News

‘Shocking damage’ at museum after thieves strip lead off roof

Published

2 years ago

November 18, 2023

VOLUNTEERS at Haverfordwest Museum are in a race against time to remove and store valuable artifacts after thoughtless thieves stripped the lead from its building, leaving rain pouring into the 238-year-old structure.

The incident occurred last Wednesday (Nov 8), and it became apparent the following day that something was wrong when rain started dripping through the ceilings. Staff scrambled to move exhibits to the drier ground floor. The historical building, located in Haverfordwest Castle grounds, was built in the 1780s as a prison governor’s residence and is an important part of Pembrokeshire’s history.

Archaeologists working within the castle grounds discovered a large amount of lead hidden under tarpaulin. A good twelve wheelbarrows full, The Herald was told. It appears the thieves found more lead than expected and were unable to transport all of it in the vehicle they had. They may have planned to return for the rest but never did.

Water is still leaking through the upstairs ceilings, and one volunteer, Mrs. Evans, believes that the plastic sheeting put on the roof by the county council to keep the rain out was not effective.

Museum curator Simon Hancock told The Herald, “There is shocking damage. We are having to empty the upper floors and place the items in storage.”

The Herald has learned that the police have been informed and will be reviewing CCTV footage soon. House-to-house inquiries have already been conducted, it was confirmed.

During our reporter’s visit to the museum, which was closed to the public before the incident due to archaeological work in the castle grounds, many exhibits had been moved downstairs. Buckets and sheeting were in place on the first floor to contain water.

Some larger exhibits, including a butter churn, clocks, and other locally manufactured items, were still awaiting relocation. A significant number of important books also awaited movement.

Three noteworthy items in the collection that have been moved to safety are ‘Haverfordwest Priory’ by Samuel Prout (c.1835) (a watercolor), ‘Haverfordwest Castle’ by William Pitt (1872), and the charter of freedom of the borough granted to Admiral Horatio Nelson in 1802.

Haverfordwest Town Museum holds a diverse collection of archaeology, photographs, and paintings and is rich in social history artifacts. The Museum opened in 1996 as a registered charity, drawing the core of its collection from the former local authority museum that closed down in 1994. Several donations and gifts have augmented the collection, and grant aid has led to several significant acquisitions.

The Museum reflects on the 900-year history of Haverfordwest. The collection also records the rich associational civic life (through uniforms and regalia), together with finds from the excavations at the local Augustinian priory.”

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

3 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Education

Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support

Published

27 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families

PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.

The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.

Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.

“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.

“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.

“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”

The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.

Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.

Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.

“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.

“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.