A 22-YEAR-OLD man from Haverfordwest has been formally cleared of an allegation that he strangled a woman earlier this year.

Byron Rowlands, of Baring Gould Way, had faced a charge of intentional strangulation following an alleged incident in the town on 15 February.

He denied the accusation from the outset, and a trial had been scheduled for later this year.

During a previous hearing, his barrister said Rowlands had been clear that the incident “did not happen”.

However, the case was brought back before Swansea Crown Court after a review was triggered by a bail application.

Prosecutor Regan Walters confirmed that no further evidence would be offered against Rowlands.

Judge Catherine Richards recorded a not guilty verdict and told the defendant he would be released.

“This concludes the matter,” she said.

New Xenon Theatre Company launches with riotous stage adaptation of TV classic

FANS of the beloved British sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo! are in for a treat this June, as the Torch Theatre hosts a live stage adaptation of the wartime comedy classic.

Presented by New Xenon Theatre Company—a newly formed group created by members of the much-loved Xenon Liberal Arts—the show brings all the farcical charm of the original series to life. Expect slapstick humour, larger-than-life characters, and chaotic plot twists as café owner René Artois juggles Nazis, the Resistance, secret British airmen, and an increasingly complicated love life, all within his humble café in occupied France.

The plot centres on René and his long-suffering (and tone-deaf) wife Edith, who are hiding a priceless stolen painting in a sausage in their cellar—alongside two downed RAF airmen awaiting rescue. Add to that a malfunctioning wireless disguised as a cockatoo, a series of inept disguises, and a visit from a Führer impersonator, and the stage is set for an evening of classic comedic mayhem.

Director Allison Butler, who also plays Michelle of the Resistance, said: “We’re thrilled to bring this hilarious show to the Torch as our maiden production for New Xenon Theatre Company. The cast members really are doing a wonderful job of bringing all the characters to life, and we’re looking forward to welcoming you to Café René!”

Jordan Dickin, who takes on the role of Officer Crabtree, added: “Rehearsals have been an absolute blast, and it’s a joy to embody such an iconic character. Listen very carefully, I will say this only once… make it a Good Moaning and get your tickets before they vanish like phantoms into the night!”

Performances of ‘Allo ‘Allo! will take place at the Torch Theatre on:

• Thursday 19 June at 7:30pm
• Friday 20 June at 7:30pm
• Saturday 21 June at 2:30pm and 7:30pm

Tickets are £18, with £16 concessions available for the Thursday performance only. For bookings, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

POLICE forces across Wales have launched a week of action as part of Operation Sceptre — the national campaign aimed at reducing knife crime.

Running from Monday (May 19) to Sunday (May 25), the initiative involves a coordinated effort by neighbourhood policing teams, who will be visiting retailers to provide guidance on legislation and encourage staff to challenge underage attempts to purchase knives.

The campaign also offers members of the public a safe and anonymous way to dispose of knives and bladed articles. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the following police stations will accept voluntary surrenders throughout the week:

• Llangunnor Road, Carmarthen
• Old Castle Road, Llanelli
• Boulevard St. Brieuc, Aberystwyth
• Parc Teifi, Cardigan
• Merlins Hill, Haverfordwest
• Park Lane, Newtown

A police spokesperson said: “This is part of our ongoing commitment to remove knives from our communities and reduce the risk of harm. While the vast majority of people do not carry knives, the impact of even one incident can be devastating.”

Residents are also urged not to donate unwanted knives to charity shops. Instead, they can safely dispose of them in designated metal bins at local recycling centres.

Anyone concerned that someone they know may be carrying a knife is encouraged to report it — either to the police directly, to a trusted adult, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.