News
Time to raise your glass to the best pubs in Pembrokeshire
When it comes to quality pubs, the people of Pembrokeshire are truly spoilt for choice when the have to decide where to go for a tipple or a delicious meal.
Now, thanks to Senedd Member Sam Kurtz, pub goers are being urged to show their support for their beloved local watering holes by nominating their favourite pubs in the inaugural “Best Local Pub” competition.
“Local pubs are a vital part of our community fabric,” said the Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, who is himself partial to the odd pint of ale served from his local taverns.
“Whether it’s for a casual drink after work, a weekend catch-up with friends, or hosting community events, our pubs provide spaces for social connection and local culture to thrive.
“They are hubs of social connection, culture, and community spirit.
“This competition, which celebrates the invaluable role that local pubs play in bringing people together, as well as providing jobs and boosting the local economy, offers a chance for these iconic establishments to gain well-deserved recognition.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to show our appreciation and give them the recognition they truly deserve.”
There are currently 150 pubs and two breweries across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire which contribute £39 million to the local economy, and which support 1,179 jobs.
“This is just incredible,” concluded Sam Kurtz.
“So let’s work together to shine a spotlight on the pubs that have made a difference in our lives and continue to play a pivotal role in our communities.”
Residents can nominate their favourite pub via the website www.samuelkurtz.wales and via Samuel Kurtz’s social media posts. Nominations will be open throughout the month of February while the winners will each receive a prize, which includes a free barrel of a standard beer of the pub’s choice, thanks to the Templeton Beer, Wine and Spirit Co.
Health
Woman jailed assaults on police, harassment and XL Bully possession
A CARMARTHEN woman has been jailed after admitting a lengthy catalogue of offences including assaults on police officers, harassment, breaching a Community Protection Notice, shop theft, possession of an XL Bully dog and assaulting a paramedic.
Tilly Rees, 25, of Llys Caermedi, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18).
The court heard that Rees admitted multiple breaches of a Community Protection Notice issued in 2025, including incidents in which she shouted abuse in public, caused distress to residents and repeatedly targeted individuals named in court proceedings.
Harassment campaign
Among the offences was a harassment charge relating to a course of conduct against a Carmarthen man between March and May this year.
Prosecutors said Rees approached him on multiple occasions, shouted abuse, called him a paedophile and video-recorded him and his home.
She also admitted a series of Community Protection Notice breaches linked to the same behaviour.
Police assaults
The court heard that Rees assaulted a number of police officers during incidents in Llanelli on May 1 and May 5.
Several assault charges against serving police constables were taken into account by the court when sentence was passed.
A further charge of assaulting a paramedic at Dafen Police Station on June 12 was also admitted.
Shop theft and XL Bully
Rees also admitted stealing items including sanitary products, deodorant, skincare products and reading glasses from a Carmarthen pharmacy.
In a separate matter, she admitted possessing an XL Bully dog contrary to the Dangerous Dogs Act. The court ordered the dog to be forfeited and destroyed after Rees relinquished her rights to it.
Restraining orders imposed
District Judge M Layton imposed a number of restraining orders preventing Rees from contacting named individuals or referring to them online.
The orders prohibit direct or indirect contact and restrict social media activity relating to those protected by the orders.
Jailed for 26 weeks
Magistrates concluded that only an immediate custodial sentence could be justified.
Rees was sentenced to a total of 26 weeks’ imprisonment.
The court heard that some of the offences were committed while she was already subject to a suspended sentence, while others involved assaults on emergency workers carrying additional aggravating factors.
Crime
Bomb hoax allegation lands Carmarthenshire man before court
A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has appeared before magistrates accused of making a bomb hoax and assaulting police officers.
Anthony Mold, 38, of Sandy Road, Llanelli, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).
Mold is charged with communicating false information by alleging that a bomb or other explosive substance was present at Dafen Police Station.
The allegation relates to an incident on May 6 this year.
The defendant also faces charges of assaulting two police officers, damaging a police vehicle, and breaching a Community Protection Notice.
Court records show the damage charge relates to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle.
Mold entered guilty pleas to the offences before the court.
District Judge M Layton remanded him in custody for the preparation of reports ahead of sentencing.
The case was adjourned until Thursday, July 2, when Mold is due to be sentenced at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.
Crime
Carmarthenshire pensioner, 86, accused of causing prostitution for gain
AN 86-YEAR-OLD Carmarthenshire pensioner has appeared before magistrates accused of causing or inciting prostitution for gain.
Hywel Charles, of Rhandirfelin, Llanelli, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).
Charles is charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 with intentionally causing or inciting another person to become a prostitute for, or in expectation of, gain for himself.
The allegation relates to an incident said to have taken place at Llanelli on October 9, 2025.
Complainant protected
The complainant in the case is protected by automatic anonymity under the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992.
Charles appeared before District Judge M Layton at a ground rules hearing.
He was represented by John Allchurch, of Goldstones Solicitors, while Nia James prosecuted for CPS Wales.
The defendant was remanded on conditional bail.
He must not contact a named person directly or indirectly.
Charles is due to appear again at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 6, for a further case management hearing.
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