A MILFORD HAVEN man is due to appear in court in connection with a series of historical sexual offences against minors spanning several decades.

Alan Roberts, 74, of Hakin, Milford Haven, has been charged with multiple counts of indecent assault on girls under the age of 14 and gross indecency.

Roberts, born on 19th August 1950, will attend a mention hearing at 2:00 pm in relation to numerous charges. The offences are said to have taken place between 1976 and 2001, with the victims remaining anonymous under the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992.

The charges against Roberts include several counts of indecent assault, some occurring on multiple occasions, as well as gross indecency with a child under 14. The prosecution alleges these incidents occurred at various times in the Hakin area of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.

The charges have been brought under the Sexual Offences Act 1956 and the Indecency with Children Act 1960, which were in force at the time of the alleged offences. The maximum penalties for these offences include a prison sentence of up to six months and an unlimited fine. Roberts has already indicated guilty pleas in connection to the charges, with a formal conviction recorded on 9th July 2024.

The hearing on 9th July had been adjourned to allow the prosecution to bring further charges. It is understood that Roberts will face additional counts as investigations continue. The offences, allegedly occurring over several years, have the earliest incidents dating back to 1976 and the most recent in 2018.

This case is expected to be closely followed, given the serious nature of the allegations and the historic timeline involved. Further developments in court are anticipated as the legal proceedings progress.

The hearing comes amidst increasing awareness of and sensitivity to historic sexual abuse cases in the UK, with authorities keen to bring justice to survivors regardless of when the offences occurred.

IN a significant development that echoes through the corridors of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS), Watch Manager Phil Irving of Haverfordwest Fire Station has been officially dismissed.

This decision, confirmed independently by six serving fire officers, follows a slew of bullying allegations that surfaced in 2021, fundamentally shaking the community’s trust in its firefighters.

The Herald’s investigation in 2021 uncovered a culture of fear and bullying at then Haverfordwest Fire Station, with numerous staff voicing their distress and frustration under the shadow of Irving’s intimidating presence.

The Herald confirmed that incidents of bullying led to a large number of requests for transfers away from Irving. Staff welfare concerns were not addressed, even when members of staff’s mental health and wellbeing were seriously affected.

Following these revelations, a comprehensive cultural review was launched, aiming to diagnose and remedy the toxic behaviours eroding the core values of the fire service.

A subsequent report, completed by Opinion Research Services in August 2023 paints a stark picture of the internal issues plaguing MAWWFRS. Nearly a third of the service’s employees are considering departure within the next five years, with reasons ranging from dissatisfaction with the work-life balance to disillusionment with the service’s internal culture. The report specifically pinpoints bullying as a persistent issue, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.

The audit reveals that despite some improvements in job satisfaction since 2014, significant challenges remain, notably in management practices and the treatment of staff. The report criticizes a lack of transparent and supportive leadership and identifies a need for fostering a more inclusive and respectful working environment.

The Herald reached out to the service seeking confirmation of Irving’s dismissal and an explanation of the circumstances surrounding it. Our inquiry specifically asked whether the dismissal was connected to the allegations of bullying reported in 2021.

The response from MAWWFRS was guarded, citing confidentiality and data protection obligations, “Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is unable to comment on the points raised in your email. Additionally, as you will appreciate, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service owes duties of confidentiality under data protection legislation to all its personnel which means that it would not be appropriate to respond to the specific questions you have asked either.”

Highly respected retired firefighter Gerwyn Howells, who served from 1974 until 2019 and continued as a member of the The Colour Party (Ceremonial detachment) until 2023, shared his experiences.

My initial complaints about Irving back in 2021 were not handled with the professionalism I expected. Senior managers need to be held accountable for how they protected him. Despite being a whistleblower, the complainant somehow discovered I had reported the matter, likely because the investigators were close to Irving. It’s astonishing that he was found not culpable at the time and allowed to continue his duties unchanged. He was nicknamed ‘Teflon’ because allegations never seemed to stick to him. Several firefighters even requested transfers away from the Haverfordwest station to avoid working under him.”

The news of the termination of Irving’s contact as a fire fighter has been met with a mixed response from the community and within the fire service itself. Many see it as a long-overdue step towards rectifying the wrongs of the past and rebuilding trust. However, others remain sceptical about the depth and permanence of change, reflecting a pervasive wariness of the service’s commitment to genuine reform.

The cultural audit culminates in a set of recommendations aimed at overhauling the service’s internal culture. These include the implementation of more robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing bullying, enhanced training programs focused on diversity and inclusion, and a strategic overhaul of leadership practices to ensure transparency and accountability.

The dismissal of Watch Manager Phil Irving should not be viewed as the closure of an unpleasant chapter, but as an impetus for profound and enduring change within the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. It is an opportunity to rebuild not just a workplace, but a vital public service on the principles of respect, integrity, and trust.

Prendergast Butchers, a well known family-run business, faces a new challenge that it says could threaten its very future.

The local butcher, renowned for providing high-quality, ethically sourced meat, is rallying the community against proposed road changes by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Founded nearly half a century ago by Chris and Rachel Wolsey, the business has thrived under the stewardship of their sons, Tom and Mark. The Wolseys have a long-standing tradition of farming across the scenic breadth of Pembrokeshire—from the Preseli Mountains to the coastal strips. Their livestock, primarily traditional British breeds, are grass-fed, ensuring the meat produced is of the highest standard. This meticulous care in rearing and ethical farming practices contribute to the exceptional taste and texture of their produce, celebrated as some of the best globally.

The butcher shop, which sources its meat directly from the family farm and other selected local suppliers, has been a cornerstone of the community for decades. However, the proposed one-way system along the B4329 threatens to reduce accessibility, discouraging customer visits and complicating logistics for deliveries. “We’re deeply concerned about the proposed one-way system in Prendergast by Pembrokeshire County Council. This plan could severely impact our business, leading to reduced foot traffic and delivery issues that may threaten our ability to stay open,” said Tom Wolsey. “We’re not alone—many local businesses that have been the heart of this community for decades are facing the same threat of closure or relocation.”

In response to the threat posed by the traffic changes, Prendergast Butchers has initiated a community campaign. “We need your voice! Please help us fight this by filling out the survey provided by Pembrokeshire County Council and sharing your concerns. Together, we can make a difference and protect our community,” urged Tom Wolsey as they rally support through social media campaigns and in-store promotions.

Despite the concerns from local businesses, the council maintains that the proposed changes are aimed at addressing issues of road safety and congestion, which have been long-standing complaints from residents. “Our goal is to improve the overall flow and safety of traffic in this area while being mindful of the economic impact on local businesses,” Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, explained. He encourages stakeholders to engage actively in the consultation process to ensure a well-rounded decision.

As Prendergast Butchers and other local businesses brace for potential impacts, the community’s support could be pivotal. The upcoming consultation sessions and the results of the survey will be crucial in determining the future layout of Prendergast’s roads—and the survival of its local businesses.

The council’s decision will not only affect traffic flow but also the livelihoods of many who depend on the area’s vibrant local commerce.

Prendergast Butchers said: “We need your voice! Please help us fight this by filling out the survey provided by Pembrokeshire County Council and sharing your concerns. Together, we can make a difference and protect our community.”

Link to survey –

For more information on the proposed development please click here