News

Migraine prevented defendant attending noise disturbance case

Published

3 years ago

August 30, 2023

A MILFORD HAVEN resident has been handed a hefty fine of almost £4,000 after consistently failing to adhere to a noise abatement notice issued due to her excessively loud music.

Ms. Gemma Hughes, 27, formerly of 10 Howarth Close, repeatedly disregarded requests from Pembrokeshire County Council to moderate the volume of her music. The nature of her living situation, occupying one unit in a block of four flats, amplified the issue, causing significant disturbance to neighbouring residents.

Alys Williams, legal counsel for Pembrokeshire County Council, noted: “The music often permeated the neighbouring flats, causing considerable inconvenience. Moreover, the music was frequently played during anti-social hours.”

Ms. Hughes was scheduled to present her case before the Haverfordwest magistrates, having contested two charges related to the contravention of the noise abatement notice. However, a last-minute call from her husband informed the court of her inability to attend due to a migraine. The absence of any medical verification led the magistrates to move forward with the proceedings in her absence.

Public health officer, Steve Morbey, recounted the series of complaints received concerning the disruptive noise from Ms. Hughes’ residence. “Over a significant period, we fielded numerous complaints which culminated in the issuance of the abatement notice, urging her to address the noise levels,” Morbey stated. “Regrettably, this seemed to have minimal impact.”

Supporting the claims, police officer Matthew Davies spoke about an incident from May 22, 2022. He recalled, “Upon my arrival around 12.30am, the music was audibly emanating from the flat. Ms. Hughes requested to continue playing a particular song she favoured when asked to reduce the volume. Even from a distance of 15 metres, the music remained distinctly audible.”

A subsequent incident the following month, recounted by police officer Skone from Pembroke Dock, added to the mounting evidence against Ms. Hughes. Skone stated, “Shortly after midnight, we received yet another complaint. The overpowering music from Ms. Hughes’ flat was evident even in the communal hallway.”

Given the weight of the evidence, the magistrates adjudged Ms. Hughes guilty on both counts. The consequent penalties amounted to £3,979.75, including £1,320 in fines, £2,525.75 in prosecution costs payable to Pembrokeshire County Council, and a £132 statutory surcharge.

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

4 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

4 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

5 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)