News

Busy period for Angle RNLI continues with three callouts

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2023

Angle All-Weather Lifeboat Responds Swiftly to Distress Call

IN THE EARLY hours of this morning, at 4:58am, Angle’s diligent RNLI crew received an urgent summons, propelling them into action once more. This time, the distress signal emanated from a French yacht in perilous waters. The vessel had encountered a harrowing collision with The Smalls Lighthouse and was grappling with a perilous breach, leaving six souls on board at the mercy of the sea’s unrelenting ingress. The yacht’s own bilge pumps were valiantly struggling against the deluge.

Undaunted by the early hour, the lifeboat sprung into action, its engines roaring to life as it raced towards the beleaguered vessel. The call for aid also reached the capable hands of St. David’s All-Weather Lifeboat and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R924, stationed at the ready in Newquay, Cornwall. Mid-route, a request was dispatched by the coastguard to have the lifeboat’s salvage pump prepared.

Minutes elapsed, and Angle’s resolute lifeboat drew alongside St. David’s vessel at the scene of the maritime crisis. The situation was meticulously assessed, and a decision was swiftly reached. With the knowledge that the stricken yacht’s intended course lay towards Milford Haven, the tacticians on scene determined that Angle’s crew, bolstered by their trusty salvage pump, should be the first to transfer aboard the troubled vessel. Should further assistance become necessary, the capable hands of St. David’s Lifeboat and R924 stood ready to extend their aid.

With two valiant crew members and the formidable salvage pump safely aboard, the dire situation was met head-on. The relentless tide of water invading the yacht’s confines was finally tamed, brought under control by the relentless efforts of Angle’s crew. Sensing that the immediate danger was assuaged and all souls on board were accounted for, the steadfast teams of St. David’s Lifeboat and R924 were relieved from their posts and returned to their respective ports, departing with gratitude.

Assured that the ship’s stability was regained and its passengers out of harm’s way, the lifeboat began a steady three-and-a-half-hour escort to Neyland, where the proficient crew at Dale Sailing eagerly awaited, poised to hoist the beleaguered yacht from the treacherous waters.

As the convoy reached the sheltered embrace of Watwick Bay, the lifeboat once again sidled up to the yacht’s flank, this time replenishing it with the necessary fuel and vital supplies for the final leg of the journey to Neyland. The maritime ballet continued until Neyland was reached, where the joint efforts of the crew and the adept staff at Dale Sailing culminated in a successful hoisting of the yacht, drawing it to safety above the waves.

As the vessel swung free above the marina waters, a well-earned pause ensued. The lifeboat nestled in the harbor, a warm gesture in the form of bacon rolls awaiting one of the crew members who had been patiently stationed there.

With the mission accomplished and a vessel rescued, the lifeboat eventually returned to its home port, its dedication unwavering. By 11am, the vessel stood ready to respond to the call of duty once again.

Triple Distress Calls in Two Days

This saga of bravery and expertise didn’t stand alone. The preceding Friday, the 3rd of August, at precisely 3:32pm, Angle’s intrepid crew received yet another cry for help. A 10-meter aluminium landing craft, burdened with six souls, was thrust into jeopardy due to an unfortunate dual engine failure. The vessel’s plight was further compounded by ensnaring its propellers in an errant rope, rendering the engines impotent and leaving the craft to helplessly drift towards the menacing rocks of West Angle Bay.

As the emergency call echoed through the air, the lifeboat once again sprang into action, racing toward West Angle with the urgency that only an experienced crew can muster. On arrival, a local charter angling vessel gallantly offered aid, holding the fort until the stalwart lifeboat could take its place.

A meticulously executed towline was rigged, expertly linking the two vessels. With the casualties’ anchor disengaged, the towline was transferred, and the lifeboat commenced its noble task, guiding the stranded vessel towards Neyland. As the convoy neared Neyland Marina, a precise maneuver shifted the vessel into an alongside tow, aligning it with the awaiting pontoon at Dale Sailing, where the vessel would find its much-needed respite.

As the sun began its descent, the lifeboat and its dedicated crew stood down, returning to their station, the day’s challenges met and conquered. By 6pm, the lifeboat was poised, ever-ready for its next great maritime trial.

Another Successful Rescue Operation

The day before the aforementioned rescue, on Thursday, the 3rd of August, Angle’s All-Weather Lifeboat was beckoned to action once more at 5:36pm. A plea for assistance echoed over the waves, emanating from a small speedboat that had fallen victim to mechanical woes. With four souls and two loyal canine companions on board, the vessel was left adrift, its location uncertain but perilous – somewhere between Dale and Angle.

Responding with characteristic swiftness, the lifeboat set course for Dale, its crew determined to locate and aid the distressed vessel. Their efforts proved fruitful, culminating in the discovery of the stricken boat anchored in the safety of Watwick Bay. A sigh of relief swept through the crew as all aboard were accounted for and in good health. Once the safety of the stranded vessel was assured, a towline was established, and the lifeboat guided the vessel up the Haven to East Llanion, ensuring its safe return.

With the mission accomplished and another triumph secured, the lifeboat returned to its berth, its readiness for further service reaffirmed. The echoes of its recent successes resonated within its steel hull, a testament to the unwavering dedication of Angle’s RNLI crew.

Crime

Man charged with attempted murder after Carmarthen park incident

Published

12 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

57-year-old due in court following alleged knife and stalking offences

A MAN has been charged with attempted murder following a serious incident in Carmarthen town centre last week.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that James McKenna, aged 57, from Carmarthen, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and stalking.

