Crime

Vandalism at Narberth’s old library sparks concern from local councillor

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

THE OLD library building in Narberth has been targeted by vandals ahead of its planned auction, prompting concerns from a senior Pembrokeshire councillor.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, April 26, saw the former library on St James Street broken into and damaged. The property, which has stood derelict for some time, is due to be sold by auction through John Francis.

Cllr Marc Tierney, Cabinet Member for Young People, Communities and the Wellbeing of Future Generations, said the intruders appeared to have forced entry by kicking in a side door, smashing glass panels and windows in the process.

Inside the building, crockery was destroyed and graffiti daubed across the walls.

Cllr Tierney said: “We’re all facing stretched budgets at the moment, and damage like this simply adds to the cost burden on the taxpayer. It’s very disappointing—this is an iconic building in the heart of Narberth, and it’s upsetting to see it treated in this way.”

The Herald understands this is the first time the old library has been vandalised. Pembrokeshire County Council is now increasing security at the site while the sale process continues.

There is concern the incident may be part of a wider trend of people targeting derelict buildings. Cllr Tierney warned: “There seems to be a craze at the moment for people to break into old properties and mess about. It’s not just illegal—it’s dangerous and irresponsible, especially in a residential area.”

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed they are investigating the matter.

A spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a burglary and vandalism at the old library on St James Street, Narberth, on April 26. Officers attended and identified broken windows and graffiti inside the vacant building. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Cllr Tierney also posted on social media following the incident, describing the damage as a blow to the local community and calling for those responsible to be held accountable.

He added that he hoped the building could still serve a useful purpose in future, saying: “While it is due to be sold, I’d like to think there is still a chance for this site to play a positive role in the town again.”

Crime

Aberystwyth man denies criminal damage charge over Cardigan gallery window

Published

13 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Court Reporter

Alleged incident said to have taken place on Bridge Street

AN ABERYSTWYTH man has denied a charge of criminal damage relating to an alleged incident in Cardigan.

Ricky Myers, aged 27, of Jasper House, Aberystwyth, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15).

The court heard that Myers is accused of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000, contrary to the Criminal Damage Act 1971.

The charge relates to an incident on Saturday (Aug 24, 2024) at Manchester House on Bridge Street, Cardigan, where it is alleged that a window at the Cardigan Gallery was damaged. The property is said to belong to Peter Austin.

Myers pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

Magistrates adjourned the case for further case management, and Myers was remanded on conditional bail, with a condition that he live and sleep each night at his home address.

He is due to return to court at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 17) at 2:00pm.

Crime

Pembroke Dock man remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on string of offences

Published

13 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Court Reporter

Harassment charge and three assaults among cases listed for Llanelli court

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing after admitting a series of offences, including harassment and assaults.

Tony Brundrett, aged 21, of Kavanagh Court, Pembroke Dock, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15).

The court heard Brundrett has pleaded guilty to harassment without violence, contrary to the Protection from Harassment Act. The charge alleges that between Tuesday (Sep 17) and Thursday (Oct 31) at Spring View, Pembroke Dock, he pursued a course of conduct amounting to harassment of a female, including attending her home address and contacting her by text message.

He has also admitted assault by beating against the same female, alleged to have taken place on Wednesday (May 21) at Spring View, Pembroke Dock, and a further assault by beating against a second female on Thursday (Oct 30), also at Spring View.

Magistrates were additionally told that Brundrett faces a further allegation of common assault against a third female, said to have occurred on Tuesday (Dec 9) at Kavanagh Court, Pembroke Dock. No plea was recorded to that matter in the register entry.

Brundrett has also pleaded guilty to a number of offences linked to an incident in Haverfordwest on Saturday (Nov 16). These include:

Aggravated vehicle taking, involving a Vauxhall Corsa, with damage caused before recovery
Using a motor vehicle without insurance
Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
Criminal damage, involving a window belonging to Pembrokeshire County Council

He was remanded in custody, with the next hearing listed at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 31) at 10:00am.

Crime

Milford Haven man admits multiple offences after A477 incident

Published

13 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Court Reporter

Zombie knife charge and dangerous driving among offences before the court

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates charged with four offences arising from a single incident in Pembrokeshire.

Simon Rees, aged 28, of Observatory Avenue, Hakin, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15).

The court heard that all four offences are alleged to have taken place on Tuesday (Nov 5) and relate to an incident on the A477 towards Pembroke Dock involving a Ford Fiesta.

Rees is charged with:

Possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, namely a zombie knife
Dangerous driving
Using a motor vehicle without third party insurance
Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence

Magistrates were told that Rees has pleaded guilty to the insurance offence and to driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He has also changed his plea to guilty on the offensive weapon charge, while indicating a guilty plea to the dangerous driving offence.

The case was adjourned for sentence, and the court ordered that a pre-sentence report be prepared.

Rees was remanded on conditional bail, with conditions including a night-time curfew between 8:00pm and 7:00am, to be electronically monitored, and a requirement to reside at his home address.

He is due to return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Tuesday (Jan 7) at 10:00am.