News

Epic journey passes through

Published

9 years ago

August 16, 2016

Sailing around the UK: A tricky task

THE POINTON family have been on an epic journey since June, sailing around the coast of the UK anti-clockwise in order to raise money for the fantastic charity, Action For Children.

Steve, Kaz and Harry Pointon began their trip at Gosport on June 4 and will now visit Milford Haven on Saturday afternoon (Jul 30) and Tenby on Sunday (Aug 1) while on their journey.

Dad Steve has said that the task did not phase him, having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Navy for over 24 years.

While serving, Steve worked with Sea King helicopters from 845 and 846 squadrons based in Yeovilton, preparing for the 11,073 mile trip.

Steve still serves as a Chief Petty Officer as a Reservist on 700X squadron based at Culdrose and has been sailing with his wife Kaz for about 20 years, starting with Navy charter yachts on the Solent.

The UK has some of the strongest tides in the world and the weather can bring strong winds and poor visibility all year around, but the Pointon family were determined to complete their expedition.

Environmentally friendly Team Tikka will negotiate the UK’s coastline in order to raise money for Action For Children, a charity close to their hearts.

The charity take action to improve the lives of vulnerable children, intervening early to help to fix problems before children are overwhelmed by abuse, neglect and ill-treatment. Action For Children intervene when there are more serious concerns to make children safer and help them to thrive.

Mum Caz said: “We adopted Harry when he was six. He had a difficult start in life and we’re delighted to have been able to offer him a loving and caring home that he needs.

“We would like to see all children in our country have a better chance in life, which is why we chose Action for Children. It’s a national charity that is passionate about helping vulnerable children and young people and we hope to raise a lot of money and raise awareness of the great work they do.”

Outdoor persuits instructor Martin Torbett, a friend of Steve’s, who climbs and cycles regularly, has also been inspired by the Pointon family’s quest.

Martin has already completed four cycle charity events in in the past and was eager to participate in the challenge by cycling approximately 4,000 miles around the UK at the same time as the Pointon family’s journey.

The Pointon family have exceeded their £10,000 target, raising just under £14,000, but want to raise as much money as possible for the fantastic cause.

If you would like to donate to support them and Action For Children, go to: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/TikkasTravels.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

11 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

11 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

11 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.