, with deductions from benefits and the financial penalty to be paid in full within 28 days.

Crime

Pembrokeshire man to stand trial accused of rape in Tenby

Published

43 minutes ago

April 15, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Defendant denies allegation as case is sent to Swansea Crown Court

A PEMBROKESHIRE man is due to stand trial at Swansea Crown Court accused of raping a woman in Tenby town centre.

Dean Gough, 48, of Orielton, Pembroke, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week charged with rape.

The court heard that Gough is accused of intentionally penetrating the woman’s vagina at a property in Tenby on December 7, 2022, without her consent and without reasonably believing that she was consenting.

During the hearing, Gough factually denied the allegation.

The case has now been sent to Swansea Crown Court, where trial proceedings are due to begin on May 15.

Gough was released on unconditional bail.