Defendant sent to Crown Court after magistrates refuse bail

A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with burglary following an alleged incident at a house in Haverfordwest.

Ashley Rickard, aged 28, of no fixed abode but with an address listed as Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before magistrates on Thursday (Feb 26).

Rickard is charged with burglary of a dwelling and theft, contrary to Section 9(1)(b) of the Theft Act 1968. The court heard the allegation relates to an incident on February 20 at a property in Fleming Crescent, Haverfordwest, where two televisions of unknown value were allegedly stolen after entry was gained as a trespasser.

The case was sent directly to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Magistrates heard a full bail application but refused bail. The court was told there were concerns the defendant was likely to offend and had previously failed to surrender. It was also stated that the alleged offence took place while Rickard was on police bail and on licence, with previous breaches recorded.

Rickard was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, March 30 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The custody time limit in the case expires on August 27, 2026.

Rickard is represented by Mike Kelleher. The prosecution was led by Linda Baker. The bench comprised Mrs H Disney, Dr R Talbot-English, and Mr R Mathias.

Milestone highlights growing importance of flexible gas generation as renewables expand

PEMBROKE POWER STATION has reached a major operational milestone after recording the 10,000th start of its combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) units — underlining the plant’s continuing role in keeping the UK electricity system stable as renewable energy increases.

The RWE-owned power station, which opened in 2011, was originally designed to run almost continuously. However, as wind and solar generation have grown, the facility now operates far more flexibly, starting and stopping units to respond to changes in electricity demand and renewable output.

All five generating units now operate across multi-shift patterns, helping to balance the grid when renewable supply drops or when rapid increases in power are required.

Engineers at the site have also significantly improved performance over time. Start-up times have been reduced from around 70 minutes to just 41 minutes, allowing the station to respond more quickly to fluctuations in supply and demand. The units have also completed multiple major maintenance cycles while maintaining high reliability, including during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gas-fired power remains a key part of Britain’s energy mix, providing what industry experts describe as “firm and flexible” generation capacity. While renewable sources are expected to supply the majority of electricity in the future, gas stations continue to provide backup and stability when renewable output is low or unpredictable.

Roland Long, RWE Pembroke Power Station Manager, said: “Reaching 10,000 unit starts is a proud moment for everyone at Pembroke. It highlights not just our operational capability but the vital contribution that flexible gas generation makes to the UK’s energy system.

“As the grid becomes increasingly driven by renewables, our ability to start quickly and run when needed ensures security of supply and reinforces Pembroke’s role as a dependable partner in the nation’s energy transition.”

The milestone reinforces the ongoing importance of flexible gas generation in supporting homes and businesses across the UK with secure and reliable electricity, particularly as the country continues to move towards lower-carbon energy sources.

Charity urges shoppers to support Welsh farmers this St David’s Day

MORE than 2.6 million farmed animals in Wales benefited from higher welfare standards last year, thanks to the work of farmers signed up to the RSPCA Assured scheme, the charity has said.

The organisation is now encouraging shoppers to mark St David’s Day by supporting Welsh producers committed to improved animal welfare by choosing products carrying the RSPCA Assured label.

RSPCA Assured — which describes itself as the only UK food assurance scheme dedicated solely to farmed animal welfare — has nearly 280 members in Wales. All are required to follow strict welfare standards covering housing, diet, health and day-to-day care.

Charlotte Thomas, RSPCA Assured assessment manager for Wales, said: “St David’s Day is a chance for us to take pride in the dedication of RSPCA Assured members who are committed to giving farmed animals a better life.

“To become an RSPCA Assured member, farms must follow hundreds of higher welfare standards every single day. These ensure animals are cared for properly throughout their lives — we don’t allow cages or crates, and animals must have plenty of room to move, perform normal behaviours and enjoy a healthy diet.

“Members are assessed every year to make sure these higher standards are met, and we carry out a check on a farm in Wales nearly every working day of the year.

“We hope this St David’s Day will inspire more people to support higher welfare farming in Wales by looking for the RSPCA Assured label if they choose to buy meat, fish, eggs or dairy products.”

The charity said its standards cover more than 64 million animals across the UK, with independent assessments carried out at over 4,000 farms and businesses. Both indoor and outdoor systems — including free-range and organic — can qualify, provided the welfare requirements are met. The scheme does not permit the use of cages.

RSPCA Assured operates as a not-for-profit organisation and receives no government funding. Member farms and businesses pay fees which cover the cost of inspections and licensing the label, with income reinvested into improving farm animal welfare.

Consumers who wish to support higher welfare farming are being encouraged to look for the RSPCA Assured logo when buying meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.

More information is available at the RSPCA Assured website.