News

Tributes pour in for tragic schoolboy

Published

12 years ago

January 3, 2014

Tom Sinclair

THE FATHER and headteacher of a 14-year-old boy found dead in woodland have paid tribute to him.

Investigations are continuing into the death of Derek Brundrett, who was found at a secondary school in Pembroke.

His father, David, wrote on Facebook: “To my boy Derek. Sorry for not being there for you.

“Should of tried harder, you will always be in my thoughts every minute of every day as you have been since the day you were born. I will miss you more than anyone I have ever known.”

He also appeared to blame bullies for Derek’s death, writing in a separate message: “Bullies, I am coming for you. Now my life is not worth living.”

Pembroke School headteacher Frank Ciccotti said staff and pupils were deeply shocked and saddened.

He said: “He was a likeable and popular student with a group of close friends. He had a larger-than-life character and was loyal, gentle and caring. He will be much missed.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends. He is ever present in our thoughts.

“We are trying to help students and staff come to terms with their loss through a series of special assemblies. We also have experienced counsellors and support workers available to talk to those who are most affected.

“The school is co-operating with the coroner and his officers in their investigation into the circumstances of this tragic event. It would not be appropriate for us to make any further comment at this time.”

Mr Ciccotti added: “We are absolutely certain that bullying was not a factor in this tragic incident.

“I spoke to the boy’s friends yesterday afternoon and they were very open about his thoughts and the problems he was facing, but bullying was not one of them.

“Derek also had daily access to the school’s pastoral support system where he confided some of the problems he was going through.

“The school is operating as normal this week, the last week of term as I think it is important for the pupils to have some sort of normality.

“They will however have access to any additional support they need.

“The school is also looking at arrangements to open on Saturday and Sunday afternoon where access to our family internment workers will be available to pupils and their families.”

A Facebook page has also been set up in Derek’s memory.

The death happened at about 2pm last Thursday in a wooded area near the school’s reception.

A police spokeswoman said:

“Police school liaison officers have been working with the school to ensure the well-being of the rest of the pupils.”

County councillor Susan Perkins, who sits on the school’s board of governors, said:

“It goes without saying that whenever something like this happens in the community it is absolutely heartbreaking and my condolences go to the family. It is just incredibly sad.”

Pembroke School has around 1,400 pupils.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.