News

Duo armed themselves with bottles in Tenby

Published

11 years ago

October 29, 2014

TWO men from Pontypridd appeared in Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Oct 28) after both had been charged with disorderly conduct.

Mark Sweeney, aged 31 of Ynys Y Bwl and Ian Rhys Morgan, aged 32 of Leyshon Street both pleaded guilty to the charge.

Prosecutor, Ellie Morgan said: “On September 7 just past midnight, Sergeant Williams was on duty in Tenby on George Street. Bar staff came out of the Three Mariners Hotel and asked for immediate assistance. The two men were inside and had armed themselves with bottles. They acted aggressively and had already smashed a number of bottles and glasses, and were shouting ‘Come on you f****** w******.’ The officer approached them armed with pepper spray and asked them to put the bottles down. They complied but were still shouting ‘F*** you’. They were then detained and arrested.”

Ms Morgan continued: “CCTV of the incident shows numerous members of the public who were present running out of the pub. The officer said he was alarmed and felt fearful. Morgan said he couldn’t remember the important part, but before it happened he and his friend were having a laugh. He said he was very drunk and something drastic must have happened for him to act in that way, saying ‘We must have been outnumbered or something’. He was seen throwing a bottle and said he felt like he was being blamed for everything, but something must have happened. Sweeney said that males started shouting at them and he smashed a glass, but he shouldn’t have. He said he had eight pints and has a clear recollection one minute and then can’t remember what happens the next. He said ‘I was threatened and I was just reacting, you know?’.”

Defence solicitor, James Subbiani said: “Both pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and both were very frank and candid. They’d been to Oakwood in the day and decided to go to The Three Mariners Hotel. They were attacked and reacted inappropriately and ejected from the pub. They cooperated with police immediately, but they should have gone to the police themselves as they would have been treated like victims and not criminals.”

Probation officer, Julie Norman said: “Both were fully cooperative with me in preparation for the report. They’d been part of a party of four and had been to Oakwood. They booked a room in a B&B and the other two people decided to go back to the hotel. Sweeney and Morgan decided to stay out for one last drink and it all went wrong.They were drunk but were in a happy mood and had a good evening. They were provoked and an unpleasant incident occurred resulting in a scuffle.”

Ms Norman continued: “Sweeney has tried to sort himself out and get away from offending, and in the last eight years has gained employment and tried to lead a pro social life. Morgan is a married man and his last conviction was nine years ago. He was sentenced to a term of custody in the past and is disappointed he is back.”

After long deliberation, magistrates told the court: “We have been discussing custody as this is a serious offence. We don’t want that type of behaviour in our county. All of your previous offences have been drink related. You didn’t have to stay out, you could have just gone home and stayed out of trouble. When are you going to get the message?”

Magistrates imposed a 12 month community order with the requirement of completing 180 hours of unpaid work. They must also pay £85 cost and £60 victim surcharge.

News

Tenby councillors seek new member to fill vacancy

Published

10 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TENBY TOWN COUNCIL is inviting residents to put their names forward to fill a vacant seat on the council following the resignation of a councillor.

The council will be filling the role by co-option, rather than holding a by-election. This means that eligible individuals can apply directly to be considered, and councillors will then vote to select a new member.

Anyone interested must be over the age of 18 and meet standard criteria such as living or working in the Tenby area.

The vacancy is in the South Ward. The successful candidate will join the remaining members of the council in representing the town on local issues.

Those wishing to be considered should submit a letter or email outlining their interest and suitability for the role by 12:00 noon on Friday, July 5, 2025.

Applications should be sent to the Town Clerk, Andrew Davies, at Tenby Town Council, The De Valence Pavilion, Upper Frog Street, Tenby, SA70 7JD, or by email to [email protected].

The co-option will take place at the full council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2025.

Business

Much-loved Narberth restaurant Madtom closes and goes on the market

Published

14 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR restaurant in Narberth has closed its doors and is now up for sale.

Madtom Land & Sea, known for its fresh seafood and highly rated dining experience, announced the closure this week, bringing an end to six years of trading in the bustling Pembrokeshire town.

