A PEMBROKESHIRE man accused of climbing up a drainpipe to kidnap a baby has been denied bail.

The defendant, who cannot be named to protect the baby’s identity, faces charges of unlawfully taking the infant from its mother’s home in Haverfordwest on October 6.

During a recent bail hearing at Swansea Crown Court, the prosecution argued against releasing the man. The court was told that he allegedly “shimmied up an outside drainpipe” to enter the mother’s home unannounced.

The defendant claimed to police that he had permission to take the child, and it was noted in court that the baby was unharmed.

Craig Jones, representing the Crown Prosecution Service, highlighted concerns about the close proximity between the defendant’s residence and the complainant’s, as well as the man’s history of breaching court orders.

In response, Hannah George, representing the the man in the dock, acknowledged his past record but emphasised that he had no history of breaching bail conditions or committing offences against this complainant.

Judge Huw Rees refused the bail application, ordering the defendant to remain in custody until his next court appearance on November 11.

ANSVAR Insurance is delighted to launch its search for three outstanding charities to support, offering a generous donation of £75,000 to each over the next three years.

They will be looking to support charities that focus on helping children and young people to make positive lifestyle choices. This could include promoting safety, sports and exercise, mental wellbeing, or healthy eating, and registered charities across Pembrokeshire are being invited to nominate.

From all the nominations received, three charities will be selected to benefit from funding, each receiving £25,000 per year for three years, starting in January 2025.

Charities interested in applying are asked to initially submit a short application explaining their work and how the funding would be utilised, whether that’s to support an ongoing project or one that is about to begin. Applications can be made directly via the Ansvar website – Programme of Giving 2024 – Ansvar.

Sarah Cox, Managing Director of Ansvar, the expert insurance provider for the charity, not-for-profit, care and faith sectors, commented:

“As a specialist insurer for the charity sector, we witness the incredible work these organisations do every day. Our Programme of Giving is a way for us to give back and provide support, encompassing our Community Hub, which is free, bookable office space we offer to charities and not for profit organisations, our colleague volunteering and fundraising, and our three-year cycle of grant giving.

“Previously, we offered £45,000 over three years, but we understand that numerous challenges have made it harder for charities to meet the needs of the people they serve. As a result, we have increased our funding to £75,000 for each charity. We hope this will make a significant difference to their work and help them continue to support young people.”

Charities can nominate themselves via the Ansvar website from now until to Monday 4th November. The winning charities will be notified by Friday 13^th December.

Ansvar is a member of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned specialist in financial services. As the UK’s third-largest corporate donor, the Benefact Group strengthens Ansvar’s dedication to supporting the wider charitable community.

A YOUNG driver has admitted failing to stop following a crash at a petrol station.

Charlie Simpson, 19, of St Faith’s, Lamphey, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court, facing charges for two offences.

The court heard that on February 24, Simpson, then 18, crashed a Ford Fiesta at Lamphey Service Station, causing damage to a petrol pump.

He was charged with driving without due care and attention and failing to stop after the collision.

Simpson pleaded guilty to both offences on October 16.

He was fined £120 for each offence, ordered to pay £110 in costs, and a £96 surcharge. Additionally, he received eight penalty points on his licence and a nine-month driving ban for accumulating too many points.