News

Guilty plea to animal welfare charges

Published

11 years ago

February 5, 2015

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST woman has pleaded guilty to three charges of failing to ensure the welfare of animals.

Michelle Evans, aged 35, of West Court, appeared before the town’s Magistrates Court on Monday (Jan 19).

Evans pleaded guilty to the offences but her sentencing was delayed in order for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Prosecuting, John Tarrant said: “A member of the tenancy management team had been writing to Mrs Evans about the gas in the property. They also attended the flat and they could hear her shouting at the dogs to be quiet. She wouldn’t allow access at first but she eventually let them in. The house was in a filthy condition and she was told that it was unacceptable. However, the problem continued and on August 14, Inspector Hogan attended at the flat again. There was no reply at the property but he could see through the window a dog which looked alert. He also peered through the letterbox and could see that the hallway was full of rubbish. The inspector came back the next day and was able to gain access. He drew back the curtains and noticed an immediate smell of faeces and urine which made him wretch and cough. There was more faeces on the floor and the litter tray was also full of faeces. He went in to another room where there was a black and white dog which is described as being very thin to the hips. He went upstairs and he could again smell faeces and urine which made him wretch and cough again. He noticed a cat which was also in a skinny condition and the animals were taken for examination. The dog was underfed and the cats all had a large burden of fleas and had a lean bodily condition. The police officer who attended said that he had never seen any case of animal cruelty as bad as this and he also had to go back to the station to change his clothes so he could continue his duty. She accepts responsibility for the animals and that she failed to meet their needs.”

Defending, Matt Greenish said: “All four animals were underweight and had fleas. She had been going through a difficult period but she insisted that she had left enough food and water for them. She has let things get the better of her and she is ashamed of her actions. She was trying to deal with the matter and she should have contacted the vets but she left it too late. The dog and the cats have all fully recovered. She has no previous convictions against her.”

The Magistrates asked for a pre-sentence report to be done and the matter was adjourned for three weeks.

They also indicated that a banning order would be considered against Mrs Evans.

She was released on bail with the condition that she should co-operate with the probation service and the case will return to court on February 3.

Crime

Police appeal to locate 69-year-old man wanted in harassment investigation

Published

24 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for information to help locate a man from the Ammanford area who is wanted in connection with a harassment offence.

Alan Tait, aged 69, is being sought by officers as part of an ongoing investigation.

Police believe he may currently be in the Derbyshire area, but say he also has links to South Wales and Gwent.

Anyone with information that could assist officers in locating him is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Charity

Bluestone Foundation marks year of impact with more than £60,000 for local causes

Published

39 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE BLUESTONE FOUNDATION, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort, has marked a significant year of community investment after raising and distributing more than £60,000 to support projects across Pembrokeshire in 2025.

Run in partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services (PAVS), the Foundation has continued to expand its reach, backing a wide range of charities and community organisations working at the heart of the county.

During the year, the Foundation’s Community Fund delivered three rounds of grants, supporting projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, and environmental protection.

Environmental organisations including BlueGreen Cymru, Greener Growth CIC and Sea Trust Wales received funding, alongside wellbeing and inclusion groups such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift, No Shame Foundation and Silbers CIC.

Creative, youth and heritage organisations including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and VC Gallery also benefited.

In total, £32,968.57 was awarded through the Community Fund in 2025.

Fundraising events held at the Blue Lagoon Water Park generated a further £19,500 in unrestricted income. Under the Foundation’s funding model, 75 per cent of that money is passed directly to charities, with the remaining 25 per cent placed into a flexible fund to support causes that fall outside the Community Fund’s criteria.

Flexible funding totalling £4,500 was used this year to support initiatives including Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project, refurbishment work at Martletwy Young Farmers Club hall, Bloomfield Bus and Green Dragon Bus services, and Nacro’s Christmas appeal, providing food, warm clothing and essential items to people in crisis.

The Foundation also supported the PATCH Christmas Toy Appeal, encouraging staff and visitors at Bluestone to donate gifts for families referred to the charity during the festive period.

In addition, more than one hundred fundraising events across the region were supported through prize donations from the Foundation, including over 200 family passes to the Blue Lagoon Water Park, 32 overnight spa breaks and nine Bluestone holiday breaks.

Marten Lewis, Chair of the Bluestone Foundation said: “This year’s achievements reflect the heart of who we are at Bluestone. The Foundation exists to uplift the people and places that make Pembrokeshire such a special community.

“The impact of our partners, grant recipients and fundraising efforts in 2025 shows what is possible when we work together, and we are proud to see the difference it continues to make across the county.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the Foundation has confirmed continued support for Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project and will act as gold sponsor of the DPJ Foundation’s Macchu Picchu trek.

Five further Blue Lagoon fundraising events are already scheduled between February and August, supporting Local Cadets, Belles Story, Martletwy YFC Hall, Blue Horizons Coastal Adventure and Friends of Portfield School.

Tickets for those events are available via the Bluestone Foundation’s Eventbrite page.

For more information about the Bluestone Foundation, visit the Bluestone website.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

12 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)