Crime
Haverfordwest man denies sexual assaults on boys under nine
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/magistrates-court.jpg)
A 41-YEAR-OLD Haverfordwest man has appeared before magistrates charged with sexually assaulting a boy under 13 on at least 44 separate occasions.
Andrew James is accused of assaulting a boy, aged four to six, by sexual touching on at least 36 occasions between March 10, 2021 and August 7, 2023; assaulting a boy aged three to nine, by sexual touching on at least four occasions between July 22, 2017 and August 7, 2023 and a third charge of assaulting a boy aged three to nine, by sexual touching on at least four occasions between July 22, 2017 and August 7, 2023. The offences are alleged to have taken place in Haverfordwest.
Andrew James, of Redhill Park, Haverfordwest, denied all three charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday.
Following a request by the Crown Prosecution, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the matter will now proceed at Swansea Crown Court on July 30.
James was released on conditional bail, the conditions being that he has no unsupervised contact with children under the age of 18, that he does not enter the property where the offences are alleged to have taken place and that he lives and sleeps at his residential address.
Crime
Appeal to public for help after quad bike stolen in Milford Haven
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/quad.jpg)
A RED Honda 250 quad bike, registration CU14 GYK, was stolen last night (Aug 25) from a locked building on a farm in Milford Haven. The theft has left the owners feeling deeply violated and concerned for their safety, especially with young children and babies on the property.
The incident has been reported to the police, who are actively involved in the investigation. Forensic teams are currently gathering evidence, including fingerprints, to confirm the identity of the suspected perpetrators.
An update at 12:40pm on Monday (Aug 26) suggests a possible sighting of the stolen quad bike in Freystrop. The vehicle was reportedly seen being driven by two boys, one of whom was wearing a white hoodie. Eyewitnesses say the duo nearly caused a serious accident by almost running a cyclist off the road.
The owners are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any sightings of the quad bike immediately. The vehicle may have been altered since the theft, such as having its baskets removed, but it remains distinctive.
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/qud2-1024x914.jpg)
In a statement, the owners expressed their distress: “It’s disgusting that people cannot leave other people’s belongings alone. It’s incredibly violating knowing that these people were creeping around at night and robbed us. We now cannot even feel safe in our own space, especially with children and young babies on the property.”
They also sent a direct message to the thieves: “To whoever took the bike, we won’t rest on this—bring it back!”
If anyone sees the quad bike, they are urged to contact the police immediately or reach out to the owners directly on 07785 715882 or 07896 727645, or call the police on 101.
Crime
Mystery still surrounds Siân Batchelor’s death in Pembroke Dock
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sian-batchelor.jpg)
THE DEATH of Siân Stephanie Batchelor, a 32-year-old mother from Pembroke Dock, has left her family devastated and seeking justice. Siân’s body was found on the riverbed near Pennar on April 30 under mysterious circumstances. In the wake of her tragic death, her close friend Carmel Russant has launched a poignant GoFundMe campaign titled “Justice 4 Sian.”
The words in the appeal, although written by Carmel, are crafted to reflect what she believes Siân would express if she had the chance. They portray a woman confused and frightened by the events leading up to her death, questioning how she ended up where she was found. “I don’t know what happened to me, but, I do know I was found on the riverbed in Pennar, Pembroke Dock,” the appeal reads. The family further writes from Siân’s perspective, highlighting the unsettling detail that she was discovered fully clothed except for her shoes, which were missing—an eerie detail that has left her loved ones grasping for answers.
The appeal also conveys the deep sense of betrayal Siân would have felt towards her friends, who, according to her family, did not alert anyone when she disappeared. “None of my so-called ‘best friends’ informed my family that I was missing… Instead, no one came looking for me, why?” the emotional appeal asks, reflecting the family’s anguish and frustration over what they perceive as a failure by those who were closest to her to take action that might have saved her life.
In the heartbreaking portrayal of Siân’s final days, the GoFundMe page describes how her life had taken a downward spiral, leaving her vulnerable and isolated. They speak of her being “used and abused” by people she trusted and recount how she was “beaten up badly” just days before she was found dead. Through the imagined voice of Siân, the appeal raises the possibility that her death could have been prevented if only someone had intervened sooner. “I know they all didn’t look for me, possibly because they knew where I was all along.”
Siân’s friend says she and the and family is determined that her death will not be overlooked or forgotten. They are seeking funds to ensure legal representation at the inquest, one that they hope will not only explore the immediate cause of her death but also investigate the broader circumstances. “The truth must be told in order for all these unanswered questions to bring some closure to my truly loved ones,” the appeal declares, underscoring the family’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind Siân’s death.
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bat-1.webp)
Carmel Russant is also appealing for anyone who has CCTV or ring doorbell footage from the Pennar area from April 26-April 30 to get in touch.
She is particularly keen for anyone who has footage from Pennar’s Castle Street, Military Road, Stranraer Road and the Pennar Park area. She is asking people to check the footage from cameras at the front and back of their properties and also any cameras facing fields.
Anyone across the water on the opposite side of the Pembroke River to where Sian was found is also asked to check CCTV from those dates.
Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101 and quoting reference DP-20240430-284.
For those wishing to support the family’s efforts, donations can be made to the GoFundMe campaign, and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the police
Crime
Dyfed-Powys Police’s road safety operation nets £2,000 in fines
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/f4.jpg)
A JOINT operation led by Dyfed-Powys Police, in collaboration with the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Carmarthenshire County Council, resulted in approximately £2,000 in fines as part of a concerted effort to improve road safety and curb illegal activity on the county’s road networks.
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/f2-1024x771.jpg)
Thursday’s (Aug 22) operation, dubbed “Op Mini Invigor,” took place at Leekes Car Park in Cross Hands, where officers conducted a day-long inspection of vehicles traveling along the A48. With the support of the DVSA and Carmarthenshire County Council, officers targeted a range of road safety issues, focusing on the “Fatal 5” driving behaviors—speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, using a mobile phone while driving, and careless driving—alongside other infractions such as vehicle overloading and illegal tyre treads.
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/f1-1024x771.jpg)
Throughout the operation, approximately 40 vehicles were pulled over and inspected. Officers discovered several violations, including overweight vehicles, trailers without brakes, and vehicles with illegal tyre treads. In some instances, vehicles were prevented from continuing their journey until the necessary repairs were made. The combined efforts of the Roads Policing Unit and the DVSA resulted in around £2,000 in fines being issued on the spot.
The operation is part of an ongoing effort by Dyfed-Powys Police and its partners to ensure the safety of road users in the region. By cracking down on dangerous driving behaviors and vehicle defects, the authorities aim to reduce the risk of accidents and save lives.
Inspector Mark Evans of Dyfed-Powys Police commented on the operation, saying, “The safety of our road users is a top priority, and operations like this allow us to take direct action against those who put others at risk. We are committed to working with our partners to make our roads safer for everyone.”
![](https://pembrokeshire-herald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/f5-1024x771.jpg)
Residents are encouraged to report any concerns about road safety in their area. More information and advice can be found on the Dyfed-Powys Police website.
Dyfed-Powys Police extends its thanks to Brodyr Evans Bros for their support in making the operation a success.
For more details on road safety and how to report unsafe driving, visit the Dyfed-Powys Police website at https://orlo.uk/NphHm.
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