News
Council accused of ‘abandoning’ beach dog rules as enforcement collapses
FOI reveals just 2 warnings in May – and zero fines – despite photos showing clear rule-breaking
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is facing mounting criticism over what appears to be a near-total collapse in enforcement of seasonal dog bans on some of Wales’ most popular beaches.
Emails, FOI responses, and photographic evidence obtained by The Pembrokeshire Herald show that between 1 and 8 May 2025, the council issued no fines or warnings for breaches of dog restrictions on beaches such as Tenby and Saundersfoot. Further figures reveal just 2 warnings were recorded across the entire county during May.
This contrasts sharply with 2024, when the council issued 45 fines in May, and a total of 234 fines over the summer months.
Local resident Tony Lewis, who has led a months-long campaign for enforcement, says the current situation is “a joke” and accuses the council of failing to uphold the standards required for Blue Flag status.
“I’ve lost count of the number of dogs I’ve seen this year on restricted beaches,” Mr Lewis said. “The council says it’s patrolling, but the photos and FOI replies show otherwise. If they lose the Blue Flags, they’ve only got themselves to blame.”
Photos shared with The Herald show dogs off leads, tents pitched, and no enforcement officers in sight on Tenby’s main beach — all in breach of bylaws in effect from 1 May.
In email exchanges, Marc Owen, a senior officer at the council, admits the authority has no daily coverage, does not enforce on weekends, and only acts if officers happen to witness a breach.
He wrote: “We do not have the resource to cover all the beaches daily… enforcement officers will deal with issues if they are in the area.”
Councillor Chris Williams, representing Saundersfoot South, added: “Things have felt quite different this year. I’ve also noticed more dog owners pushing the boundaries, likely because they’re aware enforcement is limited and fines are unlikely.”
He acknowledged the importance of Blue Flag awards and called for clearer messaging from holiday firms and the council.
Mr Lewis has indicated he may escalate the matter to Keep Wales Tidy, which oversees the Blue Flag scheme, if no improvement is seen in July.
Pembrokeshire County Council has been approached for comment.
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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