News

Ironman opens up entry to children

Published

12 years ago

April 4, 2014

IT’S ONE of the most arduous sporting events in the world which attracts competitors from 40 countries and more than 10,000 spectators, as well as generating around £4m for the local economy each year.

Now the Ironman Wales event, which begins on Tenby’s iconic North Beach, is broadening its appeal by developing the competition for children. With the adults event comprising a 2.4 mile-swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26-mile marathon, all without a break, the children’s competition isn’t nearly as gruelling. Children as young as three can take part in the Ironkids run which covers distances from 500m to 2,500m for children aged up to 14.

Coming to Pembrokeshire for a fourth consecutive year in September, organisers say the Ironkids event is aimed at encouraging youngsters to lead active and healthy lifestyles. Spokeswoman Waveney Thomson said the event in Tenby had attracted a huge interest from young people, many of whom have been inspired as spectators.

“In Pembrokeshire, we’re changing the event slightly to add a bit more to the atmosphere, bringing the children’s event into the town, where before we did a splash and a run on just on the beach,” she said.

She said it follows the success of the Ironkid event in Bolton, which attracted a record-breaking 2,000 competitors last year.

“It is our fastest growing event,” she added.

“That became the world’s largest Ironkids running event. There is obviously the demand out there and with a huge national drive to include children in sports activities,and tackle obesity, the Ironman event seems to have been hugely inspiring.”

The adult event’s trio of strength sapping challenges pushes even the most accomplished of athletes to their limits. Competitor Lowri Phillips from Cilgerran, took part in the 2012 event. The 33-year old, who also took part in an iron distance event in Copenhagen said Ironman Wales is considered one of the world’s toughest courses.

“I can definitely vouch for that as it’s probably the hardest race I’ve ever done. It’s also the most rewarding,” she added.

“The feeling of running down the finishing chute after 26 miles of running – or a lot of walking in my case, 112 miles of cycling and 3.8km of swimming can’t really be described but I’d definitely recommend it to anyone.”

Regional manager at Sport Wales, James Owens, said “Major sporting events such as the Ironman provide fantastic opportunities for getting even more of our youngsters taking part in sport, which of course is crucially important to them leading a healthier lifestyle.

“We know that children get inspired by watching and being part of events like this.

“Ironman Wales has grown year on year and so have the come and try opportunities around it.”

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

3 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

3 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

4 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.