News

Irish Ferries docks at Fishguard Harbour for the first time

Published

1 year ago

December 19, 2024

BIG changes are underway at Pembrokeshire’s ports as a major storm forces adjustments to Irish Sea crossings.

Holyhead Port suffered significant damage during Storm Darragh, one of the most severe storms to hit the UK in decades. The port has been closed since the storm and is not expected to reopen until mid-January, creating a substantial backlog of traffic waiting to cross the Irish Sea.

In response, services have been rerouted to Pembrokeshire. The Stena Adventurer, a 211-metre, 43,532-tonne vessel, has begun additional sailings between Fishguard Harbour and Dublin. As the largest ship to ever dock at Fishguard, its arrival marks a milestone for the port.

Over in Pembroke Dock, Irish Ferries has temporarily introduced the larger James Joyce ferry on its Rosslare route, replacing the Isle of Innisfree. The James Joyce, previously known as the Oscar Wilde, is no stranger to the route, having operated there earlier this year.

Irish Ferries makes history at Fishguard

On Wednesday evening (Dec 18), Irish Ferries made history by berthing one of its vessels at Fishguard Harbour for the first time. The Isle of Innisfree sailed from Dublin for a trial docking at the port.

A Stena Line spokesperson confirmed: “We’re conducting berthing trials at Fishguard with the Isle of Innisfree. If successful, this will contribute to alleviating the backlog caused by the Holyhead closure.”

Should the trials prove viable, the Isle of Innisfree could operate regular services between Fishguard and Dublin while the James Joyce continues to run on the Pembroke Dock-Rosslare route.

When asked about the potential for this to become a permanent solution, the Stena Line spokesperson emphasized that efforts are currently focused on addressing the immediate crisis.

Irish Ferries responds to disruption

Irish Ferries has issued an apology to customers affected by the ongoing disruption:

“We regret to advise that all Holyhead-Dublin sailings are cancelled up to and including January 15, 2025, due to the closure of Holyhead Port.

“We are contacting affected customers to offer alternative options, including sailings on the Rosslare-Pembroke route, where additional capacity has been made available. We are also exploring additional sailings from other UK ports to Ireland.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate our customers’ patience during this challenging time.”

This historic move highlights the adaptability of Pembrokeshire’s ports in the face of unprecedented challenges, with Fishguard Harbour playing a pivotal role in maintaining Irish Sea connectivity.

Crime

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

Published

10 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

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.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

10 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.

Crime

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

Published

11 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.