News

Remains of up to 100 children have been found at holy site in Wales

Published

4 years ago

September 14, 2022

WHILE excavating a sacred site in Wales, archaeologists in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, recently made a horrifying discovery.

According to experts, the bodies of 100 children were discovered, with one-third of the remains being infants under the age of four.

The Dyfed Archaeology Trust did not anticipate finding 100 skeletons while excavating what is thought to be the mysterious St. Saviours, a 600-year-old friary. Additionally, there’s a chance the team will find 200 more corpses.

The Trust’s investigation into the location of the friary started in February at the site of the former Ocky Whites department store.

When Pembrokeshire County Council purchased the old Ocky Whites and announced that it would be demolished to make way for the town’s new food hall, the trust saw an opportunity to go underground and learn more about the town’s mysterious history.

Much to the surprise of the team, a puncture wound was discovered on the skull of one of the discovered corpses. Although the cause of death has not been determined, archaeologists believe the wound was caused by a ‘projectile fired.’

This find suggests that medieval warfare may have occurred in the town.

Andrew Shobbrook, Site Manager for the dig, said: “We are hugely grateful to Pembrokeshire County Council, Faithful and Gould, John Weaver Contractors, and all the volunteers for their help with the project.

“This is huge for us to find out more about the story of Haverfordwest. There has been very little archaeological extraction in the town, and we are unearthing some fantastic finds.

The team is scheduled to remain at the site until January of next year, and anticipation for what else they may discover grows.

Additionally, a shield was found on the site. As the design of the shield is unknown, Mr. Shobbrook has asked anyone with information about medieval design to get in touch.

The shield features a design of three oak trees on a white frame.

Dyfed Archaeological Trust Limited was established as one of four Welsh Archaeological Trusts to educate the public about archaeology. According to their website, they are “committed to working to help protect, record and interpret all aspects of the historic environment.”

The organization currently has an interest in 43,000 historic sites, which is a record for south-west Wales.

Crime

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

Published

12 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

12 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

13 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.