News

Cafe relocates to Johnston

Published

9 years ago

August 9, 2016

Pictured at the new Halfway Cafe are (left to right) Council Chairman Cllr Tony Brinsden, Saskia Lee, Kerry Lee, Tonia Williams (owner), Barry Cooke (Head of Property), Donna Ashbolt and Cllr Keith Lewis.

A CAFE owner is putting up the finishing touches to her new premises at Pope Hill, Johnston, after relocating from Haverfordwest.

Tonia Williams traded in the town’s Riverside Market and said the decision to move had been driven by Pembrokeshire County Council’s plans for the market.

Current plans will see it being developed into a high quality culture and arts centre comprising a nationally significant exhibition gallery, 21st Century County library and a tourist information centre in the heart of the town.

“It wasn’t an easy decision but the support I have received from the Council has made it better,” she said.

“I was reluctant to go initially. We had a loyal customer base, we knew our surroundings and I was settled but the Council’s Property Section has made relocating much smoother. They’ve been very honest.

“I’ve had helpful advice on leasing and with dealing with solicitors, and the trades people I have dealt with have been superb. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of running the new business now but there’ll be some changes I’ll have to get used to.

“The customer base will be different and we’ll be opening earlier to accommodate passing trade so that will be the biggest difference I think.”

Tonia, who has worked in retail and catering for most of her life, said the premises, which will be called the ‘Halfway Cafe’ required a total re-fit.

“Although it’s always been used as a cafe or food premises I wanted to put my stamp on it so it was out with the old and in with the new, even down to the plumbing.

“I signed the lease on May 10th and have been working on it ever since.”

And the challenges don’t stop there. Although two regular members of staff have moved with her to Halfway Cafe she’ll be recruiting for more.

“There was a bit of uncertainty with some members of staff when I first announced the move and they left to find new jobs for added security.

“I was sad to see them go but could understand the reasons, but as one door closes another opens and we’ll be on the lookout for more staff as we become more established.”

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Communities Councillor Keith Lewis praised the support that Tonia has received.

“As a businessman, I understand how difficult it must have been for an established business to move however we have worked hard to make the move as smooth as possible and we wish her new venture every success.”

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

56 minutes 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

1 hour 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

1 hour 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.