News

An evening with Andy Powell in Neyland

Published

8 years ago

April 30, 2018

FORMER Welsh international Andy Powell was guest speaker at Neyland Athletic Club on Friday night (Apr 27) offering an insight into one of the great characters of Rugby Union.

The event, attended by over 70 people, was organised by Jason Morgan, and hosted by Phil Howe; the comedian and actor with roles in Hollyoaks, Casualty and Eastenders. After his routine, Howe proceeded to interview Powell about his life, coaxing many anecdotes out of the 23 cap international known for his colourful career. Powell, 36, was selected for the 2009 tour to South Africa with the British and Irish Lions, as well as featuring for the Barbarians in their 2009 victory over the All Blacks. He represented ten different clubs in his Union career, as well as having spells with Wigan and South Wales Scorpions in Rugby League.

Powell told The Herald of his admiration for the Scarlets, as well as the West Wales side’s coaching staff, backing them to take over from Warren Gatland after the 2019 World Cup.

He said: “Wayne Pivac and Stephen Jones encourage their players to take their chances and back themselves.”

When asked of the success of the Wales Deaf side in Australia, lifting the Sevens World Cup after beating England in the final last week, Powell described it as: “a special moment. Going out there and beating England, they’ll always remember that.”

Powell is now coaching hometown club Brecon RFC in Swalec National League Division One East, set for a top three finish.

He spoke of his ambitions: “I’m there for the next two years, I’ve told them that, then I’ll look to move on, maybe abroad. I believe I can coach at the highest level.”

Powell felt the fact that he was ‘very hard to manage’ as a player gives him the insight needed to motivate individuals.

Regarding his reputation as a character, Powell said: “I was a little bit wild but got away with it, the story of my career until the M4.”

Of course talk soon turned to the infamous incident in 2010, when after the last gasp victory over Scotland, many Wales players went out for celebratory drinks. One thing led to another and Powell was arrested driving a golf buggy down the M4. Powell described the event as ‘costing him 20 caps’.

The evening is a continuation of famous faces acting as guest speakers in Neyland, after referee Nigel Owens spoke in January, whilst former All Black Zinzan Brook and Welsh international Rupert Moon visited last year.

The night also had a sports auction, with memorabilia such as signed prints and shirts sold, with the profits going to Neyland clubhouse. The event carried on well into the night, fitting for one of Welsh rugby’s great characters.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

17 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.