News

Local MP reveals Brussels discussions

Published

7 years ago

February 5, 2019

STEPHEN CRABB has visited Brussels as part of the Commons Brexit Committee, and warned that there is ‘near zero appetite’ in the European Union for renegotiating the withdrawal agreement.

After Prime Minister Theresa May’s deal was rejected by the House of Commons, many MPs voted to request changes. The Prime Minister hopes to secure amendments to the deal that had been agreed in November last year, but the EU maintains that it has already negotiated a deal and that it won’t do so again. Stephen Crabb, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, travelled to Brussels as part of the Commons Brexit committee.

On his way back, Mr Crabb sent out several tweets, detailing his thoughts regarding the ongoing discussions between the UK and EU.

He said: “Near zero appetite around Brussels for reopening Withdrawal Agreement. Support for Backstop and Irish Gov v solid. For EU, it’s not just a question of Good Friday Agreement. Concerns over an open backdoor into single market.

“Real exasperation & frustration about what EU says were contradictory votes by MPs. Do not regard Brady amendment majority as stable. Little sign that the amendment has created a new dynamic in Brussels thus far.

“Our committee did an effective job in demonstrating to our guests the spread of views in the Commons and lack of consensus on way forward.

“Unlike the Withdrawal Agreement, we heard repeatedly that there is scope for reopening text of Political Declaration to provide greater clarity & certainty on the new relationship rather than vague aspirations and optionality.

“’A more ambitious political declaration’ is key phrase. Backstop won’t disappear from WA however. But a PD that pivots to closer longterm UK-EU relationship will solve a lot of the perceived problem.

“Even if (big if) some eventual movement on WA to provide greater comfort and build trust, unlikely to be enough to get through Commons.”

Mr Crabb also mentioned the ‘Malthouse Compromise’ – named after housing minister Kit Malthouse, who encouraged talks between different groups of MPs. Engineered by both Leave and Remain supporters, the compromise suggests extending the transition period for a year until the end of 2021 and protecting EU citizens’ rights, instead of using the backstop.

Mr Crabb continued: “Regarding Malthouse Compromise, no one seriously entertaining this yet it seems.

“Lots of discussion about potential delay to Brexit. But big question is for what purpose. They want more than just more process. Need clear path forward and that requires a stable Commons majority for a deal.

“No great revelations today. Difficult few weeks ahead I suspect as we go round the mountain again with little sign of a way forward.

“I still think the original deal or something v similar is most likely outcome compared to other current options. But will be very late in day and under a cloud of pol and econ [political and economic] crisis.”

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

3 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

3 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

4 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.