News

Milford man admits handling stolen goods from three local properties

Published

2 months ago

May 20, 2026

A MILFORD man has been sentenced for handling benches and a bike frame stolen from three separate properties in Haverfordwest.

This week Haverfordwest magistrates were told that during the night of July 16, 2025, a white van, driven by 29-year-old Simon Rees, was spotted close to where a number of burglaries had previously taken place in Haverfordwest.

“A bike frame and two benches had been taken from the properties, and while there was no evidence linking the defendant to the burglaries, each of those stolen items were discovered inside his van,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told the court.

A total of 8.3 grams of herbal cannabis was also discovered inside the van and inside Rees’ flat at Observatory Avenue, Hakin.

“Initially he said the garden benches had been given to him, but they were later identified by their owners as the ones stolen from their properties,” concluded Linda Baker.

Meanwhile the owner of the bike frame, Scott Phillips, said the incident has had a serious impact on his partner and teenage daughter.

“The situation has caused them to be very upset,” he said in a victim impact statement read out to the court.

“People came into our garden which is a private place, and this made me angry and cross. I’ve worked for years to get these items, but then someone just takes them away.”

Rees pleaded guilty to three charges of handling stolen goods and one charge of possessing a controlled Class B drug, namely herbal cannabis.

“This was a particularly difficult time in his life, after losing some close family members, losing his job, splitting up from his partner and losing contact with his children,” said his solicitor, Tom Lloyd.

“But he’s now doing very well.”

Rees was sentenced to a six month community order during which he must carry out a 60-day alcohol monitoring programme, five rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs and a destruction order was imposed for the herbal cannabis.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

10 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

12 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

12 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle