News
Two HSBC branches to close in Pembrokeshire
HSBC has announced plans to close 62 branches around the UK, which includes two branches in Pembrokeshire – Fishguard and Narberth.
The decision to close the branches is a result of the bank seeing a rise in customers using their online banking services, rather than visit the brick and mortar premises.
The bank claims this will be the only cuts to be made in 2017, which will leave the total number of premises left in the UK at 625.
The Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management for the UK and Europe, Francesca McDonagh, said: “The decision to close these branches ensures a more sustainable branch network for the future as we continue to invest in our digital platforms and our people.”
“The way our customers bank with us is changing. More customers are using mobile and internet banking than ever before, innovation such as Touch and Voice ID has proved extremely popular, and fewer people are using branches.
“Our priority now is to work with our colleagues, our customers and the communities impacted by today’s announcement.
“We are contacting customers to explain the decision and help them with alternative ways to bank with us.”
Commenting on the closures, Stephen Crabb MP said: “The closure of HSBC in Fishguard is hugely disappointing. The use of online banking may have risen, but I believe there is still a place for high-street banks on our high-streets.
“Fishguard is set to lose both HSBC and Lloyds Bank this year, and for a town which is looking to regenerate, this will prove to be another blow.”
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
Defendant remanded in custody
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of serious allegations following his appearance in the latest magistrates’ court register.
David Guy, 49, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared in court facing multiple charges, all of which have now been deemed too serious for summary trial.
Guy is charged with several offences arising from the same case file. Although individual charge descriptions were not expanded in open court, the register confirms the allegations include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- A second assault charge
- Criminal damage
- A further interpersonal violence allegation
- A public order offence
Defendant remanded into custody
Magistrates ruled that their sentencing powers were insufficient and sent the entire case to Swansea Crown Court for trial.
Guy was remanded in custody.
A hearing date will now be fixed administratively by the Swansea Crown Court. Until then, Guy remains remanded.
The Herald will provide updates once the Crown Court listing is confirmed.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing
A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string of alleged offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.
Anthony Alcock, 40, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, faces six linked charges arising from incidents reported to have taken place earlier this year. Alcock, who did not enter pleas during the administrative hearings, appeared on several occasions as the court dealt with bail issues and case management.
- Multiple assault allegations
- The charges listed before magistrates include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Intentional strangulation
- Common assault of a woman
- Criminal damage relating to a domestic incident
- Further assault allegations linked to the same complainant
- A breach of bail conditions
The court heard that Alcock had previously been granted conditional bail. However, he was brought back before magistrates twice during the same reporting period for alleged breaches of those conditions, resulting in updated bail decisions.
Bail breached — defendant remanded
On two separate entries in the court register, Alcock was listed as having breached his bail, leading magistrates to remand him into custody pending the next hearing. On other dates within the same week, he was again re-released on conditional bail, with strict terms imposed, including restrictions on contact with the complainant and exclusions from certain locations.
He is now remanded on conditional bail with his next appearance set for Swansea Crown Court, where the more serious matters — including the alleged non-fatal strangulation — will be dealt with.
Case sent to Crown Court
Magistrates directed that the case is too serious to be heard locally and must proceed to the Crown Court for trial or sentence.
The Herald understands that all listed charges fall under the same prosecution reference, indicating they form part of a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution. No further details were opened in court at this stage.
Crime
Rogue roofer conned homeowner out of thousands
Caerphilly investigation leads to court conviction
A ROGUE trader from Pembroke has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after duping a homeowner into handing over thousands for unnecessary roofing work.
Douggie Whitbread, aged twenty-five and living at Coldwell Terrace, Pembroke, persuaded his victim that he “probably needed a new roof” before charging £4,350 for work that was either unnecessary or not carried out properly.
Whitbread admitted two counts of fraud relating to a property on Griffiths Street, Ystrad Mynach, with the offences taking place between August 12 and October 16, 2023.
He appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, where he was ordered to pay a total of £6,130. That includes £4,350 in compensation, £1,500 in prosecution costs, a £200 fine, and an £80 victim surcharge.
The case was brought following an investigation by Caerphilly Trading Standards, who urged residents to be cautious of unsolicited offers of home maintenance work.
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