News

‘Important artefacts’ found at new £6.3m Haverfordwest town centre development site

Published

4 years ago

March 15, 2022

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is beginning to outline the next steps to redevelop the Western Quayside in Haverfordwest, but not before a significant archaeological dig is complete.

Dyfed Archaeological Trust is working at the retail and hospitality redevelopment site for 18 weeks following the discovery of artefacts and human remains dating back to the 14^th Century AD.

The team and Council officers were surprised at how well-preserved remains survived across some of the site.

This work is a great opportunity for the dig team and residents to find out more about an area in the town that has significant historical value.

A former 19th to 20th century iron foundry once occupied the site but below that emerging evidence of a cemetery is coming to light, a cemetery believed to be associated with the medieval friary of St. Saviour’s, whose exact location has never been ascertained. It is hoped that remains of friary buildings will be identified.

The ambitious regeneration project will not only will help drive footfall to the town, it will also support business growth and create an additional community hub.

In addition, it is further evidence of Pembrokeshire County Council delivering on its commitment to support the regeneration of Pembrokeshire’s county town – and is an integral part of the Authority’s vision to revitalise Haverfordwest town centre.

The transformational development aims to create a vibrant, attractive environment on the quayside with plenty of space for pedestrians, a quality retail offering and opportunities for businesses to invest.

Rachel Moxey, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration at Pembrokeshire County Council, said: ‘This is a rare opportunity to carry out an archaeological excavation within the town.

‘The £6.3m project also complements the regeneration work we are undertaking to transform Haverfordwest town centre to ensure it is fit for the future.

‘I am grateful for the work of PCC’s development staff, John Weaver Contractors, and Dyfed Archaeological Trust to ensure that we document this for future generations.

‘By working together we can make the most of this wonderful opportunity to uncover some of Haverfordwest’s rich history.

‘I want to thank residents, and local heritage groups for their support during these archaeological works – and I was fascinated by the enthusiasm and what has been unearthed to date.

‘Haverfordwest is a great town – and I am looking forward to seeing the completed redevelopment which will showcase this Authority’s commitment to improve the environment for our communities.

‘The project we have planned will be transformational for the town and we are looking forward to starting work as soon as possible.

‘Supporting the businesses of this great town is a key part of our economic resilience and regeneration.

‘The people of Haverfordwest are proud of their town’s history – and the Western Quayside provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate that, and its flourishing future.’

The modern and stylish development includes a three-storey local food and beverage emporium with bar and roof-top terrace. It is part of the Authority’s wider plan to transform key town centres, offer a new type of built environment and ensure Pembrokeshire is a great place to visit, live and work.

Fran Murphy from Dyfed Archaeological Trust said: ‘This is the first major archaeological excavation to have taken place in the medieval town of Haverfordwest and will tell us so much about the continuous development of this thriving town through the ages, and its vital connection with the Western Cleddau River.

‘It will give us insights into how people lived and died, their occupations, what they ate and drank even, and prove a valuable source of information for years to come.’

Terry Edwards, JWC’s Managing Director said: ‘It’s a great privilege to have been selected as the contractor of choice to construct the proposed Western Quays Regeneration project and nothing gives us greater pleasure than to expose artefacts from the generations that came before us.

‘During the course of any conservation construction project, you have the potential to seriously impact / disturb the important archaeological remains that have been left behind, our conservation arm of the business are focused on ensuring existing landmarks and heritage buildings – which form the backbone of a significant portion of the Welsh tourism industry – are kept safe, usable and aesthetically correct.

‘Our dedicated team of experts and artisan tradesmen understand not only the finer technical details when it comes to conserving buildings, but also the heart and soul of the structures that are in our care.

‘Historical and cultural artefacts are a part of our Welsh heritage, and have an inherent value for education, research, leisure, tourism and the economy. They are a finite, non-renewable resource, and we have a responsibility to mitigate the potentially-damaging effects of any development we work upon.’

Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward of Haverfordwest, added: ‘This important archaeological heritage excavation site of the Ocky White / Western Quay Development will enable us to provide an educated history of human activity over hundreds of years in the centre of Haverfordwest and it will be acknowledged as a resource of unique cultural and social value.

‘As the County Councillor for the Castle Ward I am pleased that the Work which is underway at Western Quayside in Haverfordwest (the former Ocky White building) as part of a major construction project to redevelop the site. Commenced earlier last year, the project will provide a modern and stylish three-storey development, including a food emporium, bar and roof-top terrace.

‘The Pembrokeshire County Council scheme incorporates public realm improvements including an attractive waterfront square with space for events which could extend its use into the early evening. The project is anticipated to be complete in early 2023 which is very exciting news for Haverfordwest, our County Town of Pembrokeshire.’

Crime

Man charged with attempted murder after Carmarthen park incident

Published

3 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

57-year-old due in court following alleged knife and stalking offences

A MAN has been charged with attempted murder following a serious incident in Carmarthen town centre last week.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that James McKenna, aged 57, from Carmarthen, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and stalking.

The charges relate to an incident in Carmarthen Park on Thursday (Jan 29), which prompted a significant emergency services response and caused concern among residents.

Police have not yet released full details of the circumstances, but officers were seen in and around the park area for several hours following the incident while enquiries were carried out.

