News

Council ignored parents’ views

Published

11 years ago

August 1, 2014

YESTERDAY’S full council meeting debated a number of issues relating to school services. The first item dealt with the proposed amalgamation of the Hakin and Hubberston schools. Cllr Viv Stoddart addressed the chamber saying that the process has been one of misrepresentation. She said: “Lots of objections were submitted, I do not understand why you ask for opinions and then completely ignore them. “Hakin agreed to merge on the promise of a new school; a year ago Hubberston also came into the mix because someone in the council thought it would be a good idea. “Hubberston parents were unanimous in their objections. “There has been a lack of openness, the people I represent have been left with a stark proposal.” Cllr Stoddart added that she was in favour of a new school for Hakin and an upgrade for Hubberston. Cllr Mike Stoddart added: “The alternative is no money at all or back to the drawing board. We are already dealing with massive delays in this project. The whole thing is a complete scandal.” Council leader Jamie Adams claimed: “The process has been entirely in line with Welsh Government guidance. “The views of the community are being considered carefully and we always look to act as advocates for our children. “I remain determined to deliver a school that everyone will be proud of.” Cllr Ken Rowlands, recently removed as Cabinet member in charge of education loyally supported his leader and told the meeting: “I am confident that the availability of services will be second to none for the community.” Cllr Jonathan Nutting added: “Diversity is very important; I don’t believe that we are offering the same diversity in Hubberston and Hakin with what is in front of us.” The recommendation to discontinue Hakin and Hubberston schools and establish a new school for both was approved. Councillors also approved that the director for Children and Schools undertake a review of primary education in the Pembroke family of schools area. It is feared that the review will be first step towards the closure or amalgamation of the small rural schools on the Angle Peninsula, such as Orielton and Angle. Finally, Councillors approved an alteration to Johnston CP School adding an SEN provision to the school. Cllr Sue Perkins said: “The need for SEN is very important.” Cllr Jamie Adams added: “There is a clear desire to address this to meet the aspirations for those needing it.” It is not clear how the proposal will affect other SEN services delivered at other schools in the area, but the plans for a new school in Johnston already incorporate SEN facilities.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

8 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of serious allegations following his appearance in the latest magistrates’ court register.

David Guy, 49, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared in court facing multiple charges, all of which have now been deemed too serious for summary trial.

Multiple charges listed in register

The new magistrates’ register shows Guy charged with several offences arising from the same case file. Although individual charge descriptions were not expanded in open court, the register confirms the allegations include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second assault charge
Criminal damage
A further interpersonal violence allegation
A public order offence

All entries relate to the same incident and prosecution reference, presented as a multi-count case.

Defendant remanded into custody

Magistrates ruled that their sentencing powers were insufficient and sent the entire case to Swansea Crown Court for trial.

Guy was remanded in custody, with the register stating: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A hearing date will now be fixed administratively by the Crown Court. Until then, Guy remains remanded.

The Herald will provide updates once the Crown Court listing is confirmed.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

14 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string of alleged offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, 40, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, faces six linked charges arising from incidents reported to have taken place earlier this year. Alcock, who did not enter pleas during the administrative hearings, appeared on several occasions as the court dealt with bail issues and case management.

Multiple assault allegations
The charges listed before magistrates include:
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional strangulation
Common assault of a woman
Criminal damage relating to a domestic incident
Further assault allegations linked to the same complainant
A breach of bail conditions

The court heard that Alcock had previously been granted conditional bail. However, he was brought back before magistrates twice during the same reporting period for alleged breaches of those conditions, resulting in updated bail decisions.

Bail breached — defendant remanded

On two separate entries in the court register, Alcock was listed as having breached his bail, leading magistrates to remand him into custody pending the next hearing. On other dates within the same week, he was again re-released on conditional bail, with strict terms imposed, including restrictions on contact with the complainant and exclusions from certain locations.

He is now remanded on conditional bail with his next appearance set for Swansea Crown Court, where the more serious matters — including the alleged non-fatal strangulation — will be dealt with.

Case sent to Crown Court

Magistrates directed that the case is too serious to be heard locally and must proceed to the Crown Court for trial or sentence.

The Herald understands that all listed charges fall under the same prosecution reference, indicating they form part of a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution. No further details were opened in court at this stage.

Crime

Rogue roofer conned homeowner out of thousands

Published

30 minutes ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Caerphilly investigation leads to court conviction

A ROGUE trader from Pembroke has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after duping a homeowner into handing over thousands for unnecessary roofing work.

Douggie Whitbread, aged twenty-five and living at Coldwell Terrace, Pembroke, persuaded his victim that he “probably needed a new roof” before charging £4,350 for work that was either unnecessary or not carried out properly.

Whitbread admitted two counts of fraud relating to a property on Griffiths Street, Ystrad Mynach, with the offences taking place between August 12 and October 16, 2023.

He appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, where he was ordered to pay a total of £6,130. That includes £4,350 in compensation, £1,500 in prosecution costs, a £200 fine, and an £80 victim surcharge.

The case was brought following an investigation by Caerphilly Trading Standards, who urged residents to be cautious of unsolicited offers of home maintenance work.