The team behind Madtom shared the news on social media, saying the decision had been made “with a heavy heart” and that it was “time to slow down a little, gather our thoughts and focus on the next chapter.”

The restaurant, which boasts more than 300 Tripadvisor reviews and a near-perfect Facebook recommendation rating, has now been listed for sale. Interested parties are encouraged to get in touch to arrange viewings.

The statement thanked customers and staff, saying: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past six years, and to our fantastic team—we couldn’t have done it without you.”

The announcement prompted an outpouring of messages from loyal customers and locals.

Kevin Clarke wrote: “Amongst the best dining experiences in Pembrokeshire. Good luck for the next chapter.”

Sue James-Davies said: “Very sorry you are closing but wish you all the very best for the future. Narberth won’t be the same without you.”

Caroline Husecken added: “So sad that you have closed—you will be so missed by us all in Narberth. You have been a huge asset to the town.”

The business is currently being marketed via private enquiry.

Community

West Wales marchers press on as Egyptian authorities crack down on Gaza protest

Published

15 hours ago

June 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

No reports of Pembrokeshire detentions as international participants face violence and deportation

ACTIVISTS from Pembrokeshire taking part in the Global March to Gaza remain on course to reach the Rafah border crossing on Sunday (June 15), despite a sweeping crackdown by Egyptian authorities on demonstrators from across the world.

The Herald understands that no members of the West Wales delegation, including Jim Scott and Tasmin Nash, have been detained, and Scott remained active on social media as recently as Friday morning.

However, disturbing scenes have emerged from Cairo and beyond, where activists from countries including France, Spain, Turkey, Canada, and the UK have had their passports confiscated, been forcibly removed from checkpoints, and in some cases physically assaulted by men in plain clothes. Footage circulating online shows demonstrators being kicked and dragged away, while some tried to defend themselves by throwing water bottles.

According to organisers, at least 40 protesters had their passports seized and were held in the heat without being allowed to move. Others—around 15 activists—are being held in hotels under restriction.

Among those confirmed detained are:

Paul Murphy, Irish MP
Faruk Dincer, Turkish MP (reportedly injured during arrest)
Hala Rharrit, former US diplomat who resigned in protest over Washington’s handling of the war

Murphy posted: “We have had our passports confiscated and are being detained. It seems Egyptian authorities have decided to crack down on the #GreatMarchToGaza. We are refusing to board the deportation bus.”

The Global March to Gaza involves over 4,000 people from 80 countries, including a delegation of West Walians who set off from Al Arish on Friday morning for a 30-mile, three-day trek across the Sinai desert, aiming to reach Rafah on Sunday.

A separate 2,000-strong convoy travelling from Tunisia was also stopped by security forces in eastern Libya on Friday.

Despite the chaos, Jim Scott, a tree surgeon from Mathry, and CND Cymru delegate, has not reported any arrest or obstruction, telling supporters on Thursday night: “I’m OK. Safe for tonight. But an insane day. Completely insane.”

Tasmin Nash, an art curator and mother of four from Pembrokeshire, also remains unconfirmed among any detained. Speaking earlier this week, she said: “I cannot rest. I cannot stay silent. Now is the time to mobilise our passion and humanity. We are united for justice and solidarity for Palestine.”

The crackdown reflects Egypt’s tense balancing act. As the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel and a major recipient of US military aid, Egypt has attempted to publicly call for peace while suppressing grassroots pro-Palestinian actions within its borders.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that he expected Egypt to “halt demonstrators at the Egypt-Israel border”, adding that their arrival would “endanger the security of IDF soldiers” and would not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, Israel has allowed limited aid into Gaza since last month, but international aid groups and UN agencies warn that the volume is nowhere near sufficient to meet the needs of the population. The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic.

Organisers of the march have called on embassies to intervene to secure the release of detained protesters, stressing: “We are a peaceful movement, and we are complying with Egyptian law.”

The Herald will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the West Wales delegation nears Rafah.