News

Former Herald shareholder jailed for nine years

Published

7 years ago

September 26, 2018

A FORMER share holder in The Pembrokeshire Herald has been sent to prison for nine years for being in possession of over a kilogram of cocaine and cutting agents, along with over £30,000 in cash and valuable assets.

Erfan Felix Al-Talal, who owned £50,000 of shares in Herald Newspapers plc until December last year was arrested and charged with possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, and money laundering.

On Monday (Sept 24) Al-Talal appeared at Swansea Crown Court where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years imprisonment.

Detective constable Andrew Dabinette from Tarian said: “Such was the strength of the evidence gathered as the result of this warrant Al-Talal had no option but to enter a guilty plea.

“We will continue to target those people who cause the most harm to the communities within our regions.

“We will relentlessly pursue offenders, using a range of skills, to ensure that the people who wish to blight our communities with harmful controlled drugs are brought before the courts.”

In a statement, a spokesman for The Herald said: “Felix Al Talal was one of several shareholders who put in money to start the Pembrokeshire Herald in 2013.

“His shareholding was 50%, until company reorganisation on 1 January 2016 when it was reduced to 33%

“Felix Al Talal sold his shares in December 2017 and is no longer associated with the company.

“His investment has long since been repaid to him.

“Mr Al Talal then set up a double glazing firm called J&F Double Glazing (Factory) Limited.

“That firm is located at Unit 4a Players Industrial Estate, Clydach, Swansea, United Kingdom, SA6 5BQ.

“There is no link to The Herald.

Editor of The Pembrokeshire Herald, Thomas Sinclair said “I met Mr Al Talal for the first time in March 2013. He was introduced as a potential investor by a third party. Following several meetings he agreed to invest into the newspaper. He was very professional at all times, and there was nothing to suggest that something like this could happen in the future.

“As a shareholder he had no influence on editorial content of the newspaper, but did make visits to the Milford Haven office on a handful of occasions.”

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.