News

Two locals fined for selling fake goods on Facebook

Published

11 years ago

October 19, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Not the real thing: Raybans were some of the fakes sold on Facebook

TWO Pembrokeshire men who advertised counterfeit goods for sale on Facebook have been fined.

In two separate cases heard on Friday (Oct 16) at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, the bench heard how the men distributed fake items, which had been advertised via Facebook, from their homes.

Bryan Mathias, aged 34, of Min y Llan Letterston, pleaded guilty to a total of 25 offences under Section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994 and Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

After receiving information that he was supplying counterfeit clothing from his home, Pembrokeshire County Council’s (PCC) Trading Standards service was issued with a warrant to search his premises.

Officers found a quantity of counterfeit goods including Superdry hoodies and jackets, Hollister hoodies, Beats headphones and bluetooth speakers, Paco Rabanne perfume, MAC makeup, Rayban sunglasses, assorted DVDs, and Michael Kors watches, jewellery and purses.

Samples were sent to the trademark holders who confirmed that the goods were fake.

Some of the seized fake electrical goods were also submitted for safety testing, and found not to comply with the Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations, and were therefore unsafe.

Magistrates fined Mathias £380, and he was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,950, and a victim surcharge of £38.

They also ordered a Forfeiture Order so that the counterfeit goods could be destroyed.

In a separate case, Peter Whitwham, aged 41, of Robert Street Milford Haven pleaded guilty to seven offences under Section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1994.

Trading Standards officers obtained a warrant to search his home in December 2014 as a result of information received that he was using Facebook to sell counterfeit clothing.

Counterfeit goods seized from his home included hoodies bearing the Jack Wills, Hollister, Superdry and Adidas trademarks.

Brandholders who later examined samples of the goods confirmed that they were fake.

Magistrates fined Whitwham £220, and he was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £1,350, and a victim surcharge of £22.

They also ordered a Forfeiture Order so that the counterfeit goods could be destroyed.

Councillor Huw George, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services said counterfeiting was sometimes seen as a victimless crime, but the supply of cheap inferior fake goods unfairly affected the trade of legitimate businesses in the county.

“Additionally, fake electrical goods such as bluetooth speakers, mains chargers, and hair straighteners are not manufactured to safety standards, and put users at risk,” he said.

“I would discourage anyone considering buying such items as Christmas presents from doing so, as they pose electrocution and fire hazard risks.”

Crime

Alleged pay TV fraud case due before Haverfordwest magistrates

Published

2 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Milford Haven man faces three Fraud Act charges linked to apps, electronic data and adapted Amazon Fire TV sticks

A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 21) charged with three offences under the Fraud Act 2006.

Michael David Barrow, 48, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, is listed to appear before magistrates in connection with allegations relating to software and devices said to have enabled unlawful access to pay television content.

According to the court list, it is alleged that between October 19, 2019 and February 22, 2024, at Haverfordwest and elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, Barrow made applications, known as apps, and/or other electronic data which enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to those entitled to it.

He is further accused of supplying applications, apps and/or other electronic data intended to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

A third charge alleges that he supplied Amazon Fire TV Sticks which, when adapted, enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to the rights holders, intending them to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

All three charges are brought under Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Community

Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash

Published

4 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

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Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

5 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.