News
Archbishop honours church musicians
THE ARCHBISHOP OF WALES has paid tribute people who dedicate their time to keeping music at the heart of services in churches and chapels across Wales, Sunday after Sunday.
Organists, choral leaders and singers were presented with awards and certificates by the Archbishop, Dr Barry Morgan, at a ceremony at in Swansea recently.
There were two types of presentations – the Archbishop of Wales’ Award in Church Music, which recognises people of outstanding musical ability who contribute to worship, and the Certificate of Merit which pays tribute to the talents and devoted service of musicians who contribute without being professionally trained. The awards are open to musicians from all denominations of Christian worship.
This year, two people received the Archbishop’s Award and five were presented with the Certificate.
The Archbishop said, “These awards are a way for the wider church to recognize the important part music plays in our worship and to thank those who make it happen. However formally qualified they may be, what they have in common is a commitment and dedication to turn up week after week, year after year. They nurture and encourage an enjoyment of church music , ensuring our wonderful heritage is enjoyed now and passed down to our children.”
The Archbishop of Wales’ Certificate of Merit in Church Music was presented to:
Mr Geoffrey Brookes of St Ismael’s, Uzmaston, Haverfordwest in recognition of the service he has given as organist of the church for the past years 15 years;
Mr John Davies of St Mary’s, Nolton, for his service as organist and choir master;
Mrs Margaret Jones of St Mary’s Church, Haverfordwest.for her service as organist and chorister within the parish for 30 years;
Mr Michael Nicholas of St Katharine and St Peter’s Milford Haven, for his service as organist of the parish for 30 years.
The service took place at All Saints Church, Oystermouth. The preacher was Bishop Tony Pierce, the retired Bishop of Swansea and Brecon.
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
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
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
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.
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