News
Inconsistencies proved burglar was guilty
A FISHGUARD burglar was found guilty of stealing a Marshall amplifier, Erbauer saw bench and a Sony microphone at Haverfordwest Court on Wednesday.
David Donnelly, aged 26, of Heol Preseli, initially pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty after a trial. Prosecutor, Sara Lewis said: “On June 9 last year, the owner of Parke House in Manorowen noticed that it had been broken into. Two panes of glass at the top of the back door had been smashed and items had been stolen. Blood was found on the door and when analysed and it was found to be that of Donnelly. He was then arrested and interviewed. “The son of the victim said in his statement ‘I practise with my band at my dad’s house and after we had finished we put our kit away, which consisted of the Marshall amp and the mic and locked up. The next day I went to collect the kit and saw that there was a Fosters can on the lawn. I noticed that the door was damaged and there was a cigarette butt on the stairs. My kit had been stolen so I called my dad, who noticed that his saw bench had been stolen as well’.” Donnelly told the court: “I didn’t play any part in the burglary. On that night I was in a car with friends and we had been drinking and I was very drunk. I didn’t know we were going to this house and when we got there the other two people I was with got out of the car and went to the back to the house. “I sat in the car for five to ten minutes and got out to see where they were. There weren’t any lights on in the house but I thought they might be inside. I cut my hand on some glass and I walked into what I think was a front room and saw them picking things up and putting them in their pockets. I asked them what they were doing, and when I realised they were stealing I turned and walked away. I can’t remember much about what happened because I was so drunk.” Miss Lewis pointed out that in his statement he said that one of them went upstairs and one of them was still downstairs, and that to have cut his hand on the glass, he would have had to reach up to the top of the door. Defence solicitor, Mark Layton said: “Donnelly invited the police to send off the Fosters can and the cigarette butt for analysis. They were sent off but no analysis was made. This does not affect the prosecution’s case, but it does highly affect the defence.” Magistrates found Donnelly guilty due to the inconsistencies in his evidence and adjourned the case until July 29 for sentencing.
Crime
Police appeal to locate 69-year-old man wanted in harassment investigation
DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for information to help locate a man from the Ammanford area who is wanted in connection with a harassment offence.
Alan Tait, aged 69, is being sought by officers as part of an ongoing investigation.
Police believe he may currently be in the Derbyshire area, but say he also has links to South Wales and Gwent.
Anyone with information that could assist officers in locating him is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
Charity
Bluestone Foundation marks year of impact with more than £60,000 for local causes
THE BLUESTONE FOUNDATION, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort, has marked a significant year of community investment after raising and distributing more than £60,000 to support projects across Pembrokeshire in 2025.
Run in partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services (PAVS), the Foundation has continued to expand its reach, backing a wide range of charities and community organisations working at the heart of the county.
During the year, the Foundation’s Community Fund delivered three rounds of grants, supporting projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, and environmental protection.
Environmental organisations including BlueGreen Cymru, Greener Growth CIC and Sea Trust Wales received funding, alongside wellbeing and inclusion groups such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift, No Shame Foundation and Silbers CIC.
Creative, youth and heritage organisations including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and VC Gallery also benefited.
In total, £32,968.57 was awarded through the Community Fund in 2025.
Fundraising events held at the Blue Lagoon Water Park generated a further £19,500 in unrestricted income. Under the Foundation’s funding model, 75 per cent of that money is passed directly to charities, with the remaining 25 per cent placed into a flexible fund to support causes that fall outside the Community Fund’s criteria.
Flexible funding totalling £4,500 was used this year to support initiatives including Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project, refurbishment work at Martletwy Young Farmers Club hall, Bloomfield Bus and Green Dragon Bus services, and Nacro’s Christmas appeal, providing food, warm clothing and essential items to people in crisis.
The Foundation also supported the PATCH Christmas Toy Appeal, encouraging staff and visitors at Bluestone to donate gifts for families referred to the charity during the festive period.
In addition, more than one hundred fundraising events across the region were supported through prize donations from the Foundation, including over 200 family passes to the Blue Lagoon Water Park, 32 overnight spa breaks and nine Bluestone holiday breaks.
Marten Lewis, Chair of the Bluestone Foundation said: “This year’s achievements reflect the heart of who we are at Bluestone. The Foundation exists to uplift the people and places that make Pembrokeshire such a special community.
“The impact of our partners, grant recipients and fundraising efforts in 2025 shows what is possible when we work together, and we are proud to see the difference it continues to make across the county.”
Looking ahead to 2026, the Foundation has confirmed continued support for Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project and will act as gold sponsor of the DPJ Foundation’s Macchu Picchu trek.
Five further Blue Lagoon fundraising events are already scheduled between February and August, supporting Local Cadets, Belles Story, Martletwy YFC Hall, Blue Horizons Coastal Adventure and Friends of Portfield School.
Tickets for those events are available via the Bluestone Foundation’s Eventbrite page.
For more information about the Bluestone Foundation, visit the Bluestone website.
Community
Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker
Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance
FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.
Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.






On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.
Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.
(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)









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