ALISHA STOKES, 30, of Devon Drive, Pembroke, appeared before magistrates in Haverfordwest this week on a series of charges.

On Saturday, February 22, Stokes was found in possession of 2.4 grams of cannabis in Haverfordwest. She indicated a guilty plea on February 24 and was convicted the same day. The drugs were ordered to be forfeited and destroyed under Section 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. No separate penalty was imposed, with the guilty plea taken into account.

On the same day, she was also found in possession of 10.49 grams of cocaine. She again indicated a guilty plea and was convicted on February 24. She received a suspended sentence of 24 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Magistrates stated that the offence was so serious that only custody could be justified, but suspended the sentence due to a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. She was also placed under a non-residential drug rehabilitation order with regular reviews and required to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

Stokes further pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker—PC 826 Boorman—by beating her during the same incident on February 22. She was sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment, also suspended for 18 months, with the court taking into account the fact that the victim was a police officer. She was ordered to pay £50 compensation.

On Tuesday, March 18, she failed to surrender to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, having been released on bail. A charge relating to that incident was withdrawn, but in a subsequent court appearance on March 27, she admitted to the same offence and received no separate penalty.

On March 11, Stokes also stole lamb from Farmfoods in Pembroke Dock. She pleaded guilty and was given no separate penalty.

A placeholder offence was also listed for record-keeping purposes relating to her arrest on a warrant issued for failing to appear in court.

THE WELSH Government has confirmed the first phase of a major new investment package for Cardiff Airport, pledging £20 million to boost economic development and secure the long-term future of the site.

The funding marks the beginning of a ten-year programme designed to harness the airport’s capacity as a strategic asset for Wales. The scheme is expected to drive further growth across the South Wales region and create new opportunities in aviation, logistics, and employment.

Announcing the investment on Wednesday (Apr 2), Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans MS, said the Welsh Government had completed due diligence on the proposals, including a review by the Competition and Markets Authority.

Ms Evans said: “We remain committed to the growth of this essential economic infrastructure, which currently generates over £200 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) annually and supports thousands of jobs in the South Wales region.”

Plans under the investment include potential development of aircraft maintenance facilities, improved cargo handling capabilities, and support for general aviation. Some of the funding will also be used to explore new air routes, with an emphasis on improving connectivity and Wales’ presence in global markets.

The £20 million commitment follows a previous announcement in July 2024, where the Welsh Government outlined its ambition to make Cardiff Airport a catalyst for economic expansion in Wales. This latest funding, according to Ms Evans, will help the region realise that vision and support a “vibrant and outward-facing” national economy.

Officials will monitor the impact of the funding throughout the ten-year period, with performance reviews planned and a focus on minimising subsidies while delivering value for money.

A record of the financial award will be published on the UK subsidy transparency database.

However, the decision has sparked criticism from the Welsh Conservatives, who renewed their call for the airport to be sold to the private sector.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure, Peter Fox MS, said: “The Labour Government’s decision to inject the first £20 million of a planned £200 million into Cardiff Airport will bring the total amount of Welsh taxpayer money invested to over £200 million.

“Cardiff Airport is a financial burden on the Labour Welsh Government and Welsh taxpayers, and it is time for Labour to finally do the right thing and sell the airport to the private sector.

“Ministers in Cardiff Bay lack the essential expertise to manage an airport. That is why an experienced corporation in the private sector, with proven industry knowledge, would be better placed to ensure the airport not only survives but thrives.”

The Herald understands that further investment decisions will be made as the programme progresses, depending on the outcomes and economic impact of the initial phase.

ONE of Wales’ most anticipated music festivals is returning to Crymych next month – with a packed line-up of top Welsh talent already confirmed.

The Fel ‘Na Mai Festival will take place on Saturday (May 3) at the Frenni Transport site in Parc Gwynfryn Estate, marking its fourth year of bringing live music and family-friendly fun to the Preseli area.

Organisers say this year’s programme is one of the strongest to date, with a wide range of acts spanning folk, rock, psychedelic and contemporary music set to appear across two main stages.

The Foel Drigarn Stage will run from 1:15pm until late, opening with performances from the choirs of Ysgol Bro Preseli and Ysgol Cilgerran. They will be followed by Dewin, winners of the Best Group category at the 2025 Ail Symudiad Awards.

Festival newcomers Taran, an energetic folk rock group, will make their debut before heavy rock band Mattoidz take over the stage. Mali Haf, known for her vibrant and charming performances, will also appear.

As dusk falls, popular singer-songwriter Meinir Gwilym and her band will perform, followed by the much-requested return of Gwilym. The night will conclude with a headline set by Yws Gwynedd and his band.

The Y Frenni Fawr Stage, running from 1:35pm to 7:10pm, offers an equally strong line-up. Côr Rocesi’r Fro, led by Einir Dafydd, will open the stage before a set by Llandjango, inspired by the sounds of Django Reinhardt.

Danny Sioned, winner of the Individual Prize at the Ail Symudiad Awards, will take to the stage, followed by a performance from retired rocker Cleif Harpwood, who will revisit some favourites from the 1970s. Rising contemporary group Lavant and psychedelic rock band Pys Melyn from Pen Llŷn will round off the programme.

Both stages will be hosted by local presenter and musician Mari Grug.

In addition to live music, organisers say the festival is a day out for the whole family, with a dedicated children’s area offering a range of activities for younger visitors.

A licensed bar will be provided in partnership with Crymych Rugby Club, and this year sees the introduction of a new gin bar from In The Welsh Wind. Local food vendors will also be on site throughout the day.

Parking is available at the Frenni Transport site and nearby locations within the Parc Gwynfryn estate. Facilities are also in place for those wishing to camp or stay in motorhomes during the event.

Tickets are reported to be selling fast. For more information or to book, visit: felnamai.cymru