A PEMBROKESHIRE company director has pleaded guilty to fraud charges related to multiple applications for government-backed business loans during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Zahid Afzal, 37, of Albert Street, Haverfordwest, admitted to three counts of fraud by false representation at Swansea Crown Court. The charges relate to claims made under the Bounce Back Loan scheme, a financial support initiative introduced to assist small and medium-sized businesses struggling during the pandemic.

The court heard that Afzal submitted misleading applications to three different banks in 2020, falsely stating financial details and loan eligibility. On May 12, 2020, he applied to Lloyds Bank PLC, claiming that Phone Bits Ltd had not applied for any other Bounce Back Loan. He later made a similar application to Starling Bank Ltd on July 23, 2020, stating that Phones Onn Ltd had an annual turnover of £200,000 and that the funds would be used solely for business purposes. A third application, containing comparable claims, was made to Metro Bank PLC on November 22, 2020.

Companies House records list Afzal as a director of both Phone Bits Ltd and Phones Onn Ltd.

Judge Geraint Walters adjourned sentencing to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Afzal was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to return to court on April 1 for sentencing.

THE 2025 Royal Welsh Spring Festival will be held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on May 17 and 18.

A fantastic celebration of rural life, smallholding and countryside traditions, this weekend event offers something for all ages. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast, a food lover or simply looking for a great family day out, the festival promises a wonderful experience for everyone.

At the heart of the festival lies its livestock and equine competitions, with more than 600 classes showcasing sheep, pigs, goats, and cattle, many of which highlight traditional, rare and native breeds.

Entries are now open and competitors can view the schedules and enter online via https://rwas.wales/smallholding-and-countryside-festival/ . Entries close on Wednesday, April 3.

The event will host qualifiers for some of the UK’s most esteemed equestrian competitions, including the British Show Horse Association (BSHA) Royal International Horse Show, Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL), British Show Pony Society (BSPS) and British Show Horse Association (BSHA) London International Horse Show.

The Premier Open Dog Show returns, offering competitors the chance to qualify for Crufts 2026. This prestigious event boasts rosettes, prizemoney and high-quality pet food prizes for the top dogs.

Postal entries close on Tuesday, April, 8 and online entries close on Tuesday, April 29. Visit the FDS website for schedules and entry details.

The festival has a diverse line-up of family-friendly attractions. Gain expert insights into the smallholding lifestyle with talks and demonstrations from the Glamorgan Smallholders networking and support group in the Smallholders Centre. Browse the agricultural tradestands to stock up on essentials, from buckets to farm machinery.

The Country Life Area is a hub of activities featuring the Premier Open Dog Show, Panic Family Circus, The Woodville Medieval Re-enactment Group, a petting farm, a donkey encounter, forestry competitions and sporting and countryside activities. They are all set to live music from the bandstand.

The Festival Display Ring will feature Joseph’s Amazing Camels, the Gentle Giants Shire Horse Display Team, Show Jumping and Working Hunter competitions, Scurry Driving and Meirion Owen with his sheepdogs.

Watch wool handling and blade shearing competitions, alongside demonstrations from the Gwent Guild of Spinners and Weavers, a vintage shearing display and wool-related tradestands in the Meirionnydd Shearing Centre. Competition entries open in late March.

No visit to a Royal Welsh event would be complete without indulging in Wales’ finest food and drink. Sample exquisite produce in the renowned Food Hall or enjoy a meal at one of the many food stalls in the Welsh Food Village, Gwledd | Feast.

Shopping enthusiasts can explore a vast array of tradestands, offering everything from rural essentials and artisan produce to handcrafted goods and countryside attire.

Conveniently located where the A470 and A483 meet in Builth Wells, the Royal Welsh Showground is accessible from all major routes. The festival is dog-friendly and offers free onsite parking, ensuring a stress-free experience for visitors.

A MAN accused of involvement in the death of a six-month-old baby in a multi-storey car park in Tenby has appeared in court.

Flaviu Naghi, 34, from Leigh, is charged in connection with the incident that led to the death of Sophia Kelemen on January 2. The infant was rushed to hospital but succumbed to her injuries the following day.

Naghi faces allegations of causing death by dangerous driving, as well as driving without a licence or insurance. However, his legal representatives argue that he was not behind the wheel at the time.

At a recent hearing, Naghi’s defence solicitor, Dean Pulling, suggested the case against him might be dismissed, stating that while Naghi had turned on the car’s ignition, he had not actually entered or driven the vehicle. According to the defence, the handbrake had been left off, causing the car to move forward unintentionally.

Naghi was granted bail after a hearing at Swansea Crown Court, pending further checks on his proposed bail address. A decision on whether the case will proceed is expected on March 21, with a provisional trial date set for June 2.

Dyfed-Powys Police, who continue to investigate the tragic incident, have urged the public not to speculate on the circumstances.

Sophia was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries, including a broken pelvis and a brain bleed, but tragically died the following day (Jan 3).

Her devastated family have since launched a fundraising appeal to help repatriate her body to Romania. Writing on GoFundMe, Sophia’s aunt, Adriana, said: “Never in a million years would I have thought I would have to write a post like this. A seemingly ordinary day turned into our family’s worst nightmare.”

She added: “Despite the efforts of the doctors, Sophia could not cope with the impact, the surgery, anaesthesia, and the brain bleed. All the injuries were too much for her fragile heart, which eventually gave out.”

Witnesses described chaotic scenes at the car park, with emergency services flooding the area and a helicopter hovering overhead. One bystander said: “I saw loads of blue lights and people gathered. It was clear something very serious had happened.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Our thoughts remain with Sophia’s family at this incredibly difficult time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.”