News
St Davids: Man accused of sex offences driven out of city by ‘mob’ of ‘vigilantes’
A JUDGE today threatened to have residents of St Davids arrested if they continued to behave “like vigilantes.”
The warning came after it emerged that a man charged with sex offences against five women when they were children had been “right handed” out of the city.
Carina Hughes, the barrister representing the accused man, told Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Aug 7) that a “mob” had turned up at a house in Maes Dyfed on Wednesday.
The man, who had been granted bail to the address, had felt forced to leave and went to a police station “for his own safety.”
That was, at least technically, a breach of his bail conditions and he was now being held in custody.
Judge Paul Thomas said no-one had the right to take the law into their own hands and the courts would not put up with such “vigilantism.”
He said he expected Dyfed-Powys police to arrest anyone who carried out such behaviour.
However, it emerged during the same hearing that the force did not have a single officer based permanently in St Davids.
The accused man has denied all the allegations against him and is due to stand trial in October.
News
Campaigners urge Welsh Government to end animal testing

WALES Against Animal Experiments returned to the Senedd to hand in more than 1,500 paper signatures supporting their online petition. The petition, which calls on the Welsh Government to scrutinise research funding and shift towards human-relevant medical technologies, has already surpassed the 10,000 signatures needed to be considered for debate.
Campaigners say the petition reflects growing public concern over the ethical and scientific failings of animal testing. They argue that modern alternatives, such as Organ-On-a-Chip and 3D bioprinting, offer safer and more effective research methods.
A spokesperson for Wales Against Animal Experiments said: “The outdated practice of experimenting on animals must come to an end. Many scientists now recognise that animal-based research lacks credibility, and we are working alongside leading organisations to push for a transition to cruelty-free science.”
Dr Andre Menache, a medical research expert and member of the Alliance for Cruelty-Free Science, has backed the petition. He said: “I warmly congratulate everyone in Wales for surpassing the 10,000-signature mark. I am fully with you and happy to provide scientific support to any Welsh MPs interested in this issue.”
Supporters can still sign the petition online at petitions.senedd.wales.
Community
Pembrokeshire attraction opens to public to support local charity

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire attraction will be welcoming non-residents next month to raise funds for a vital local charity.
The Blue Lagoon at Bluestone will be open to the public on Tuesday, April 15, with proceeds going to Point Youth Centre in Fishguard. The charity, which supports young people with drop-in services, structured activities, free meals, training, and counselling, will receive 75 per cent of the ticket sales from the event.
Before the Covid pandemic, the Blue Lagoon was regularly open to day visitors who could enjoy the pool, waterslides, wave machine, and jacuzzis alongside holiday park guests. However, this stopped during lockdown and was never fully reinstated, leading to frustration among locals.
Now, the water park opens to the public on selected evenings to support the Bluestone Foundation and local charities. The upcoming event will provide families with a chance to enjoy the facility while giving back to the community.
“These events provide an opportunity for community members to enjoy the Blue Lagoon while directly contributing to local causes,” said a Bluestone spokesperson.
The event runs from 6:30pm to 9:00pm, with tickets priced at £11.55 for adults and children. Entry for children under four costs £2.88. Tickets are available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blue-lagoon-event-in-support-of-fishguard-goodwick-young-persons-trust-tickets-1116390406759
Business
Halfords offering interviews to all staff affected by ATS closures in Wales

HALFORDS extended an offer of interviews to all members of staff affected by the closure of the ATS Euromaster branches in Brecon, Pontypridd and Llanelli
This follows ATS Euromaster’s recent announcement that 86 of its service centres are set to close.
With 639 garages nationwide, including branches in these affected towns, Halfords is one of the UK’s largest employers of automotive technicians. The company services, maintains, and repairs vehicles for 1,400,000 customers annually.
The UK is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified automotive technicians, with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) estimating 20,000 vacancies in the sector.
Halfords remains committed to creating rewarding career pathways, offering opportunities for qualified technicians looking to develop new skills—such as EV servicing—as well as young people entering the industry through apprenticeships.
In addition to supporting ATS employees, Halfords is also stepping in to help customers affected by the closures, ensuring they continue to have access to trusted and competitive automotive services.
Support for ATS customers
To assist those whose bookings are impacted by ATS branch closures, Halfords garages will prioritise MOT and other service bookings originally made with ATS wherever possible, helping customers avoid delays and ensuring their vehicles remain roadworthy.
“We are pleased to be working in partnership with ATS to explore employment opportunities for affected colleagues, while also ensuring that motorists in this part of Wales continue to have access to competitive, convenient, and trusted automotive services,” said Chris Rose, Halfords. Divisional Director
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sjb
August 7, 2015 at 5:34 pm
When a whistle blower reported her concerns about a paedophile working in Pembs County Council she was sacked, it took Dyfed Powys Police TEN YEARS to investigate,
I don’t agree with mob rule or vigilantism BUT one can understand why ppl are vigilantes when they believe the police and the justice system have let them down
sjb
August 10, 2015 at 11:21 pm
may I just add, the police only moved when they were embaressed into it, dreadful it wasn’t someone important like saville was he ( OR is the defence the council did not tell them ?)
Last longer
August 13, 2015 at 4:12 pm
This is all very good I want you to keep track of information . Thanks for the useful info.