News

Pembrokeshire shaken awake by thunderous nighttime flyover

Published

2 years ago

November 8, 2023

Pembrokeshire was jolted awake by an unexpected visitor from across the Atlantic. A colossal B1 Lancer Supersonic Bomber, operated by the United States Air Force, roared over the county, leaving residents startled and in awe of the sheer power and might that echoed through the night sky.

The incident, which occurred shortly after midnight, saw the B1 Lancer accompanied by a KC 135 aerial refuelling tanker as it flew over virtually every inch of Pembrokeshire, unleashing a deafening roar that reverberated across towns and villages. Initially mistaken for thunder, the continuous rumbling noise prompted residents to peer skywards, realising that a mammoth aircraft was the cause of their disturbance.

Residents took to social media to share their astonishment and fear. One Pembrokeshire resident, still shaken by the experience, exclaimed, “My God, it was loud. It frightened the hell out of me.” Another recounted, “It freaked me out. I was getting out of the car at the time it started, and it was not a nice sound to hear.” Even the tranquil countryside was not spared; children were woken from their slumber, dogs barked anxiously, and farmers hurried to check on their livestock amid the commotion.

The thunderous spectacle was witnessed across various Pembrokeshire locations, including Marloes, Neyland, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Solva, Pembroke Dock, Broad Haven, Fishguard, and Crymych. Despite the initial shock, residents were left in awe of the B1 Lancer, described by the Royal Air Force (RAF) as ‘fast and lethal’.

Nicknamed “The Bone”, the B-1B Lancer has been a cornerstone of the United States Air Force since 1985. With a wingspan stretching to 137 feet when extended forward and a length of 146 feet, the B1 Lancer is a long-range, multi-mission, supersonic conventional strategic bomber. Its presence in the UK skies is part of a larger operation, with more of these formidable aircraft expected to arrive at the RAF Fairford base in May 2024.

A spokesperson from the RAF highlighted the B-1’s capabilities, stating, “It can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary anywhere in the world, at any time.” Developed by Rockwell International, now Boeing Defence and Space Group, the B-1 Lancer has transitioned from its original nuclear capabilities to an exclusively conventional combat role. Equipped to carry the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the B-1 Lancer has been continuously deployed in combat operations over Afghanistan and Iraq since 2001.

While the B1 Lancer’s late-night flyover stirred a mix of fear and fascination among Pembrokeshire residents, it serves as a stark reminder of the global military presence in our skies. As the night’s echoes fade away, the memory of this awe-inspiring event lingers, leaving the county’s residents with a newfound appreciation for the power and technology that shapes the world around them.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

10 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

10 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

10 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.