McKenna is due to appear before Llanelli Magistrates Court on Thursday (Feb 5).

The Herald understands the case involves allegations of both violence and targeted behaviour towards an individual, with stalking listed among the charges.

Public concern

Carmarthen Park is a popular and busy public space used daily by families, dog walkers and joggers, and incidents of this severity are rare.

The news has prompted concern locally, particularly as the alleged offences include possession of a knife in a public place.

Residents have previously raised questions about safety in parks and open spaces across west Wales, especially during darker winter evenings.

Court proceedings

At this stage, the charges remain allegations and the case will now proceed through the courts.

Magistrates will decide whether the case is sent to Crown Court due to the seriousness of the attempted murder charge.

Further details are expected to emerge during Thursday’s hearing.

The Herald will be attending court and will provide updates as they become available.

Crime

Sex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register

Published

3 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Court Reporter

Man walked into police station after months avoiding authorities

A CONVICTED sex offender who told police he intended to live “off grid” rather than comply with legal monitoring rules has been jailed after handing himself in at a Pembrokeshire police station.

Christopher Spelman, aged 66, of no fixed address, appeared for sentence at Swansea Crown Court after admitting breaching the notification requirements of the sex offenders register.

The court heard Spelman was released from prison in Dorset on July 4 last year but immediately refused to provide police with an address, despite being legally required to do so within three days.

Instead, he indicated he planned to buy a tent and live outdoors.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson said officers subsequently launched a nationwide search when Spelman failed to make contact with police. Public appeals were issued and his case featured on the television programme Crimewatch.

Detectives believed he had been travelling around the UK using public transport and staying at campsites. He was known to have links to several areas including Merseyside, Manchester, Devon, Cornwall and Hampshire.

His whereabouts remained unknown until January 3 this year, when he walked into Haverfordwest police station and was arrested. It is unclear how long he had been in Pembrokeshire.

Spelman previously served seven years in prison after being convicted in 2014 of 12 counts of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 14. He was placed on the sex offenders register for life.

The court heard this was not the first time he had failed to comply with the rules. After an earlier release in 2016, he again failed to register his address and avoided police for around five years before being caught.

He has 11 previous convictions for 29 offences.

Defence barrister Andrew Evans described the case as unusual and said his client had long disputed his original conviction and had expressed a wish to live “outside society”.

However, he said Spelman had gradually accepted that he remained subject to court orders and now wanted more stable accommodation and a chance to rebuild his life. The defendant asked the court to impose a custodial sentence so arrangements could be made for his future release.

Judge Geraint Walters noted there were signs Spelman wished to change but warned that any further breaches would result in longer prison terms.

With credit for his guilty plea, Spelman was sentenced to 10 months in prison. He will serve up to half in custody before being released on licence.

Crime

Former Wales rugby star admits Christmas Day drink-driving offence

Published

9 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Ex-Ospreys captain was almost twice over limit in Pembroke town centre

Former Wales back row Jonathan Thomas has admitted driving through Pembroke town centre on Christmas Day when he was almost twice over the drink-drive limit.

This week Haverfordwest magistrates heard that Thomas, 43, was stopped by officers as he drove his Mercedes CLA 220 along The Green, Pembroke, at around 5pm on Christmas Day.

“The officers were very concerned at the manner of his driving, as the car was being driven erratically and was swerving to the other side of the road,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

“When Jonathan Thomas got out of the car, the officers could see that he was having difficulty standing and was unsteady on his feet.”

Subsequent breathalyser tests showed Thomas had 62 mcg of alcohol in his system, the legal limit being 35.

Thomas, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the drink-drive charge and was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill.

“He has family in the area and had travelled to spend time with them on Christmas Day,” she told the magistrates. “He’s very remorseful for his actions and hugely regrets his decision that day.”

Jess Hill concluded by saying that Thomas is currently “between jobs and living off his savings”.

Thomas, who gave his address as Main Road, Bredon, was disqualified from driving for a total of 18 months.

“The length of your disqualification reflects the fact that you were more than a little bit over the limit,” commented the presiding magistrates when imposing sentence.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge.

The former Wales back row left his role as Swansea RFC head coach at the beginning of December 2025 as a result of ongoing health concerns. He was forced to retire from playing in 2015 on medical advice after being diagnosed with epilepsy and is one of the 390 former rugby union players currently taking part in a concussion lawsuit against the sport’s authorities.

“Long-standing issues linked to the head trauma have caused me some concern recently and it has been impossible for me to give the role everything it needs,” he said in a previous interview with the BBC.

His rugby career started out with Pembroke RFC juniors before moving to Swansea RFC, which he captained when he was 19. He then joined the Ospreys where, over a ten-year period, he won four league titles and an Anglo-Welsh Cup. He was the youngest player to captain the Ospreys and, at the time of leaving, was the joint highest appearance holder, together with Andrew Bishop, on 188 appearances.

His international career saw him play for Wales at Under-16, Youth, Under-19, Under-21 and Sevens levels. He made his senior international debut against Australia in 2003, featured at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and was part of two Six Nations Grand Slam-winning sides in 2005 and 2008. Between 2004 and 2011, Thomas was included in every Wales Six Nations squad. In his appearances for Wales, he scored seven tries.