News

Police and Council downplay Tenby hotel incident calling it a ‘one off’

Published

4 years ago

August 7, 2022

THE POLICE and Council have issued a joint statement to calm the Tenby public after a dramatic incident in a local hotel last week which led to the arrest of two men.

The Herald understand that the incident was a mental health related violent incident in a hotel used as accommodation for homeless people.

However, it seems that the authorities are keen that the Albany Hotel does gain the same reputation as
The Silverdale Lodge in Johnston. That accommodation was a source of many complaints to the county council and many police hours were spent on call outs to incidents which took place there.

The Council’s statement reads: “Further to the reported incident at the Albany Hotel which led to the arrest of two men last week, Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police would like to confirm that this was an isolated incident that was dealt with swiftly.

“Cllr Michelle Bateman, Council Cabinet member for Housing Operations, said: “We are extremely grateful to the owner of the Albany Hotel in Tenby for being able to provide accommodation and support for our county’s homeless residents.

“I am concerned with the negative comments made on social media and in the press in relation to the incident and the arrangement the Council has with this business.

“This is a much needed resource in the county where we are facing an unprecedented demand on our homelessness service and an acute shortage of affordable housing. Without the support of a number of B&B proprietors from across the county we would be in a far worse position with many more of our residents facing street homelessness.

“The support provided by the owner of this hotel and staff to those who are facing hard times in losing their homes is invaluable and as a Homeless Service we are satisfied with the management and support being provided.

“We ordinarily do not identify the accommodation we use for homeless placements due to the sensitivities and to maintain confidentiality of those residing there, as well as avoiding any negative media attention. The hotel owner also liaises regularly with immediate neighbours in case there are any matters of concern that they may wish to raise with him.”

Dyfed-Powys Police Sergeant Stuart Wheeler said: “The Local Neighbourhood Policing Team provides a visible presence in the community and we will continue to work closely with Pembrokeshire County Council and The Albany Hotel to address any local concerns.”

If there are any further concerns in relation to this matter, please contact the Council’s Housing Service on [email protected] or via the County Council contact centre.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.