News

Bramble ‘Hell’ Farm owner sent to prison for breach of animal ban order

Published

3 years ago

March 2, 2023

A CONTROVERSIAL Pembrokeshire farmer who was disqualified from keeping animals indefinitely has today (Mar 2) been sent to prison.

Sean Ronald Burns, age 52, of Bramble Hall Farm, Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching a court order by keeping lovebirds, dogs and tortoises.

The offending was committed whilst the defendant was subject to a suspended sentence order.

In September 2020 he received a suspended prison sentence, alongside two other men for his part in the production of smokies at Bramble Hall Farm.

His Honour Judge Thomas outlined the past offending of Burns as part of an aggravating feature to the breach, with a number of animal welfare convictions dating back to 2018.

A huge animal welfare operation was held at Bramble Hall Farm back in January 2019 where more than 200 animals were removed from the property.

It was dubbed ‘Bramble Hell Farm’.

Burns arrived at Swansea Crown Court in a wheelchair, along with copies of medications and medical conditions.

Defending barrister Mr Roach, asked the judge to take into account Burns’ health condition when considering any custodial sentence.

However, during sentencing Judge Thomas said: “You’ve arrived today in a wheelchair.

“What is absent is any medical evidence, I have also been told you haven’t seen Dr in 18 months even though you use a wheelchair often.

“I have some scepticism about it, especially as no evidence has been obtained.”

The court heard how the breach came to light after a police officer attended the property over reports that dogs were on the main road. A report was made to the council who arrived the following day with the police to remove the animals.

Some of the animals were found to be in very poor health, with excrement covering the floor and the dog beds. The tortoise was found without any access to leafy greens.

A Black cat and a decapitated chicken carcass were found inside a telephone box on the property.

Three older dogs were in poor condition. And a puppy required immediate vet attention with the removal of six temporary teeth.

Burns accepted the breaches, however denied any ownership of the animals.

Judge Thomas told the court how he felt there was no other option than to activate the suspended sentence.

He said: “‘This is a Flagrant breach’ by keeping a tortoise, love birds and 12 dogs.

“Some were kept in poor conditions.

“Three dogs were very poorly treated indeed.

“You continued to keep animals under your control.”

Burns was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for each of the three breaches admitted, to run concurrently.

Judge Thomas activated the defendants suspended sentence, however took into consideration Bruns’ health conditions, an activation period was set at eight months to run concurrently.

Burns will serve half of the sentence in custody with the remaining period on licence.

A new order was also imposed, banning Burns from not only owning animals but also all types of animal interaction.

No application can be made to change the order for a period of 10 years.

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.