News
Stole drain covers to buy food
A HAVERFORDWEST man appeared in the town’s court on Tuesday to face a charge of theft. Steven John Simms, aged 51, of Fleming Crescent, pleaded guilty to stealing three storm drain covers to the value of £450 which belonged to Pembrokeshire County Council. Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said:
“A witness who works for Pembrokeshire County Council had noticed that heavy metal drain covers had been removed. The police were contacted and enquiries were carried out. The defendant was given permission to store scrap metal in the yard behind White and Britton’s around 17 to 18 months ago. The drain covers were located in the yard.
“Police pointed out to Simms that removing the drain covers could potentially be very dangerous. He said he couldn’t remember a lot about the incident, but remembered stealing them to sell on for money for food.
“Theft is a main feature on his record with 60 plus offences relating to it”.
Defence solicitor Matthew Webb said: “Simms entered an early guilty plea. He agrees with Miss Norman’s conclusion of the report, though is a man of few words. He has said ‘I’m not going out pinching any more’. It is a fairly minor but potentially serious case, and he wants to put an end to it”.
The chairman of the bench said: “We consider removing the covers is a very dangerous offence. I’m surprised Miss Norman has this view. We were considering custody. What if they were not discovered and had caused injury to innocent pedestrians?”
Matthew Webb said to the magistrates: “Might I put forward the issue of a drink driver? Getting behind the wheel under the influence of a drug, I find is much more serious and is dealt with every day”.
The chairman replied: “They are not just dealt with by a conditional discharge. They are not allowed to drive for a considerable amount of time”.
Magistrates decided to grant Simms a suspended custodial sentence for 12 months. Should Simms offend again within the next 12 months, a 12 week custodial sentence will be imposed.
News
New mobile visitor centre ready to help visitors gear up for the Pembrokeshire Coast

PEOPLE visiting some of Pembrokeshire’s top beaches and events may soon encounter a new mobile information centre, with a specially converted van ready to hit the road and help people enjoy their visit.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s new information van will be set up at seaside locations and popular local events, with Rangers on hand to give advice to those who need help and suggest free activities for those looking to discover the area’s wildlife.
National Park Authority Ranger Service Manager, Libby Taylor said: “This new vehicle will help our staff provide a range of information at locations where we know many people head to enjoy the National Park.
“As well as helping people learn more about the area and the different ways they can make the most of their visit, people can also find out how they can make the least impact on the Park during their stay.

“As well as having an awning to provide shelter, the van also includes space for magnetic panels that can be changed so the information that’s most relevant to the location or event can be provided.”
The vehicle, which has been converted by local company Poppit Campers, also includes a solar panel, which will help to power two iPads, which will give members of the public a chance to find further information on subjects such as nearby walks and wildlife identification.
The purchase and conversion of the vehicle was made possible through the support of the Welsh Government.
Community
Deadline approaching for £500 payment to unpaid carers

THE DEADLINE to apply for a one-off £500 payment to eligible unpaid carers in Wales is rapidly approaching.
The Welsh Government scheme, administered by Pembrokeshire County Council, is open to all unpaid carers in Wales who were in receipt of Carers Allowance on 31 March 2022.
The deadline to apply is 5pm on 15th July 2022 and those who believe they are eligible are urged not to miss out.
The Council is also sending out 400 letters this week to those they believe may be eligible and who have not yet applied.
The payment is in recognition of the increased financial pressures many unpaid carers experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic and to help with some of the additional costs they have incurred.
The payment is targeted towards those individuals who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and have low incomes.
You will not be eligible for the payment if:
- You have an underlying entitlement to Carers Allowance but do not receive a payment because you are in receipt of another benefit at the same or higher rate; or
- You only receive the carer premium
If you have already applied please be assured the Council is working its way through the applications as quickly as possible.
How to apply
Applicants (this should be the person in receipt of carer’s allowance)
are required to complete the online form at: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/grants/unpaid-carers-500-pound-payment
Required information is:
- Your name, address, telephone number and email address
- Date of Birth
- National Insurance Number
- Post code
- A bank statement showing your name, address, account number and sort code
If you are having problems completing the on-line application form please email: UnpaidCarers@pembrokeshire.gov.uk alternatively call 01437 764551 for assistance.
Crime
Lola James: Two people have denied charges in connection of the death of 2-year-old

TWO people who have been charged in connection with the death of a Haverfordwest toddler have denied charges.
30-year-old Kyle Bevan of Aberystwyth, denied a charge of murder at Swansea Crown Court.
Lola’s mum Sinead James, 29, denied a charge of causing or allowing the death of a child.
Lola died in Hospital on July 21, 2020, four days after sustaining a severe head injury at her home address in Princess Royal Way, Haverfordwest.
Bevan was remanded into custody.
James was released on conditional bail.
The trial will take place in 2023 and Judge Thomas said it is expected to last four weeks.
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