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Gang jailed for targeting elderly

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Alf Probert

Alf Probert

THREE burglars who travelled 100 miles to target elderly residents in Kilgetty and Whitland have been jailed today for a total of 11 and a half years.

Tony Smith, aged 20, of Chestnut Close, Rassau, Ebbw Vale, Alf Probert, 23, of Briar Close, Rassau, and John Hearne, 19, of The White House, Buckley, Flintshire, admitted three burglaries.

Huw Rees, prosecuting, told Swansea crown court how Probert, whose father lived at Kingsmoor Common, Kilgetty, provided the gang with details of elderly and vulnerable people and then drove Smith and Hearne to the addresses.

They struck first at The Trees, Ryelands Way, Kilgetty, the home of 76 year old Kenneth Ormerod. He arrived home to find the property had been ransacked. The intruders had got away with £1,500 in cash, five watches and his mother’s engagement ring—and had even opened his will.

Very shortly afterwards the trio targeted 18 Velfrey Road, Whitland, where 69 year old

Tony Smith

Tony Smith

Richard Pearce was watching television.

Mr Pearce, who is blind in one eye, was held down while one of the other defendants made an “untidy” search of the upstairs before leaving with £175 in cash.

However, said Mr Rees, a neighbour who “did not like the look” of the men noted the registration number of the Peugeot driven by Probert as he arrived to collect them.

Within minutes they were back in Kilgetty and in the garden of 48 Millfield Close. The occupier, Jean McKnight, aged 82, confronted them and they made up a story of trying to find their dog.

As she returned indoors the two men followed and locked it behind her. One grabbed her by her wrist and pushed her into the sitting room “with some force.”

 

They demanded money and ripped out two telephones.

The ordeal lasted 35 minutes as one of the burglars stood guard over Mrs McKnight, and a

John Hearne

John Hearne

friend, Kathleen Litherland, who had been visiting, while the other searched the house. They

escaped with £200 in cash and some minor items.

Mr Rees said it was significant that both Probert junior and senior had at times carried out gardening jobs at the house.

By then police were armed with the registration number of the Peugeot and Smith was arrested as he approached the car. Probert was also arrested soon afterwards.

Barristers representing the men said they were deeply ashamed at what they had done.

Judge Paul Thomas said the burglaries were “exceptionally serious.”

The men, he said, had been on a “burglary expedition” and had targeted people who were vulnerable because of their ages or ill health.

“You turned their lives upsidedown and not just their homes. You roughly manhandled two of them and they had no way of telling just how far you would go,” he added.

He said Probert, who had a previous conviction for swindling an elderly person, had “set up” the operation.

Probert and Hearne were jailed for four years and Smith for three and a half.

They were each ordered to pay a £120 surcharge.

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Crime

Death at Pembroke Dock property sparks police probe – arrests made

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Three in custody on suspicion of Class A drug supply following incident

A HEAVY police presence was seen on Glenview Avenue, Pembroke Dock on Tuesday evening (May 20) after emergency services were called to a medical emergency at a residential property.

Multiple police units and ambulances responded to the scene at around 7:30pm. Officers remained at the location throughout the night.

It has now been confirmed that one person sadly died at the property. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin and HM Coroner have been informed.

In a statement issued to The Herald on Wednesday afternoon (May 21), Dyfed-Powys Police said:
“Officers were called to assist paramedics following a report of a medical emergency at a property on Glenview Avenue, Pembroke Dock at around 7:30pm on Tuesday (May 20). Sadly, one person died at the scene.”

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. They remain in police custody.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death.

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Education

Time for more home grown tea cultivation?

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ROWS of tea plants could become a more familiar sight on the hills of Wales and other parts of the UK in the future.

Scientists at Aberystwyth University have been using machine-learning to analyse the chemical make-up of tea grown in non-traditional areas, including Powys in mid Wales and Dartmoor in south west England.

They hope their findings will help emerging tea growers in the UK to develop breeding strategies, cultivation practices and processing methods which suit climate conditions in this part of the world.

The research team are currently working with Dartmoor Estate Tea in Devon which is known for its unique microclimate and soil diversity.

The study is focusing on six varieties of tea which have been selected by the estate for their adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and their potential for chemical diversity.

Speaking on International Tea Day 2025, Dr Amanda J Lloyd, a senior researcher in food, diet and health at Aberystwyth University’s Department of Life Sciences, said:

“This study is contributing to the growing field of metabolomics by providing a comprehensive chemical profile of tea grown in a non-traditional region. Our findings offer new insights into the adaptability of tea plants and their potential for cultivation in emerging regions, contributing to global food security and agricultural diversification. Further research will now need to be carried out and should include multi-seasonal sampling, comparisons with traditional tea-growing regions, and analysis of processed tea to provide a more comprehensive understanding of tea chemistry.”

The study’s findings have been shared in an academic paper published in Metabolites, an international, peer-reviewed open access journal.

Dr Lloyd and her team have also been working with Buckhall Farm near Knighton in Powys which is pioneering tea cultivation in high-altitude Welsh conditions. The project was part of the first phase of the SBRI Agri-Food Technology Challenge, funded by the Welsh Government.

The work builds on an innovative portfolio of research at Aberystwyth University focused on tea’s health benefits, sustainable cultivation and consumer behaviour.

Among other ongoing studies is the Better Brain project, which is funded by Innovate UK and which is currently recruiting for a trial investigating the effects of a supplement containing green tea extract, ginseng and omega-3s on cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults.

The study is led by the Well-being and Health Assessment Research Unit (WARU) at the University, working with colleagues from the Department of Psychology and using advanced electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to assess cognition and wellbeing.

Professor Nigel Holt from the Department of Psychology and the University’s Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor, International, said:

“Tea is not only comforting but increasingly reveals itself to be a cognitive ally. Our research is helping us understand the deep biochemical relationships between tea’s compounds and mental function. Better Brain is particularly exciting because it bridges nutrition, psychology and neurophysiology.”

For more information on our tea research or to participate in current studies, take a look at the WARU website.

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News

Milford Haven Buffaloes thank Waterloo Club for support

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THE ROYAL ANTEDILUVIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOES, Harbour Lodge 10704, has extended heartfelt thanks to the Waterloo Club in Hakin for their support and generosity over the past 14 months.

The lodge, which is currently in the process of moving to a new venue, has been based at the club since early 2023. During that time, members have successfully raised funds for local charities and supported community initiatives.

A spokesperson said: “We are extremely grateful to the Waterloo Club for their hospitality. Their kindness has helped us continue our charitable work in Milford Haven and beyond. We look forward to continuing our efforts to support the community at our new location.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes is encouraged to get in touch via email at: [email protected]

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