Crime
Cadw prosecuting man already in prison over neglect of historic site

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
Police investigate alleged assault at Milford Haven property

OFFICERS from Dyfed-Powys Police have been maintaining a presence at a property on Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, as part of an ongoing investigation into an assault.
The Herald understands that the front door of the property has been boarded up with plywood, prompting concern and speculation from local residents.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Officers have been undertaking scene preservation in relation to an investigation of assault.”
No further details have been released at this stage, and it is not yet known whether any arrests have been made.
Residents told The Herald they noticed police activity at the address earlier this week, with officers attending the property and cordoning off the area.
The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Crime
Newcastle Emlyn man admits to attempted murder of baby

A MAN from Cwm Cou, Newcastle Emlyn has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a baby.
Rhydian Jamieson, aged 28, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Apr 10), where he admitted to trying to kill the infant, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The offence took place at an address in Y Ferwig, near Cardigan, just before 10:15pm on Wednesday, January 15.
Police responded to reports concerning the welfare of a child, and the baby was taken straight to hospital.
Jamieson was arrested at the scene and later charged.
At an earlier hearing, concerns had been raised about whether he was fit to stand trial. A provisional date had been set for September 1, but this has now been cancelled following his guilty plea.
Judge Paul Thomas KC remanded Jamieson into custody and said he would be sentenced on May 27.
Caroline Rees KC appeared for the prosecution, with John Hipkin KC defending.
Crime
Teen drug dealers admit handgun plot — Mercedes crash youth facing jail

TWO teenagers have now fully admitted being involved in cocaine dealing and conspiring to obtain a handgun — including a youth who crashed a stolen Mercedes-Benz into a house in Milford Haven last year.
Harrison Billing, 18, of Jury Lane, Haverfordwest, and Danhiellen Raji, 18, of no fixed abode, appeared again at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Apr 4) for an adjourned plea and trial preparation hearing.
Billing had already admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine between January 14 and February 13 this year, as well as conspiring to possess a handgun without a firearms certificate. He also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine on February 12, and denied a charge of possessing a knife on the A477 in Pembrokeshire on the same day.
The court heard that the Crown Prosecution Service had now accepted his not guilty plea to the knife charge, and Judge Catherine Richards entered a formal not guilty verdict.
Raji, who had originally denied possession with intent to supply cocaine on February 12, changed his plea to guilty at the hearing. He had already admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and the firearm conspiracy, and had pleaded guilty to possessing a knife on the A477.
Prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton confirmed that no trial would be required for Raji or Billing, and that the Crown would proceed to sentencing.
The court was told that pre-sentence reports would be prepared for both defendants. Judge Richards warned Billing that he should expect an immediate custodial sentence. “He’s fully aware of that,” said his barrister, Dyfed Thomas.
Billing is known locally for a dramatic crash on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, in December 2024, when he ploughed a Mercedes-Benz into a house during a high-speed police pursuit. A large zombie knife was discovered on the road near the scene the following day and was later recovered by officers.
The pair’s co-defendants — Casey Gregory, 28, of Cromwell Heights, Milford Haven, and John Phillips, 36, of Pen Puffin, Steynton — continue to deny charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine and a lesser alternative of simple possession.
Phillips has admitted a separate charge of possessing cannabis.
Gregory and Phillips were re-admitted to bail, with their trial scheduled to begin on August 4. Billing and Raji remain remanded in custody and will be sentenced following the outcome of that trial.
-
Crime1 day ago
Newcastle Emlyn man admits to attempted murder of baby
-
Crime6 days ago
Hakin drug dealer caught twice in two counties
-
Crime2 days ago
Broad Haven man admits stalking and bail breaches, denies criminal damage
-
Crime3 days ago
Milford man denies GBH assault on ex-partner’s 70-year-old grandfather
-
Education2 days ago
Teaching assistant forced to act after child left in locked toilet cubicle for hours
-
News3 days ago
Motorcyclist airlifted with serious injuries after A40 roundabout crash
-
News3 hours ago
A40 closed after serious crash near Wolfscastle
-
News7 days ago
Man paralysed after being shot during weapons test at Pendine MoD range