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Pembrokeshire County Council: Two senior members step down

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TWO senior members of Pembrokeshire County Council are to step down from their Cabinet positions this May, members of the council’s Cabinet heard.

At the April 28 meeting, members heard that Cabinet Member for Communities, Corporate Improvement and the Well-being of Future Generations Cllr Neil Prior and Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies Cllr Joshua Beynon were to step down from their Cabinet roles.

Cllr Joshua Beynon

Members were told both councillors were stepping down for personal reasons, with their replacements expected to be announced in May.

Cllr Beynon, who took mover the finance role from Cllr Alec Cormack last year, has since posted on social media: “After a year serving in the Cabinet at Pembrokeshire County Council, I’ve decided the time is right for me to step back from my role as Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies.

“Serving in this position has been a real privilege — helping to improve services, strengthen the council’s finances, and always striving to do what’s best for Pembrokeshire. It hasn’t been without its challenges, especially in a council without a majority, but I’m proud of what we’ve achieved through collaboration and determination.”

“This hasn’t been an easy decision.

“Public service demands a lot, and I want to be honest about the personal toll it can take. I believe if you can’t give 100 per cent, it’s right to make space for someone who can bring fresh energy to the role.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my Cabinet colleagues, fellow councillors, and most of all the brilliant staff at Pembrokeshire County Council — the real backbone of our public services.

“Although I’m stepping back from Cabinet, I’m not stepping away. I’ll continue to serve from the backbenches, standing up for high-quality public services and for the people of Pembrokeshire.

“Thank you to everyone who’s supported me so far — it means a lot.”

The work of both Cabinet members was praised at the meeting by Leader Cllr Jon Harvey.

 

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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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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