News
Public meeting held in Cardigan to oppose arms industry in west Wales
MORE than 70 people gathered at Cardigan Guildhall on Monday (July 14) for the first public meeting of a new group, West Wales Against Arms. The event, which focused on opposition to the growing militarisation of west Wales, was held in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Call for accountability and change
Speakers at the meeting highlighted links between military activity in the region and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. One speaker shared powerful personal testimony, describing her grief over the long-term devastation in Palestine. Another presentation examined the development of drone and military technologies by companies based in Aberporth, some of which have supported the Israeli military over many years.
The group also raised concerns about wider Welsh Government investment in infrastructure they say is enabling the further militarisation of the region.
Community concern and momentum
Attendees expressed shock at the local connections to arms development and voiced support for alternative economic and educational opportunities that do not rely on the defence industry. Organisers said they were “uplifted and energised” by the turnout and the collective recognition of the need to resist what they called the “insidious creep” of militarisation.
New military activity raises alarm
Just days after the meeting, QinetiQ announced a programme of “danger area activity” across Cardigan Bay. “We heard the testing at home today,” one local resident told organisers. “The whole street was asking what it was. Our houses shook.”
In the same week, AI drone developer Tekever announced its acquisition of West Wales Airport in Aberporth. Tekever, which provides surveillance drones for the UK Home Office, has links with companies licensed to export arms to Israel. The firm has now stated its intention to expand military drone testing in the region.
Opposition growing
In a statement, West Wales Against Arms said: “We, residents of west Wales, will not accept weapons of war and death being developed and tested in our communities. We will continue to reject and resist the militarisation of Welsh and UK society.”
(Picture form previous demo)
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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