News

Pembrokeshire star Angharad James-Turner to captain Cymru at EURO 2025

Published

12 months ago

June 25, 2025

Pembrokeshire is preparing for a month of footballing pride this July as Haverfordwest-born Angharad James-Turner captains Cymru into their first-ever major women’s football tournament at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.

The tournament, set in Switzerland, marks a historic moment for Cymru, who are one of the 16 teams vying for continental glory. Cymru were drawn into Group D—one of the most competitive in the tournament—alongside former champions the Netherlands, perennial contenders France, and long-time rivals England.

From Pembrokeshire to the World Stage

James-Turner, who began her football journey with Manorbier Girls, is now a stalwart of the Cymru midfield. With over 130 caps and counting, she is Cymru’s youngest-ever centurion and was officially named captain in late 2024.

“It’s a dream come true to lead Cymru into a tournament like this,” James-Turner said ahead of the team’s departure. “But for me, this is also for the little girl in Pembrokeshire who fell in love with football on muddy pitches.”

Now playing her club football in the NWSL and co-running a local coffee business when back in Wales, James-Turner embodies what it means to stay grounded while reaching global heights.

Symbolic Start on Snowdon

In a fitting display of their journey, the Cymru squad announcement took place atop Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) on June 19. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson described the moment as “symbolic of the climb this team has made and still faces.”

Wilkinson, a former Canadian international, has instilled a no-excuses, high-performance culture. From hiring psychologists to nutritionists, and adapting tactics based on opponent analysis, the Cymru camp is professional and ambitious.

A Group of Giants

Cymru face a tough route to the knockout rounds:

5 July: vs Netherlands (5:00pm BST)

9 July: vs France (8:00pm BST)

13 July: vs England (8:00pm BST)

All matches will be broadcast live on the BBC, and thousands of fans from across Cymru are expected to make the trip to Lucerne and St Gallen. But for those staying local, watch parties are being planned across Pembrokeshire.

Veterans and Returnees Bolster the Squad

James-Turner is flanked by seasoned internationals such as Jess Fishlock—Cymru’s most-capped player—and Chelsea’s Sophie Ingle, who returns from an ACL injury just in time to offer strength in the centre of the pitch.

With Hayley Ladd, Rachel Rowe and Lily Woodham rounding out a flexible midfield and back line, Wilkinson has options—and experience—across the board.

What This Means for Pembrokeshire

This summer, the red of Cymru won’t just represent a nation—it will represent local dreams. James-Turner’s journey from west Cymru to international captaincy is already inspiring the next generation. Pembrokeshire schools, sports clubs and even cafes are expected to rally behind their hometown hero.

Whether Cymru reach the quarter-finals or simply hold their own against Europe’s elite, this tournament will mark a milestone. As James-Turner leads her team onto the field, the whole of Pembrokeshire will be behind her.

Crime

Bomb hoax allegation lands Carmarthenshire man before court

Published

31 seconds ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

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

Published

4 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

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.

Crime

Children most at risk in Dyfed-Powys TikTok-linked crime cases

Published

15 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOI data reveals forty-two under-18 victims as police record more than 130 incidents mentioning the platform

CHILDREN were the largest group of victims in Dyfed-Powys crimes where TikTok was mentioned, new Freedom of Information figures have revealed.

Data obtained by JF Law shows that Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 131 TikTok-linked violence, stalking and harassment offences between 2023 and 2025.

Of those, forty-two victims were under the age of eighteen.

Pembrokeshire recorded 32 incidents over the three-year period, with eight in 2023, thirteen in 2024 and eleven in 2025.

Across the force area, Carmarthenshire recorded the highest number of incidents, with 51. Powys recorded 29 and Ceredigion recorded thirteen.

Stalking and harassment made up the vast majority of the Dyfed-Powys cases, accounting for 128 of the 131 offences. Three were recorded as violence with injury.

Wales-wide concern

The figures were obtained through Freedom of Information requests covering Welsh police forces.

South Wales Police recorded the highest number, with 2,034 crimes where TikTok or Tik Tok was mentioned in police records between 2023 and 2025.

Those figures rose from 488 in 2023 to 656 in 2024 and 890 in 2025.

Gwent Police recorded 373 incidents, while North Wales Police recorded 199.

The North Wales data included cases of harassment, malicious communications, blackmail, sexual grooming, sexual activity involving a child under sixteen, exposure and voyeurism, and threats to kill.

Police forces stressed that the figures do not mean TikTok caused the crimes. The data relates to cases where the platform was mentioned in the modus operandi field or investigation summary.

‘Digital hunting ground’

Ellie Lamey, a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority specialist at JF Law, said: “The sheer volume of these cases is a stark warning to parents and authorities alike.

“We are seeing everyday platforms being weaponised by predators to target our youngest and most vulnerable, turning what should be a harmless online space into a digital hunting ground.

“The trauma inflicted by cyber-stalking, harassment, and online-facilitated abuse has profound, real-world consequences that can completely shatter a family’s sense of security.”

She added: “It is crucial that victims know there are concrete legal avenues available to fight back.

“Nobody should have to navigate this nightmare in silence, and we are committed to helping survivors secure the protection, justice, and support they need to move forward.”

JF Law provides legal support and advice to those affected by online harassment, abuse and related crimes. Their website is www.jflaw.co.uk.