News
Former councillor banned for four years after racist voice note
Edwards brought council into disrepute, tribunal rules
FORMER Pembrokeshire County Councillor Andrew Edwards has been disqualified from public office for four years following a tribunal ruling that found he breached the Code of Conduct by sending a racist voice note and making disrespectful remarks about members of the public.
The Adjudication Panel for Wales ruled unanimously this week that Mr Edwards, who represented Haverfordwest Prendergast until his resignation in 2023, had brought his office—and that of the council—into disrepute.
The decision, dated June 18, 2025, follows a referral from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. Investigators found that Mr Edwards had sent a racist voice message to his then partner via WhatsApp, as well as disclosing confidential council business and making disrespectful comments about members of the public.
The tribunal, held by remote video link, concluded that Edwards had failed to show respect to others and had seriously undermined public trust.
The written judgment states: “The Case Tribunal concluded by unanimous decision that the former Councillor Edwards should be disqualified from acting as a councillor for any authority for a period of four years.”
The disqualification applies across Wales and prevents Edwards from standing for any council position until June 2029.
The voice note at the centre of the investigation was widely circulated in March 2023, prompting national outrage. In the recording, Edwards used a racial slur and made inflammatory comments about ethnic minorities. He later claimed to have no memory of recording the message and suggested it might have been tampered with, although this was never proven.
The incident led to his resignation from both the council and the Conservative Party.
The Herald understands that Edwards did not contest the tribunal’s findings. The case was determined on written representations and no appeal has yet been lodged with the High Court, although he has the right to seek leave.
The tribunal made no recommendations to Pembrokeshire County Council, but the authority and its Standards Committee have been formally notified of the ruling.
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.
Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.
The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:
- Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
- Common assault
- Assault by beating
No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.
Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
Defendant remanded in custody
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.
David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- A second count of assault
- Criminal damage
- An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
- A public order offence
Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.
Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”
A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing
A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.
Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.
During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.
Charges Include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Intentional non-fatal strangulation
- Common assault on a woman
- Criminal damage in a domestic context
- Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
- Breach of bail conditions
Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.
Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.
No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.
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