News

Council ‘formally contact’ Police

Published

12 years ago

February 27, 2014

LAST WEEK, The Pembrokeshire Herald revealed that Pembrokeshire County Council had contacted Dyfed-Powys Police in relation to the ongoing scandal surrounding massive grant payments made in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock.

It appeared as though the Council had rowed back from a formal referral, despite assurances given to two local Councillors that such a referral would be made. It is not clear what factor caused the formal referral’s delay ahead of last Friday’s Extraordinary Meeting.

At the time, we published two documents which appeared to suggest that the architectural firm acting as agents for Baron of the Bedsits Cathal McCosker, had sent a different tender specification to a local company than it had sent to the thirteen other firms bidding for the work.

Last week, a Council spokesperson told The Herald:

“We can confirm that we have been in contact with the police. In the event that we are satisfied that a fraud has been committed against the Council, we will formally refer the matter.”

On Tuesday this week The Herald were told by Pembrokeshire County Council:

“We can confirm that the matter has now been formally referred to the police.

“There will be no further comment while an investigation is in progress.”

The formal referral to the Police comes after the discredited IPPG administration in County Hall attempted to block a proper investigation into the affair, which has been extensively covered in Pembrokeshire’s Best Magazine and pursued by Hakin Councillor Mike Stoddart. At that meeting, scandal-hit IPPG leader Jamie Adams, who is shortly to face an inquiry into his own expenses claims, co-ordinated an IPPG smear.

The referral to the Police leaves Council Officers, who assured the members of the Council’s Audit Committee that there was nothing wrong with the operation of the scheme, in a very difficult position.Gwyn Evans, the Council’s European Officer, pictured opposite, in particular assured Audit Committee members that there were NO problems that would be found in relation to the Commercial Property Grants Scheme and the Town Heritage Initiative.

On the basis of the Council’s own statements above, it seems as though a problem has been found.

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

16 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

16 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

16 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)