News

Jail for Monkton man who assaulted and spat at police officer

Published

5 years ago

April 28, 2021

A MONKTON man with a lengthy criminal record has been jailed for assaulting an emergency worker and spitting at him twice following a hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr 27).

McAuley Dennis Richard Breen, 25, of Colley Court was jailed for 18 weeks, the magistrates saying that the seriousness of the offences, the defendant’s previous convictions as well as his failure to comply with court orders left them little choice.

The court heard that on Sunday (Apr 25) he was found to be in possession of cannabis, which was seized and ordered to be destroyed. The next day, in Haverfordwest, the court was told, the defendant assaulted PC Paul Boorman which included spitting on him twice.

Breen has been in trouble several times before, most famously six years ago, he threatened to rape a police officer’s wife and “eat his babies”.

At just 18 years of age he committed his first adult offence. A court heard that on August 4, 2014, police attended Upper Frog Street in Tenby, after door staff at the Prince of Wales nightclub reported a group of people acting aggressively. Breen was part of the group. The defendant was restrained, and was shouting some alarming things, the CPS said. “He said ‘I’m going to eat your babies; I’m going to kill you and I’m going to rape your wife.”

A woman who was present at the scene described the defendant as a “disgusting animal”. Breen spat at PC Doble and attempted to bite him on the leg. When PC Doble attempted to handcuff him, Breen dug his fingernails in to the back of the officer’s hand, causing a small cut. For that offence Magistrates sentenced Breen to a 12-month Community Order with supervision, to include 160 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £50 compensation to PC Doble and costs totalling £145.

In 2018 a fracas on the streets of Pembroke cost Breen £200.

He pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with the intention of causing fear of, or provoking violence, when he appeared before magistrates in March of that year.

The court heard that police arrived in Main Street, Pembroke, at 3am on February 4 to find around 20 people in the street, which some involved in fights and confrontations.

Breen, then 21, made threatening comments as he and another man were separated by police office from where they scuffled on the ground.

His solicitor at the time, Mike Kelleher, said his client was making attempts to change his life, had given up cannabis and was in the process of gaining catering qualifications.

On this occasion, Magistrates fined Breen £80 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £30 surcharge.

In 2019, Class A drugs were found on Breen’s person. He pleaded guilty to possession of 4.4 grams of MDMA when he appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Magistrates fined Breen £120 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £30 surcharge.

In May 2019 Breen was back in court. He admitted failing to comply with supervision requirements following release from a period of detention and was sentenced Breen to 14 days in prison.

The court heard that Breen, 23, had missed three appointments with the probation service and failed to keep in contact with his supervising officer.

Julie Norman of the probation service said a warrant had been issued for Breen’s arrest after he failed to stay in contact after February 7. She added that he had a previous conviction for failing to comply with a court order.

Breen was released from prison on October 18 after serving a sentence for possession of a bladed article.

By October 2019, Breen, now 23, was back in court again. He had been found guilty in his absence of dishonestly making off without paying a £27.80 fare, after taking a taxi from Haverfordwest to Pembroke on December 27 the previous year. But he missed his trial because he believed he had already admitted leaving a taxi without paying.

Mike Kelleher, defending, said: “Mr Breen had been out in Haverfordwest and was the worse for wear. He had a taxi back to Pembroke and argued with the driver over the fare.

“He went into the garage, came out and there was another argument. He left the scene but there was no doubt who he was.”

“It’s an offence without any great planning. It was spur of the moment stuff while he was intoxicated.

Mr Kelleher added that Breen had not appeared at his trial as he was “firmly of the view that he had already been dealt with for this matter”, and thought the hearing was on a different date.

“He thought that he had already pleaded guilty.”

“He was not denying that this had happened and accepted that he was at fault for it.”

Whist fining him, chairman of the bench said: “I hope you get a job and I hope that this is the last time we see you in court.”

But it was not to be, he is now in prison.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

4 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

14 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

14 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.