News

Pembroke Dock: Couple neglected pet cat

Published

7 years ago

July 11, 2018

A PEMBROKE DOCK husband and wife have each been a handed suspended jail sentence for the treatment of their pet cat.

Lee Stephen Partridge, 49, and Allison Sarah Partridge, 50, both of Meyrick Street, pleaded guilty to an Animal Welfare Act offence and were sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

An RSPCA inspector has said he was ‘appalled’ at the couple’s treatment of their pet cat Frankie, who he said ‘had the appearance of an 18-year-old cat, despite being only three of four’.

Inspector Keith Hogben attended the Pembroke Dock property to find the cat skeletal, riddled with fleas and struggling with serious respiratory issues. Mr and Ms Partridge had failed to address Frankie’s poor bodily condition and ill health, which vets confirmed had caused a period of suffering.

The cat was signed into the care of the RSPCA. However, due to the extent of Frankie’s condition, the cat had to be put to sleep after failing to respond to urgent veterinary treatment and care.

Other animals at the property were not in a condition which caused concern to the RSPCA inspector.

The pair were given an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for one year. They were also told to undertake 150 hours of unpaid work each, and ordered to pay costs of £274.50, plus a victim surcharge of £115.

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: “I found this poor cat to be in an appalling, miserable condition. Frankie had the appearance of an 18-year-old cat, despite being only three of four.

“The smell at the property was overpowering and it was very quickly clear to me that something wasn’t right.

“Sadly, neither defendant did anything about their cat’s condition – despite an obvious need for veterinary care and help. These problems ultimately cost Frankie’s life, but I feel this situation could have been avoided with a timely visit to the vets.

“This case is another important reminder as to the importance of taking unwell pets to the vet. Owning an animal is a privilege, and people have clear responsibilities towards their animals which, in the case of Frankie, were not met by the owners.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.