News

Llandysul: Cruel couple sentenced for horse neglect

Published

10 years ago

October 26, 2015

Picture from RSPCA

A MAN and woman from Llandysul have been sentenced for animal welfare offences towards 16 different horses found in a neglected state.

David Robert John Davies, of Maes Dilen, Pentrcwrt, Llandysul, Cardigan, was sent to prison for 26 weeks and disqualified from keeping horses for life after he admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to 16 horses.

Leanne Summers, of the same address, was also disqualified from keeping horses for five years and given a suspended sentence.

Both defendants appeared at Llanelli Magistrates Court on Friday (October 23) for sentencing following a trial heard earlier this month. Summers was found guilty of the six offences at the previous trial, while Davies had pleaded guilty on the first day of the trial.

Three of the offences related to the welfare of a black colt and five horses from the Rhydargaeuau area and three offences related to the welfare of 10 horses from the Capel Dewi area.

The RSPCA was called after concern was raised about the welfare of eight horses in the Rhydargaeuau area. Two were found dead. One of the horses, a black colt, was sadly put to sleep on veterinary advice due to its condition.

RSPCA deputy chief inspector Julie Fadden said: “These horses were all in a terrible state of neglect. Two were already dead, and very sadly, the black colt was in such a bad state of health that nothing could be done to save him.

“The other five were Welsh mountain ponies and were ranging in condition from thin to emaciated.”

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben attended another location at Capel Dewi and where he discovered a further with 10 horses.

He said: “Sadly one of the horses was so weak that a vet said he had to be put to sleep. It was horrendous and so sad. Six out of the ten horses were in a very thin condition.”

“People have these horses and don’t understand how to look after them. These are their basic needs and they need to be checked daily.”

The surviving horses were taken into RSPCA care and we hope to re-home them soon.

Magistrates sentenced Davies to a term of 26 weeks imprisonment and was also disqualified for life from keeping horses although this is delayed until February 1, 2016. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80.

Summers was also handed a term of 26 weeks imprisonment which has been suspended for two years.

She was also given a 12 month supervision order and was disqualified from keeping horses for five years, which is suspended until February 1, 2016. Summers was also ordered to pay a £4,000 fine and a £80 victim surcharge.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

12 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

12 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

12 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.