News
Vice-chair’s appointment ‘a giant leap for democracy’

County Hall
“A GIANT leap for democracy in Pembrokeshire” – THOSE were the words of newly-elected Pembrokeshire County Council Vice-Chair Tony Brinsden, as he addressed councillors after winning a four-way election for the post on Friday, May 15.
The Amroth representative, a former policeman and past chair of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, beat the challenges of the three IPPG candidates to win the post in a secret ballot of council members.

Cllr Tony Brinsden
Standing against Cllr Brinsden were Cllr Lyn Jenkins (Solva); Pearl Llewellyn (Monkton); and former Cabinet member Ken Rowlands (Johnston).
After the first ballot, Cllr Llewellyn was eliminated, followed by Cllr Rowlands in the second round.
In the run off, Cllr Brinsden defeated Cllr Lyn Jenkins.
Cllr Brinsden is the first opposition member to hold the post of Vice Chair since the authority was formed in 1996.
Cllr Brinsden’s election was greeted by applause and warm congratulations extended to him from all sides of the Chamber. The new Vice Chairman thanked all councillors for their votes, particularly those from the ruling group who had backed him in the secret ballot against one of their own number.
Cllr Brinsden stands to be Council Chair in the final year of the current authority term, 2016-2017.
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
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
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
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.
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ieuan
May 15, 2015 at 6:29 pm
Well Done Clr Brinsden, bet Jamie Adams nose is well out of joint!
Role on 2016 when you become Chairmen!
tomos
May 15, 2015 at 6:31 pm
Blimey, i bet jamies none too happy, BPJ would never have allowed it
Flashbang
May 16, 2015 at 5:22 am
Hopefully this is the beginning of the end for the corrupt stench around the IPPG and PCC.
Paris
May 18, 2015 at 2:58 pm
Please don’t go over to the ‘dark side’ Clr Brinsden like others have.