News

First Celtic chariot unearthed in Pembrokeshire

Published

7 years ago

November 23, 2018

THE FIRST example of a Celtic chariot burial in Wales is thought to have been found in south Pembrokeshire by a metal detectorist.

The site, which is believed to be part of a greater Iron Age settlement, is being kept secret by National Museum Wales until a more comprehensive dig can be carried out. Mike Smith, of Milford Haven, is a member of the Pembrokeshire Prospectors, and first found the pieces of metalwork in February, after his preferred detecting site was flooded, forcing him to look elsewhere.

He originally believed the first piece to be a medieval brooch, but upon further research, an expert informed him that it was in fact part of a bronze Celtic horse harness from roughly 600BC.

The bronze was green from corrosion, yet the red enamelling had not faded with time, and when Mr Smith returned the next day, he found further bridle fittings, a brooch and tools.

In June, Dyfed Archaeological Trust and National Museum Wales carried out surveys and excavations, and radar revealed ditches and walls that suggest a large Celtic settlement, potentially larger than Castell Henllys.

The excavation also revealed the rims of two rusted iron chariot wheels, whilst a pony’s tooth found next to the bridle revealed the site to be a Celtic chariot burial, the first of its kind to be found in Wales.

Chariot burial was an Iron Age Celtic custom, reserved for those of high status, and often included grave goods symbolising the wealth of those buried. The wooden chariot would soon decay, but the bronze horse harness and iron wheel covers remain to this day.

The Celts as an ethnolinguistic group were once found across Europe, their influence stretching from Ireland to Anatolia, and chariot burials have been documented across the continent.

Around 20 Iron Age chariot burials have been excavated in Britain, roughly dating from between 500 BC and 100 BC, with the vast majority found in north-east England.

It is thought that ploughing would have gradually brought the burial closer to the surface, and a full excavation has been planned for next year, as work stopped after a week due to funding running out.

The research is by no means complete, as scans revealed a three-metre metal anomaly beneath the chariot, but the site now has legal protection, and the dig shall wait until the soil is damp and less compacted.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 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

10 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

10 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.