News

Life-saving charity urges people to stay safe

Published

11 years ago

April 23, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Llys y Fran: Aerial snap from NoLimits Photography

A CHARITY is issuing water safety advice as the weather warms up. With a week of warm weather predicted following the Easter bank holiday, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has urged people to enjoy the sunshine but warned people to stay water safe. The drowning prevention charity has issued water safety tips that could save lives as temperatures are expected to hit 20C as many enjoy the remainder of the half-term break.

Warm weather leads people to spend time in and around water but if not done safely it can end in tragedy. Around 400 people drown in the UK each year, the equivalent of one every 20 hours. When the weather warms up more people enjoy the water and drownings in open water sadly peak. Diving or jumping into water with low temperature can cause the body to have a cold shock response, resulting in a number of involuntary physiological responses including diffi culty in moving limbs, making swimming or staying on the surface difficult, and a sudden gasp which can mean water is breathed in instead of air. And it is important to remember to be safe around the home as people spend more time in the garden and dig out paddling pools for children.

RLSS UK’s acting director of volunteers and community education, Mike Dunn, said: “With the predicted nice weather we want people to go out and enjoy the water safely and we advise people to swim at open water sites where there are lifeguards to help keep swimmers safe. We also ask people to think water safety at home and follow our tips. “So, make the most of the weather but listen to advice and do so responsibly, don’t let a weekend of fun become a tragedy.” Open water safety tips The conditions at open water sites change constantly:

• Only ever enter the water in areas with adequate supervision and rescue cover

• Always look for warning and guidance signs

• Do not enter fast fl owing water

• Be aware of underwater hazards • Get out of the water as soon as you start to feel cold

• Never enter the water after consuming alcohol

• Always wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket for activities on the water or at the water’s edge (such as when boating or fishing)

• If you want to swim wear a wetsuit if you have one • Always take someone with you when you go into or near water. If something goes wrong they will be able to get help Top 5 water safety tips near open water

• Be aware of your surroundings and take notice of any warning signs when out and about • When running or walking next to open water, stay well clear of bank edges. They are often unstable and this can create slips, trips and falls

• Try to always walk or run with a friend

• Always let someone know where you’re going – take your mobile phone

• Learn swimming and lifesaving skills Top water safety tips in the garden – Never leave a child unsupervised around water, under any circumstances

• Always use self-closing gates, fences and locks to prevent children from gaining access to ponds and pools of water. Check and maintain fences and fixings regularly and never leave chairs or objects near to fencing that children could use to climb over

• Securely cover all water storage tanks and drains

• Empty paddling pools, buckets, watering cans and other containers as soon as they have been used. Always turn them upside down once empty

• Learn CPR and lifesaving skills – RLSS UK has a variety of course and awards available for all ages and needs What to do if someone is in trouble in the water

• Shout reassurance to them, shout for help and call the emergency services (call 999 or 112)

• Without endangering yourself see if you can reach out to them with a stick, pole or item of clothing – lie down to ensure you stay secure. Alternatively throw something buoyant to them such as a ring buoy or anything that will float.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

4 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

4 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.