News
Former council social worker admits to string of sexual offences
A FORMER council social worker has admitted a string of grave offences including sexual assaults and possessing indecent images of children.
Richard Ford, aged 51, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Dec 8), where he faced ten charges that spanned over a 10-month period.
The court heard that Ford was involved in three sexual assault incidents against a woman in Pembrokeshire.
These assaults occurred in November 2021, and in June and August of the following year.
In addition to these offences, Ford was also accused of seven further sexual crimes within the same area.
The prosecution detailed that Ford had 910 indecent images of children, categorised for their severity.
These included 254 images of Category A, which are considered the most severe, alongside 123 Category B images, and 533 Category C images. These offences were said to have taken place from September 30 of the previous year.
Furthermore, Ford faced charges related to the distribution or showing of indecent images of children, involving 19 images between April 6 and September 30 of last year.
His litany of charges also included attempts to cause a child to watch a sexual act and arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, incidents that reportedly occurred between April and September of the same year.
Now residing on Princess Way Road in Hackney, London, Ford has accepted responsibility for all the charges brought against him.
Presiding Judge Catherine Richards has adjourned the sentencing until January 31, ordering that a pre-sentence report be prepared in the meantime.
Judge Richards, addressing Ford, stated that a custodial sentence was inevitable.
Ford has been released on conditional bail, which includes a strict curfew from 6pm to 6am, until his sentencing date.
In response to the legal proceedings, his former employer. Pembrokeshire County Council told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We are aware that an individual formerly employed by the Council has been charged with several child sex offences. It would be inappropriate at this time to comment further on what is still a live criminal investigation.
“We are also aware that another individual connected to a canoe club has been convicted of child-related sex offences including grooming, and is currently serving a custodial sentence as a result. That individual was not and is not an employee of the Council.
“As with any investigation into child sexual abuse, the local authority cooperated with the criminal investigation, and takes all steps to ensure that any children impacted by such offences are identified and supported.
“Anyone who has a concern about the welfare of a child can contact police on 101, the child care assessment team on 01437 764551, or in an emergency, dial 999.”
Crime
Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay
A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.
The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.
Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.
Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.
Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.
Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.
Community
Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities
Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel
THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.
The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.
Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.
The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.












The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.
Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.
The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.
For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.
Pictures: Malcolm Richards
Community
Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration
PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.
The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.
Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.



Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.
The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.
The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.
Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.
Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.
Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle
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