News
3,000 Welsh landlords still unregistered
JANET FINCH-SAUNDERS AM has called on the Welsh Government to urgently work to improve landlord registration under Rent Smart Wales, as estimates released indicate around 3,000 remain unregistered.
Ms Finch-Saunders said: “Rent Smart Wales estimates that still 3,000 landlords are unregistered here in Wales.
“Whilst that makes up a small percentage of our total landlords, it is most concerning for those living in properties leased to them by those who have not yet registered.
“The Welsh Government has confirmed that a landlord who is not registered with Rent Smart Wales is unable to serve a valid Section 21 eviction notice – so where unregistered landlords do indicate that they want tenants to vacate a property, this is not recognised by local housing associations, which can cause stress to tenants who may not be aware of their full rights under the law.
“By focusing on ensuring that all landlords are properly registered, the Welsh Government can alleviate such concerns, and I will be urging the Cabinet Secretary to act to ensure all landlords are abiding by this legislation in full.”
The Minister for Housing and Regeneration told Ms Finch-Saunders that the latest figures released by Rent Smart Wales show that 90,812 landlords are now registered. Rent Smart Wales’ latest estimate for the number of unregistered landlords is approximately 3,000.
This is based on the dwelling stock estimates recently published by StatsWales, and an estimation of the average number of properties owned by each landlord.
Crime
Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager
FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.
Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.
Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.
The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.
During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.
A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.
All four defendants were remanded in custody.
Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”
They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
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
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.
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