News

Llanelli split as asylum seekers take shelter in Stradey Park Hotel

Published

2 years ago

August 24, 2023

WITH echoes of Pembrokeshire’s Penally Camp saga, the controversial government decision to house asylum seekers has sparked tensions in a tranquil Welsh town, leading to an outpouring of both compassion and confrontation.

Previously heralded as a beacon of Welsh culture, Llanelli finds itself at the crossroads of a national debate. Many regard the Stradey Park Hotel as “the jewel in Llanelli’s crown,” a stunning cream-coloured Edwardian mansion with magnificent views of the Gower coastline. Yet, its transformation to accommodate approximately 250 asylum seekers, overseen by the Home Secretary Suella Braverman, has led to uproar.

The Home Office’s choice to use the Stradey Park Hotel stems from a backlog of asylum requests. This has made the Home Secretary, perhaps surprisingly, one of the largest hotel proprietors in the UK. But the commercial side of this venture has not gone unnoticed. The Stradey Park Hotel, acquired by Sterling Woodrow in 2020, has made considerable profits by partnering with Clearsprings Ready Homes, one of three firms that provide accommodation for the Home Office’s asylum seekers.

However, beneath this tapestry of politics and commerce lies the heart of Llanelli, and it is pulsating with mixed emotions. The initial wave of opposition came in the form of court cases and formal letters. But things took a turn between 14 and 16 August, when significant damage was inflicted upon the hotel and its surrounding property.

Following these events, 17 individuals have been arrested in relation to the protest. Most of the arrests were a result of the concerning behaviour displayed by some protestors, causing substantial damage to the hotel grounds and property. Superintendent Ross Evans, Commander for Carmarthenshire, weighed in on the matter, affirming the force’s dedication to preserving public safety whilst recognising the concerns of the protestors.

“Public safety remains our priority and we will continue to listen to and work with all parties. In particular, it is our intention to work with any protest groups in advance of any events so that we can facilitate peaceful demonstration,” Superintendent Evans remarked.

Of the 21 arrests made since July, most of those apprehended are now bound by bail conditions restricting them from entering the vicinity of the hotel or even Llanelli. Notably, on 18 August, Emmanuel Agius was found guilty of possessing offensive weapons and a class B drug. He received a 16-week suspended sentence and a curfew requirement.

The situation in Llanelli serves as a testament to how national policies can ripple into the heart of local communities. The town, once bustling with the anthracite coal, tin, and steel industries, now finds itself grappling with new challenges, echoing larger discussions surrounding migration and identity.

But amid the commotion and contention, Llanelli’s true strength may lie in its ability to navigate these tumultuous waters, hopefully finding a path that not only respects its heritage but also upholds the principles of compassion and unity.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

12 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.