News

Council Chairman refuses ‘pointless and expensive’ meeting

Published

12 years ago

October 7, 2013

COUNTY Councillor Arwyn Williams, Chairman of Council, has today refused a request made by Labour Leader, Councillor Paul Miller for an extraordinary meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council

However, a vote over the immediate suspension of the Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council is still certain to take place.

In a letter last week, he and five other Councillors requested the special meeting – for a vote to be taken by all Councillors- to immediately suspend Chief Executive Bryn Parry Jones.

The Chief Executive Officer is under pressure over the ongoing pensions tax-dodge scandal which has first reported in The Herald on September 27.

Speaking tonight (October 7) Cllr Williams explained to The Herald the reasons for refusing the meeting:
“What’s the point of having an Extraordinary General Meeting when the matter of the pensions is already with the lawyers? Let’s allow the lawyers to work it out amongst themselves” he said.
“Do you realise the expense of calling sixty members to a meeting of full council?”

“We have a full council meeting on October 17 and Cllr. Miller can put forward a notice of motion to that meeting of full council in ten days time if he so wishes” he added.
Councillor Miller however has the option, under the Council’s own constitution, to press for the meeting to go ahead any way, my making a request to the Councils legal department.
Last week Cllr. Miller said “I do not doubt that the IPPG will try to delay matters until after the next full Council meeting, but this issue will not go away no matter how hard they try to sweep it under the carpet.”
“This is a meeting that must and will take place” he added.
“We will contact the Council’s chief legal officer Huw Miller, and he has to fix the date for such a meeting” he said.

The Chairman of the Council confirmed to The Herald tonight that this was an option open to Cllr. Paul Miller.

Crime

Haverfordwest man denies historic rape charges involving underage girl

Published

4 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Trial listed at Cardiff Crown Court for 2027

A HAVERFORDWEST man has denied a series of historic sexual offences against an underage girl and is due to stand trial at Cardiff Crown Court in 2027.

Lee Mahagan, aged 52, of High Street, Haverfordwest, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.

The charges relate to allegations involving a girl aged between 13 and 15, which are said to have occurred in Cardiff between 2009 and 2010.

The court was told that the case is expected to take around five days when it goes before a jury. A trial date has been set for January 25, 2027.

Mahagan was granted conditional bail by Judge Hywel James following a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

The defendant is represented by David Pinnell, while Daniel Jones is appearing for the prosecution.

Crime

Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Staff Writer

Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an incident reported at Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).

An 18-year-old man was arrested after officers were called to the venue, which is a popular late-night spot in the seaside village. The allegation relates to events said to have taken place during the early hours of the morning.

Joshua Probert, aged 18, has since been charged with one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 18).

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under law, and no further details about the allegation can be reported at this stage.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Officers are understood to have carried out initial investigative work shortly after the report was made, including speaking to witnesses.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, on 0808 500 2222. Calls are free and confidential.

Local Government

Mayor visits Milford Haven Library Christmas event

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott, paid a visit to Milford Haven Library on Tuesday morning to attend its festive Mince Pie and a Cuppa event.

The event brought together library staff and local residents, with the Mayor thanking staff for their work supporting the community throughout the year. During the visit, Cllr Elliott also spent time speaking with residents who had come along to the event or were visiting the library to borrow books.

Milford Haven Library is part of the Pembrokeshire Libraries service, which provides access to books, information, and community activities across the county.

The Mayor wished residents a Merry Christmas at the close of his visit.