AN 18-YEAR OLD youth accused of rape in Saundersfoot has pleaded not guilty and is due to stand trial at Swansea Crown Court in May.

Josh Probert, aged eighteen, appeared before Judge Geraint Walters on Monday (Jan 19) for a pre-trial preparation hearing.

The court heard the case is progressing under the custody time limit, meaning it is being managed to a strict timetable while the defendant remains in custody.

Mr Probert entered not guilty pleas. The hearing dealt with case management issues and set dates for pre-trial stages leading up to the trial.

A four-day trial is listed to begin on Tuesday (May 26), with a certificate of trial readiness due on Tuesday (Apr 28).

In relation to bail His Honour said that these were serious allegations and that the defendant would remain in custody, despite his age and being of clean character hitherto.

YOUNG rugby players in Pembroke are being invited to join a thriving under-11s squad as the town’s rugby club looks to bring in a few new faces.

Pembroke RFC U11s coach Gary Nevinson has appealed for more local children to get involved, saying the team has built a strong group on and off the pitch and wants to keep that momentum going.

The squad trains every Thursday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Crickmarren Field, Pembroke, and is particularly keen to hear from children in Year 6 who would like to try rugby in a friendly, supportive environment.

Mr Nevinson said the club is proud of the progress the group has made and believes the under-11s set-up is a positive place for youngsters to develop confidence, teamwork and fitness.

Parents who would like more information, or who want to bring their child along to a session, are asked to contact the coaches directly.

Message Dai on 07837 979079 or Gary on 07736 289892.

Picture caption:

Young guns: Pembroke RFC U11s are welcoming new players to training at Crickmarren Field (Pic: Supplied).

ARMED police responded to an incident in Vicary Crescent, Milford Haven, on Sunday morning, with witnesses reporting a significant emergency presence on the usually quiet residential street just off The Rath.

Residents said officers arrived shortly after 9:00am and that at least six police vehicles were seen in the area, including two police vans. Witnesses also reported seeing armed officers at the scene.

The incident is believed to be related to a domestic matter, though police have not yet issued an official statement. The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police requesting comment and will update this report when more information is available.

The dramatic scenes caused concern among some residents.

One woman told The Herald: “I’ve never seen anything like this down here. It really was a shock first thing on a Sunday morning.”

Police were also seen in numbers at St Lawrence Avenue in Hakin.

It is not yet clear whether anyone was arrested, and details surrounding the operation are still being confirmed as this is a breaking story.