The charges relate to an incident in Carmarthen Park on Thursday (Jan 29), which prompted a significant emergency services response and caused concern among residents.

Police have not yet released full details of the circumstances, but officers were seen in and around the park area for several hours following the incident while enquiries were carried out.

McKenna is due to appear before Llanelli Magistrates Court on Thursday (Feb 5).

The Herald understands the case involves allegations of both violence and targeted behaviour towards an individual, with stalking listed among the charges.

Public concern

Carmarthen Park is a popular and busy public space used daily by families, dog walkers and joggers, and incidents of this severity are rare.

The news has prompted concern locally, particularly as the alleged offences include possession of a knife in a public place.

Residents have previously raised questions about safety in parks and open spaces across west Wales, especially during darker winter evenings.

Court proceedings

At this stage, the charges remain allegations and the case will now proceed through the courts.

Magistrates will decide whether the case is sent to Crown Court due to the seriousness of the attempted murder charge.

Further details are expected to emerge during Thursday’s hearing.

The Herald will be attending court and will provide updates as they become available.

Crime

Sex offender jailed after living off grid in Pembrokeshire and refusing to register

Published

13 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Court Reporter

Man walked into police station after months avoiding authorities

A CONVICTED sex offender who told police he intended to live “off grid” rather than comply with legal monitoring rules has been jailed after handing himself in at a Pembrokeshire police station.

Christopher Spelman, aged 66, of no fixed address, appeared for sentence at Swansea Crown Court after admitting breaching the notification requirements of the sex offenders register.

The court heard Spelman was released from prison in Dorset on July 4 last year but immediately refused to provide police with an address, despite being legally required to do so within three days.

Instead, he indicated he planned to buy a tent and live outdoors.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson said officers subsequently launched a nationwide search when Spelman failed to make contact with police. Public appeals were issued and his case featured on the television programme Crimewatch.

Detectives believed he had been travelling around the UK using public transport and staying at campsites. He was known to have links to several areas including Merseyside, Manchester, Devon, Cornwall and Hampshire.

His whereabouts remained unknown until January 3 this year, when he walked into Haverfordwest police station and was arrested. It is unclear how long he had been in Pembrokeshire.

Spelman previously served seven years in prison after being convicted in 2014 of 12 counts of sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 14. He was placed on the sex offenders register for life.

The court heard this was not the first time he had failed to comply with the rules. After an earlier release in 2016, he again failed to register his address and avoided police for around five years before being caught.

He has 11 previous convictions for 29 offences.

Defence barrister Andrew Evans described the case as unusual and said his client had long disputed his original conviction and had expressed a wish to live “outside society”.

However, he said Spelman had gradually accepted that he remained subject to court orders and now wanted more stable accommodation and a chance to rebuild his life. The defendant asked the court to impose a custodial sentence so arrangements could be made for his future release.

Judge Geraint Walters noted there were signs Spelman wished to change but warned that any further breaches would result in longer prison terms.

With credit for his guilty plea, Spelman was sentenced to 10 months in prison. He will serve up to half in custody before being released on licence.

Crime

Former Wales rugby star admits Christmas Day drink-driving offence

Published

19 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Ex-Ospreys captain was almost twice over limit in Pembroke town centre

Former Wales back row Jonathan Thomas has admitted driving through Pembroke town centre on Christmas Day when he was almost twice over the drink-drive limit.

This week Haverfordwest magistrates heard that Thomas, 43, was stopped by officers as he drove his Mercedes CLA 220 along The Green, Pembroke, at around 5pm on Christmas Day.

“The officers were very concerned at the manner of his driving, as the car was being driven erratically and was swerving to the other side of the road,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

“When Jonathan Thomas got out of the car, the officers could see that he was having difficulty standing and was unsteady on his feet.”

Subsequent breathalyser tests showed Thomas had 62 mcg of alcohol in his system, the legal limit being 35.

Thomas, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the drink-drive charge and was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill.

“He has family in the area and had travelled to spend time with them on Christmas Day,” she told the magistrates. “He’s very remorseful for his actions and hugely regrets his decision that day.”

Jess Hill concluded by saying that Thomas is currently “between jobs and living off his savings”.

Thomas, who gave his address as Main Road, Bredon, was disqualified from driving for a total of 18 months.

“The length of your disqualification reflects the fact that you were more than a little bit over the limit,” commented the presiding magistrates when imposing sentence.

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge.

The former Wales back row left his role as Swansea RFC head coach at the beginning of December 2025 as a result of ongoing health concerns. He was forced to retire from playing in 2015 on medical advice after being diagnosed with epilepsy and is one of the 390 former rugby union players currently taking part in a concussion lawsuit against the sport’s authorities.

“Long-standing issues linked to the head trauma have caused me some concern recently and it has been impossible for me to give the role everything it needs,” he said in a previous interview with the BBC.

His rugby career started out with Pembroke RFC juniors before moving to Swansea RFC, which he captained when he was 19. He then joined the Ospreys where, over a ten-year period, he won four league titles and an Anglo-Welsh Cup. He was the youngest player to captain the Ospreys and, at the time of leaving, was the joint highest appearance holder, together with Andrew Bishop, on 188 appearances.

His international career saw him play for Wales at Under-16, Youth, Under-19, Under-21 and Sevens levels. He made his senior international debut against Australia in 2003, featured at the 2007 Rugby World Cup and was part of two Six Nations Grand Slam-winning sides in 2005 and 2008. Between 2004 and 2011, Thomas was included in every Wales Six Nations squad. In his appearances for Wales, he scored seven tries.