News
Over 20 exotic birds freed by goat
OVER 20 exotic birds are on the loose after a pet goat headbutted their aviary door.
Vicky Richards-Barton of Cardigan found that over 30 of her budgies and cockatiels had escaped on Wednesday (Aug 29) evening, after finding the aviary door lock was broken, suspecting her goat Udupi.
So far eight birds have returned home, but over 25 birds are still loose, with sightings in St Dogmaels, Llechryd, Cilgerran, Newcastle Emlyn, Haverfordwest, Carmarthen and Cenarth.
It is assumed that the goat Udupi headbutted the door lock in an attempt to eat some of the bird feed. Ms Barton-Richards said that she was feeding the birds at about 8pm, before going for a walk with her husband. When she returned roughly two hours later, the birds had escaped.
Speaking to the BBC, Ms Richards-Barton said: “I was feeding the birds and one of my goats came in behind me into the aviary and decided to eat some of the bird seed.
“I imagine he headbutted the clip, which was in two pieces, and the bolt was open.”
It is estimated that over 30 birds escaped on Wednesday, with Ms Richards-Barton owning roughly 50. A friend who owns the pet shop locally helped by handing out millet to the public, aiming to entice the missing birds into gardens.
The birds are said to recognise the clothes and voice of Ms Richards-Barton, and it is hoped many will return on their own accord, yet there is a fear of birds such as red kites and sparrowhawks preying on them.
Ms Barton-Richards added: “One bird was found in St Dogmaels, about three miles away, and she bit the man really, really hard. She was our matriarch so we’re pleased to have her back.”
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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