News

Man remanded in custody over drug and firearm offences

Published

10 years ago

October 4, 2016

court A 22-YEAR-OLD man from Goat Street in Haverfordwest appeared in court yesterday (Oct 3) to face a total of seven charges, after officers who entered his home were attacked by his two Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Charles Jones appeared before magistrates, however did not enter a plea regarding an incident at his home on Saturday (Oct 1), in which four police officers received hospital treatment after being attacked by dogs.

Prosecutor Abdul Hussain told the court: “Officers attended the home address of the defendant, and the door was open. They could smell cannabis and entered the property, and saw four people, two of which they believed were under the influence of drugs.

“Jones became aggressive, and started shouting ‘Where’s your f***ing warrant?’ and ‘get out’. The officers called for assistance, and Jones became more aggressive, shouting ‘Who the f*** do you think you are?’

“PC Rob drew out his Taser, and shouted’Taser.’ Jones lunged forward and grabbed the Taser, and threatened to shoot PC Rob. Jones is described as going ‘bezerk’ and was instructed to let go of the Taser but was still holding onto it.”

Mr Hussain explained that Jones’ dogs, Mercedes and Tia, became involved after Jones became involved in a struggle leading to his arrest.

PC Griffiths was bitten by the white dog and was ‘level with it’ on the floor. Jones shouted to let him go in order to calm the dogs down.

£875 in cash was recovered from the house, as well as MDMA. Photos were taken of the injuries sustained.

Defence solicitor, Michael Kelleher, said: “Jones has never been to court before and there’s nothing in previous history to say he would fail to surrender or commit further offences.

“He rents a private flat in his name and has two dogs, who have never been involved in an incident. The reason the dogs acted the way they did at the time, was because in their eyes, their owner was under attack. Nobody suggested to move the dogs, and Jones suggested letting him go to calm them down.

“Jones is an innocent man until proved guilty.”

An online petition has since been started in the hope that the dogs will not be destroyed, as members of the public believe that the dogs were just trying to protect their owner.

After a short retirement, magistrates decided to remand Jones in custody until his trial, which will be held at Swansea Crown Court on November 4.

Crime

Alleged pay TV fraud case due before Haverfordwest magistrates

Published

1 hour ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Milford Haven man faces three Fraud Act charges linked to apps, electronic data and adapted Amazon Fire TV sticks

A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 21) charged with three offences under the Fraud Act 2006.

Michael David Barrow, 48, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, is listed to appear before magistrates in connection with allegations relating to software and devices said to have enabled unlawful access to pay television content.

According to the court list, it is alleged that between October 19, 2019 and February 22, 2024, at Haverfordwest and elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, Barrow made applications, known as apps, and/or other electronic data which enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to those entitled to it.

He is further accused of supplying applications, apps and/or other electronic data intended to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

A third charge alleges that he supplied Amazon Fire TV Sticks which, when adapted, enabled access to pay television content without appropriate payment being made to the rights holders, intending them to be used to commit, or assist in the commission of, fraud.

All three charges are brought under Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Community

Tributes paid to teenager killed in Ceredigion crash

Published

3 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Family say 19-year-old Lee Barber will be remembered for his kindness, strength and positive attitude

THE FAMILY of a 19-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision in Ceredigion last month have paid tribute to him.

Lee Barber, from Aberaeron, died after the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron on Tuesday, March 24.

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said: “There are no words that can describe the pain we are feeling as a family. The loss of our son, Lee, has devastated us and has deeply affected the whole community.

“Lee was a loving son who lived life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his kindness, his strength, and his positive attitude. He had a way of bringing people together and made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the local community and further afield for the overwhelming support we have received. The messages, stories, memories, and photos that have been shared with us mean more than words can say.

“Our boy Lee will live on forever in our hearts and minds. We now kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve.”

Police confirmed the collision happened on the A482 between Lampeter and Ciliau Aeron and that Lee died at the scene.

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Community

Pembrokeshire Chess Club welcomes AI opponent on historic visit

Published

4 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

PEMBROKSHIRE’S thriving chess community witnessed a unique blend of tradition and technology last week, as Pembrokeshire Chess Club hosted a special guest: “Rook to D2” – an AI-powered chess robot from the Welsh Chess Union.

The visit marked the first stop of the robot’s tour across Wales, making it a historic moment for the county. Club members, both young and old, gathered at Kensington Court in Steynton to experience the future of chess firsthand.

Excitement filled the room as the club’s President officially opened proceedings by making the first move against the robotic challenger. From that moment on, it was “game on,” with 15 junior players eagerly taking turns to test their skills. Several adult members also joined in, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The evening proved especially memorable for the club’s younger players, who relished the chance to play against cutting-edge technology. Their enthusiasm was matched by club officials, including the Chairman and President, who welcomed the opportunity to introduce innovation into the local chess scene.

Club representatives described the atmosphere as “amazing,” highlighting how advancements in technology are enhancing traditional games like chess and inspiring a new generation of players.

Pembrokeshire Chess Club continues to meet weekly at Kensington Court, Steynton. Junior sessions are held every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, followed by sessions for more experienced juniors and adults. The club prides itself on being family-friendly and inclusive, catering to all abilities – from casual players seeking a friendly game to those aiming to compete in league and tournament chess.

Following its successful debut in Pembrokeshire, the AI chess robot is expected to visit other clubs across Wales in the coming weeks, bringing the same sense of excitement and innovation to chess communities nationwide.