Haverfordwest man told police “women won’t have sex without force”

A HAVERFORDWEST man who raped a woman and a young boy and attempted to rape a child has been jailed for more than 21 years.

Talha Ahmadzai, aged 33, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Mar 16) after admitting a series of serious sexual and violent offences committed in February last year.

The offences involved three victims — a woman, a girl and a boy.

Ahmadzai pleaded guilty to three counts of rape, rape of a child under 13, attempted rape of a child under 13, causing a child to watch a sexual act, assault by beating, and cruelty to a person under 16.

The court imposed an extended sentence of 21 years and seven months, comprising 19 years and seven months in custody followed by a two-year licence period. He must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial term before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.

An indefinite restraining order was also imposed, banning him from any contact with his victims.

Shocking remarks to police

Following his arrest, Ahmadzai initially claimed the allegations had been fabricated. During police interview, he told officers: “Women won’t have sex without force.”

He also questioned the authority of the UK courts, stating that the acts he was accused of “were not offences in his country.”

“Catalogue of abhorrent offending”

Sentencing, Judge Huw Rees described Ahmadzai’s actions as a “catalogue of abhorrent offending of the utmost seriousness.”

The court heard he had been “sexually preoccupied for a long time” and held “entrenched views,” with a pre-sentence report concluding he posed a high risk to the public.

Ahmadzai, who appeared via video link from a psychiatric hospital, has no previous convictions.

In mitigation, defence barrister David Singh said his client had committed “appalling offences of the most serious type” and suggested his behaviour followed a “psychotic episode,” for which he has since received treatment.

Police praise victims’ bravery

Detective Inspector Sarah Totterdale, of North Pembrokeshire CID, said: “Ahmadzai is clearly an incredibly dangerous and cruel individual, and the sentence he has received reflects this.

“I would like to commend the bravery and dignity shown by his victims, who courageously gave their evidence of their horrendous ordeals. To do so and relive their experience must have been incredibly traumatic.

“Thanks to their evidence, and the hard work of our detectives, we were able to secure this result and ensure he is no longer a danger to the public.”

Deportation to be considered

Judge Rees said the case would be referred to the Home Office to consider Ahmadzai’s deportation following completion of his sentence.

Dyfed-Powys Police said support is available for anyone affected by rape or sexual violence, and urged victims to come forward.

Visit highlights major step forward for Pembroke regeneration project

PEMBROKE Town councillors and the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council have visited the new Henry Tudor Centre at South Quay to see progress on the landmark development.

Cllr Gareth Jones, Cllr Rose Blackburn and Cllr Jonathan Grimes were joined by County Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey and Town Clerk Suzie Thomas for a guided tour of the site, which is due to open in spring 2027.

The centre will celebrate the life and legacy of Henry Tudor, born in Pembroke, exploring his Welsh ancestry and his lasting influence on national history, culture and heritage.

Cllr Harvey said: “It is encouraging to see the Henry Tudor Centre taking shape following the dedication and hard work of the Pembroke community and partner organisations, supported by Pembrokeshire County Council.

“The restoration of these previously derelict buildings will also provide a new library, community café, and facilities for healthcare, social services and supported employment in adjoining premises. This is a key development in the ongoing regeneration of Pembroke town centre.”

The Henry Tudor Trust will operate the heritage centre, which is المتوقع to attract around 30,000 visitors annually. The Trust has worked closely with the County Council over several years to bring the project forward, with construction work beginning in earnest in summer 2024.

Cllr Gareth Jones said: “This is an impressive space that will do justice to Pembroke’s unique heritage and its connection to Henry Tudor. The centre will be a major attraction for visitors, enhancing the town’s already strong heritage offer.

“It will also provide a vibrant hub for learning, volunteering and community engagement in the heart of Pembroke.”

Additional funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will support the creation of a one-year Community Programme Coordinator role, helping to deliver a programme of events and activities, alongside volunteering opportunities and educational resources for schools.

Caption: Checking out progress at the new Henry Tudor Centre in Pembroke.

Broadcaster promises debates, youth-focused content and full results coverage across Wales

BBC CYMRU WALES has unveiled its plans for comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Senedd election, with a strong focus on accessibility, youth engagement and on-the-ground reporting.

The broadcaster says its election output—available in both English and Welsh—will include live debates, breaking news, in-depth interviews, analysis and expert commentary across television, radio, online and social platforms ahead of polling day on Thursday (May 7).

Special attention will be given to first-time voters aged sixteen and seventeen, as well as explaining the new electoral system. Content aimed at younger audiences will feature prominently, including short-form videos, “minute manifestos,” rapid-fire leader Q&As, and fact-checking reels shared across BBC Wales’ social channels.

Delyth Isaac, Head of News and Current Affairs at BBC Wales, said: “Welsh voters are our number one priority in this election. Our job in the run-up to polling day is to ensure they have all the information they need to make their choice.

“Our teams are getting out into communities across Wales, listening to voters, reporting on local issues and holding politicians to account. We will create spaces for open debate and ensure all voices are heard.”

Debates across Wales

A series of live debates and Q&A programmes will take place across the country in the weeks leading up to the election.

On Tuesday (Mar 17), Nick Servini hosted a Your Voice Live debate in Wrexham, featuring representatives from Welsh Labour, Welsh Conservatives, Plaid Cymru, Welsh Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and the Wales Green Party.

Further programmes include two Your Voice Live: Ask the Leader events. One will be broadcast from Haverfordwest on Wednesday (Apr 8) at 8:00pm on BBC One Wales, with another from Llandudno on Wednesday (Apr 15) at the same time. Both will also air on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Sounds.

The main leaders’ debate will take place on Tuesday (Apr 28), hosted by Bethan Rhys Roberts in Cardiff and broadcast at 8:00pm on BBC One Wales.

Digital, radio and investigation focus

BBC Wales News Online and Cymru Fyw will provide rolling coverage throughout the campaign, including policy analysis, constituency breakdowns, manifesto guides and BBC Verify fact-checking.

The BBC’s investigations team will also examine the spread of disinformation during the campaign, particularly on social media.

On radio, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru will feature regular election coverage across flagship programmes, alongside special editions of podcasts such as Walescast and Gwleidydda.

Full results coverage planned

BBC Wales reporters will be present at every count across the country when results are declared on Friday (May 8).

Coverage will include live reporting, expert analysis and reaction from candidates, with Political Editor Gareth Lewis playing a central role.

Special results programmes will air on BBC One Wales and S4C, alongside rolling coverage online and on radio. Politics Wales will also broadcast extended programmes during the campaign and a one-hour results special on Sunday (May 10).

Content for younger audiences

BBC Bitesize will produce a bilingual series of explainer videos aimed at 14–16-year-olds, while Newyddion S4C will provide dedicated coverage for younger viewers.

A major Welsh-language debate, Y Ddadl Fawr, will be broadcast live from Carmarthenshire on Thursday (Apr 23) at 8:00pm across S4C, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Sounds.

The BBC said its aim is to ensure every voter in Wales understands how to take part and how their vote counts as the country heads towards a crucial election.