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Storm Darragh leaves its mark on West Wales as major incident declared

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE declared a major incident across the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys on Saturday afternoon (Dec 7) in response to significant disruption caused by Storm Darragh.

While the worst of the storm has now passed, the aftermath continues to affect communities in the region, with emergency services urging residents to exercise caution.

Bellevue Terrace, Pembroke Dock (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Superintendent Chris Neve addressed the public earlier today, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the coordinated efforts underway. He stated: “I have this morning declared a major incident for the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys, which means that together with our partners, we can call on the resources we need to respond to the challenges brought by Storm Darragh. I’d like to reassure the public that at this time, Dyfed-Powys Police is still able to respond to priority calls for service. The safety of the public remains our top priority and I am urging everyone to take the warnings that have been issued seriously.”

Although the red weather warning has now lapsed, the force continues to deal with high volumes of calls related to storm damage. Fallen trees, power outages, and hazardous road conditions remain a concern. Residents are being reminded to travel only if absolutely necessary and to follow safety precautions, including allowing extra time for journeys, increasing following distances, and reducing speed.

Safety and support services

Authorities have provided a list of resources and contacts to assist residents during this period of recovery:

  • Travel Updates: Follow @TrafficWalesN and @TrafficWalesS for real-time information.
  • Weather Forecasts: Monitor @metoffice for updates.
  • Flood Alerts: Check @NatResWales or visit the Natural Resources Wales website.
  • Power Issues: Report power cuts or damaged lines by calling 105.
  • Fallen Trees: Report obstructions through your local council’s website.

NHS Advice

If you feel unwell, NHS 111 Wales offers an online symptom checker and advice. For urgent but non-emergency medical assistance, call 111. In life-threatening situations, dial 999.

Community spirit appreciated

Superintendent Neve expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation, stating: “I’d like to thank our communities for their support at this time, and once again ask that you avoid unnecessary travel and follow all official advice to stay safe.”

As the region begins to recover, authorities and emergency services remain vigilant, working tirelessly to restore normality and ensure public safety.

Cover photo: St Patrick’s Hill Pembroke Dock (Image: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

 

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

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Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

 

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News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

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Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

 

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Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

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FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

 

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