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Crime

Cadw prosecuting man already in prison over neglect of historic site

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PEMBROKESHIRE man James Kershaw, 44, currently serving a prison sentence for sexual offences, is now facing new charges related to the alleged neglect of Pill Priory, a historic site.

The former gardener and businessman appeared via video link at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court last week from HMP Channings Wood in Devon.

Kershaw is accused of causing damage to the 900-year-old Benedictine monastery ruins in Milford Haven between January 2015 and February 2022. The charges were brought under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

If convicted, Kershaw could face up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine.

Kershaw’s legal troubles began with his conviction in 2022 for attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor, following a sting operation by vigilante groups. He was sentenced to three years and ten months in prison and placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

The court proceedings regarding Pill Priory have been adjourned.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 27 at Swansea Crown Court.

Did you know?

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, has been actively involved in tackling heritage crime in Wales. While Cadw itself does not have direct prosecution powers, it plays a crucial role in supporting and training police forces across Wales to address offences related to historic sites. This includes crimes like damage to scheduled monuments, theft of architectural materials, and unlawful activities such as metal detecting on protected sites.

Recent initiatives, such as the collaboration under the Alliance to Reduce Crime against Heritage (ARCH), have seen Cadw join forces with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that heritage crimes are systematically investigated and prosecuted when necessary. The efforts focus on crimes that harm Wales’s rich historical assets, including listed buildings and scheduled monuments.

When it comes to prosecution, the responsibility lies with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. Cadw supports these efforts by providing expert knowledge and ensuring that the laws protecting heritage sites are enforced. For instance, damage to a scheduled monument without proper consent is a criminal offence, and those found guilty can face significant fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the damage

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

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A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

  • Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
  • Common assault
  • Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

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Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

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Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • A second count of assault
  • Criminal damage
  • An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
  • A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

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Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

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Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • Intentional non-fatal strangulation
  • Common assault on a woman
  • Criminal damage in a domestic context
  • Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
  • Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.

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