AROUND 70 residents of Wentworth Close and surrounding streets protested last night (Tuesday, December 3) against a man released on bail after pleading guilty to possessing child abuse images.

Jamie Hughes, 34, who admitted in court earlier in the day to possessing over 400 Category A images — the most severe type — remained on bail in their neighbourhood, prompting outrage among the community. Hughes also admitted to possessing 236 Category B and 886 Category C images.

The protest saw residents expressing their anger and demanding action. Police intervened to maintain order, eventually placing Hughes in a van and removing him from the area.

Earlier yesterday, Hughes appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to offences involving indecent images of children. The offences occurred over a five-year period, between May 1, 2018, and November 29, 2023, and were uncovered at his home on Wentworth Close.

Due to the seriousness of the offences, the magistrates declined jurisdiction, referring the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on Christmas Eve.

Hughes was released on unconditional bail and will be placed on the sex offender’s register.

The decision to release Hughes on bail sparked immediate anger among residents, who voiced concerns about safety. Protesters gathered outside his home, calling for stricter measures to protect the community.

One resident said: “It’s horrifying to know someone like this was allowed back into our street after admitting such serious crimes.”

Police have confirmed they moved Hughes to another location but declined to provide further details, citing operational reasons.

Hughes will face sentencing on December 24 at Swansea Crown Court, where a judge is expected to determine the appropriate punishment for the offences.

New research sparks concerns over food affordability

SHOCKING new research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats reveals that 58% of people in Wales anticipate food prices will rise due to the Family Farm Tax introduced in the recent Budget.

In response, the Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to reject the government’s Finance Bill, citing its damaging impact on family farms and wider rural communities.

Worrying changes in food habits

The research highlights alarming trends in how Welsh residents plan to cope with rising food costs. Nearly half (47%) of those expecting increases said they would switch to cheaper alternatives, while 32% revealed they would cut back on the amount of food they buy.

These changes could have significant health implications, with 19% of respondents admitting they are likely to buy less fresh fruit and vegetables if prices go up. The knock-on effect on small businesses is also evident, with 16% of respondents saying they would turn to larger supermarkets, posing further challenges for independent retailers already grappling with the rise in employers’ NIC contributions and the potential impact of the bus fare cap on foot traffic.

Liberal Democrats push for action

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to scrap the Family Farm Tax, arguing that its effects extend far beyond the farming sector. They warn of serious consequences for families and pensioners struggling to manage rising costs, urging support for their manifesto pledge to boost farming budgets by £1 billion, including £50 million annually for Wales.

“A tax that hits every family”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader David Chadwick MP said:
“I will fight this disastrous tax hike every step of the way and ensure Wales’ voices are heard in Westminster. The impact of this tax hike goes beyond farming communities—families and pensioners across Wales will be hit if food prices go up.

“The Budget has proven that the new Labour government does not understand rural communities or farmers and their vital role in food security, environmental protection, and the Welsh economy.

“We are urging the Labour government to axe the tax now. If not, the impact on already struggling communities will be catastrophic.”

Underground cabling technology from Carmarthen firm hailed as alternative to pylon eyesores

A LOCAL politician has called on the Welsh Government to preserve Wales’ iconic landscapes by adopting underground cabling as an alternative to overhead pylons.

Speaking at the Senedd on Tuesday, Mid and West Wales MS Jane Dodds urged First Minister Eluned Morgan to prioritise underground cabling over the construction of pylons, which she described as damaging to rural scenery and communities.

Dodds praised the work of ATP Cable Ploughing, a Pencader-based Carmarthenshire company, which uses an innovative “spiderplow” machine to install cables underground with minimal environmental impact. The company is already laying over a kilometre of high-voltage cable daily in sensitive areas across the UK.

Highlighting the benefits of underground cabling, Dodds explained that it not only protects the landscape but also improves the resilience of the power grid. She noted that underground cables are far less susceptible to damage from extreme weather events, such as high winds, which are becoming increasingly common.

Dodds told the Senedd: “There is a real chance for Wales to become a world leader in a technology that will revolutionise our energy grid. Underground cabling allows us to save our iconic landscapes and natural habitats while ensuring rural communities stay connected to the rest of Wales.

“But placing our power infrastructure underground isn’t just about appearance—it’s about resilience. With more extreme weather events becoming the norm, having a weather-proof grid has never been more important.

“Despite this, developers continue to default to pylons, scarring vast areas of our countryside. We cannot afford to sideline concerns about environmental and community impacts in favour of what is perceived to be the cheapest option.”

Dodds called on the Welsh Government to take bold steps to protect Wales’ rural beauty and modernise the nation’s power infrastructure.