News

Hook CP School students are #justsaying

Published

7 years ago

October 26, 2018

Students Rhys Phelps, William Harries, Seren Harrold, and Thiesbe Weaver with Matt Townsend, Cllr David Lloyd and Cllr Michael John

AN INNOVATIVE new project designed to give pupils at Hook CP School a strong voice in the future of their community is to be highlighted at a health professionals’ conference at Llanelli this week.

#justsaying aims to find out the pupils’ views on where they live, what wellbeing means to them, and what their ideal community would look like, says Matt Townsend from PLANED, who has been running the scheme.

Praising the school’s ‘vibrant and engaging learning environment’, he said: “The school is incredible. The pupils are so informed and forward-thinking. Their ideas and vision for positive change are inspirational.

“To know that children have this level of awareness is impressive and humbling.”

In fact, he was so impressed with the initial results of the Leader-funded project that he presented a report on its success to the Pembrokeshire PSB (Public Services Board).

In turn, that led to an invitation to speak about it at the Hywel Dda ‘Voice of the Child’ conference on 5th November as an example of best practice.

The project has explored children’s opinions about their community through engaging activities and games. Rhys, Thiesbe, Seren and William in Year 6 said it had been very enjoyable.

“It’s been really good to give our ideas on how we would like to see the village in the future,” said Seren. “One of our ideas is to have more football and rugby and other sport in the village,” added Rhys.

William suggested it would be good to have a campsite which would attract more visitors, and Thiesbe said it had been a good experience to participate in the project and lots of fun.

Matt said the aim is to bridge the gap between the priorities of the Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015 and the views of the youngest in the community.
“It’s essential to involve the children and young people of Pembrokeshire in our community work, and to let them know that their views are important,” he said.
Headteacher Louise John said: “All children have been involved in the project and Matt’s work has enabled the sharing of their ideas with the whole community to take place.

“Pupil Voice is very strong at our school and this has been evidenced by the pupils contributions during workshops with Matt. I am extremely proud of the children’s work and appreciative of the opportunities that have been given to Hook School to demonstrate its practices.”

Michael John, the local County Councillor and School Governor, echoed Mr Townsend’s praise of the vibrant environment at the school.

“The children’s input in this project has been fantastic and shows the strong connection they feel for their community. They have had some innovative and mature ideas to enhance its future, and it has been a pleasure listening to them” he said.

Councillor David Lloyd added that it was great to see a clear voice being given to the future generation.

“It was a moving experience to visit Hook School Youth voices do matter and when they are given the opportunity to be listened to as at Hook School, and an increasing number of our schools in Pembrokeshire, the effect is transformational.

“Effectively giving ‘ownership’ of the school to the children builds self-esteem and develops responsibility allowing learning to flourish.

“This was a fine example of how we in Pembrokeshire are growing ethical, informed citizens consistent with the requirements of the new curriculum for Wales. My sincere congratulations to all concerned.”

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

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

Published

11 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

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

Published

11 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

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.