News
Milford Haven: Court appearance postponed for ‘drugs gang’ trio


Jailed: ‘Jimmy Blond’ and his partner Siobhan Jackson
A MILFORD HAVEN businessman and two of his ‘associates,’ who were remanded in custody by magistrates in Llanelli last month, have had their first appearance at Swansea Crown Court postponed.
A district judge remanded the three into custody on April 23, in part, a court heard, for their own protection.
The three are accused of being part of an ‘organised group of criminals’ running cocaine from Liverpool into Pembrokeshire. They were originally due to appear in court on May 8, but the case was taken out of the list.
Swansea Crown Court told the Herald that there is not yet a listing date for the appearance of Leigh Salter, 36, of Steynton Road, Milford Haven, who is accused of being the ‘primary runner’ in a drug gang’s operation. Salter had allegedly made 62 runs bringing drugs into the county.
Also out of the court list on Friday were alleged associates James Bolton, age 47, known locally as ‘Jimmy Blond’ and his partner Siobhan Jackson, age 37. All three are accused of conspiring to supply cocaine, a class A drug.
A spokesperson Swansea Crown Court said that there is not currently a date in the list for the three to appear.
The three remain remanded in custody on the grounds that the offences were of such a serious nature and that the likelihood of reoffending was high. The court also heard that there was a risk of reprisals against the three, and that there had been ‘violent threats against them’.

On remand: Leigh Salter, 36
Last month, as The Herald previously reported, seventeen people were sentenced to a total of 61 years in jail for their involvement in a cocaine supply ring.
The arrests were the result of Operation Redcliff, which targeted the supply of cocaine into south-west Wales.
Nine of the people sentenced were from the Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire area.
Jail sentences totaling 61 years were handed down after a “professional and meticulous” police operation trapped a gang running drugs into the county. It is not known at this stage if the three currently on remand are accused of being connected with the same Liverpool gang.
The so called “Liverpool Connection” had arranged for large amounts of cocaine to be delivered to Milford Haven, Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock.
One drugs “meet” took place at Carmarthen golf club without the club being aware, Swansea crown court was told.
In court, Robin Rouch, prosecuting, said police used cameras fitted with automatic number plate recognition to track the gang’s movements and bugged conversations as part of Operation Redcliff.
Health
Calls to prioritise dementia as nearly half remain undiagnosed in Wales

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru launches petition amid fears of rising cases and missed care
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to urge the Welsh Government to make dementia a national priority, as figures show that nearly half of those living with the condition in Wales remain undiagnosed.
Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is asking the public to back its Wales Takes on Dementia petition, which aims to send a clear message to current and future ministers that urgent action is needed. More than 50,000 people in Wales are currently living with dementia, yet around half have no formal diagnosis — meaning they may be missing out on vital treatment, care and support.
Geoff Mock, from Swansea, who lives with vascular dementia, is calling on the public to add their names. He said: “Living with vascular dementia hasn’t been easy, but it hasn’t taken away who I am. A diagnosis is the start of a new chapter — one that can still be full of purpose and dignity.”
Geoff chaired the Alzheimer’s Society Wales Dementia Conference on Tuesday (July 8), held at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay. The event brought together healthcare professionals, policy experts and people with lived experience to discuss Wales’ dementia diagnosis rate — the lowest in the UK at just 56%.
Luke Fletcher MS, Chair of the Senedd Cross-Party Group on Dementia, also addressed the conference and backed calls for dementia training to be made mandatory for all social care workers.
Gemma Roberts, National Influencing Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, warned that the number of dementia cases in Wales is projected to rise by more than 37% by 2040 — to nearly 70,000. She said: “It currently costs Wales £2.3 billion annually — a figure expected to double by 2040. But beyond the financial toll, the human cost is immeasurable. Now is the time for bold, innovative leadership on dementia.”
The charity is calling for the introduction of a new Wales Dementia Action Plan and is urging all political parties to commit to making dementia care a core priority for the next Welsh Government.
To sign the petition, visit: alzheimers.org.uk/petition-wales
Farming
Bluetongue red markets a ‘step forward’, says NFU Cymru

New measures will support farmers under current disease restrictions
NFU CYMRU has welcomed the introduction of Bluetongue approved red markets as a “step forward” in supporting Welsh farmers affected by disease control measures.
The announcement, made on Friday (July 11) by the Welsh Government and Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, means that from Monday (July 14), livestock can be moved from the Bluetongue Restricted Zone in England to designated red markets in Wales. From there, animals can go directly to slaughter at approved abattoirs either in Wales or within the restricted zone.
The decision follows a Bluetongue Roundtable meeting hosted by the Deputy First Minister on Tuesday (July 8), where NFU Cymru President Aled Jones was among those representing the sector.
Speaking after the announcement, Mr Jones said: “I outlined to the Deputy First Minister the serious impact current Bluetongue control policies are having on the Welsh livestock sector. Our members remain deeply concerned about the implications for trade, particularly with the breeding season approaching. It is vital we do more to protect the viability of breeding flocks and herds – and the wider sustainability of farm businesses.”
He welcomed the red market move as a practical improvement, though not without limitations. “In normal circumstances, some animals would be moved for further finishing. The requirement for direct slaughter limits options, but the flexibility this measure brings will support trade in finished stock.”
Mr Jones also raised ongoing concerns about government agency capacity to process testing and licences, and the high costs involved. “The cost of testing is prohibitive except in the case of very high-value animals,” he said. “That’s why NFU Cymru and the NFU have jointly written to the Welsh Government and Defra, calling for urgent financial assistance. That request remains unanswered.”
He urged farmers to discuss vaccination options with their private vets, noting that the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales is considering how vaccine uptake could further ease trade restrictions.
“With the breeding sales season fast approaching, time is of the essence,” Mr Jones added. “We call on the Welsh Government to work closely with the industry to explore additional measures to increase the movement of vaccinated stock.”
NFU Cymru has also been pressing for clearer guidance for cross-border farms. The union has welcomed the publication of updated information by the Welsh Government alongside the new red market announcement.
Farming
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society launches search for 2026 Ambassador

Young rural leaders invited to apply for prestigious voluntary role
THE PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY has launched its search for the 2026 County Show Ambassador — a voluntary role aimed at promoting the Society and celebrating rural life in the county.
The successful candidate will support Society officeholders in representing the organisation at key events, including the Pembrokeshire County Show and other activities throughout the year. As part of their development, the 2026 Ambassador will shadow the current Ambassador during this year’s show and gain hands-on experience of the Society’s work.
Last year’s Ambassador, Alys Owens, was appointed during the 2024 Show. Alys, who lives in Haverfordwest, works for Castell Howell and is an active member of Llysyfran YFC. She previously served as Club Secretary and was awarded Club Secretary of the Year at County level. A talented cornet player, Alys also performs with the Goodwick Brass Band.
Tim Johns, President of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, said: “The Ambassador role is an important one. Applicants must have strong communication skills and a genuine enthusiasm for supporting the Society. Knowledge of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and the County Show is desirable.”
The role is open to Pembrokeshire residents aged between 18 and 30. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview at the County Show office from 7:00pm on Tuesday, 19 August. The chosen candidate will receive a £200 allowance and complimentary Society membership for three years.
The deadline for applications is noon on Sunday, 17 August 2025. Applications must be submitted online at: Show Ambassador | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society
Please note: Previous holders of the Ambassador role are not eligible to reapply.
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