News
Officers ‘followed their noses’
A PEMBROKE DOCK man was caught out by officers who could smell cannabis whilst on a foot patrol.
Leighton Clarke, aged 36, of Wavell Crescent, pleaded guilty to possessing 6.7 grams of cannabis at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 17).
Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said: “Two officers were on duty on November 26 at around 8:40pm. They were on a foot patrol and could smell cannabis. They followed their noses and as they came to the garden of the defendant he threw a joint down the drain. He made no reply to the caution and a search was carried out at his address. They found cannabis wrapped in cling film which weighed 5 grams. They found another 1.7 grams in a small money bag. Altogether the cannabis would have a value of £67. Clarke showed the officers where they could find the items and arrangements were made for him to come to the police station as it was late at night. He made a full admission at the station. He was last in court in July 2014 for production and possession of cannabis.”
Defending, John Tarrant said: “He had been suffering with depression and had been taking various tablets but they were of no benefit to him. He does not use the cannabis by his children and that is why he was outside in the back garden when police saw him. He says that it keeps him calm and that is has medicinal benefits. He has no difficulties in his life and he is beginning to turn a corner and this drug has worked for him the past. The cannabis was for his own personal use.”
Magistrates fined Clarke £90 for possession of the drug and he was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £20.
The chairman of the bench also told Clarke that he should seek help in order to rid himself of the use of the drug.
A forfeiture and destruction order was made for the drugs and on leaving the court room Clarke said: “I am sorry your honour.”
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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