News

Shopkeeper tells of armed robbery horror

Published

12 years ago

April 4, 2014

THE owner of Bargain Booze in Pembroke Dock which was raided by armed robbers last Sunday has been left traumatised by the incident.

In an exclusive interview with The Herald, co-owner of the off-licence in Dimond Street, Narender Sreeram spoke about the incident: “I was at the counter and these two young lads came in with ‘hoodies’ on. They went straight to the rear of the store near the beer, where they were discussing what to take. One took 20 cans of Strongbow, and went straight to the door without paying for it, and the other took 10 cans of Budweiser.

“I tried to stop him but he ran for the door. I followed to stop him and that is when he turned and pulled a knife. I stepped back to save my life and returned to the shop shaking.

“I then followed them with my mobile to get more evidence. It was a three-inch knife. I didn’t expect that for a couple of beer cans. I went back to the shop and called the police who later arrested them. I’m mentally stressed, very scared and having nightmares. It is dangerous, but we have put too much money into this shop to close it down. It also affects our business as people are scared to come to the shop.”

On how Narender felt the police were supporting him, he said: “They are still investigating my statements and trying to sort it out. We have a Neighbourhood Watch but nobody is coming here to help us. We were broken into before, but people are scared. It isn’t safe for us or the community.

“The police could add more security, maybe some more efficient street cameras. There should be actions towards criminals so they would think twice before doing it again. There are not enough police around really. They help us as much as possible but we need more support.”

Local shop owners and workers are alarmed about the incident. A bookmaker’s assistant manager, who wished to remain anonymous, said:

“This is very worrying for people who work around here, especially as it happened in broad daylight. It is also shocking that a knife was pulled out to steal something as cheap as alcohol.”

A clothes shop manager said they thought the off licence was being targeted by local criminals who thought it was a ‘soft touch’.

Charity

Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look

Published

2 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.

The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.

The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.

Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.

Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.

“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.

At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.

With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.

Photo caption:

Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

2 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

3 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.