News
Newcastle Emlyn: Persistent cannabis user warned
A PERSISTENT cannabis user from Newcastle Emlyn has been warned today his offending could lead to jail unless he stopped using the drug.
But, a judge at Swansea Crown Court heard on Friday (Mar 4), “it was difficult to see” that he would give up the drug.
Donald Kevin Jones, aged 59, of Gwyn Villa, Capel Iwan, admitted producing cannabis plants discovered by police who climbed in through a window at the cottage on May 11 last year to execute a search warrant.
Ian Ibrahim, prosecuting, said officers found cannabis plants, seedlings and cannabis leaves.
Jones had once been charged with possessing the drug with intent to supply.
But Mr Ibrahim said it was now accepted that only five of the plants would have produced any usable drug and that Jones had been growing them for his own consumption.
The possession with intent charge was withdrawn.
After his arrest Jones told police he smoked cannabis for medicinal purposes.
The court heard that Jones had been convicted of a similar offence in 2009 after 200 plants had been discovered, again inside Gwyn Villa.
His barrister, Kate Williams, said Jones believed the drug soothed his medical conditions “and it is difficult to say that he will not use it again.”
Judge Michael Burr told Jones that growing cannabis was unlawful and could lead to jail, even though he believed he needed the drug.
Jones was made the subject of a 12 month community order and to complete 20 days of a rehabilitation activity.
He was also placed under a 10pm to 7am curfew for six weeks and told to pay a £60 government surcharge.
Community
Narberth Eisteddfod fundraisers celebrate reaching £8,000 target
Community support and a £2,000 contribution from Narberth Town Council help committee achieve its fundraising goal
Narberth Eisteddfod Fundraising Committee is celebrating after successfully reaching its £8,000 fundraising target.
The milestone follows a busy programme of events organised by the committee, each of which received strong support from residents, businesses and community groups across the Narberth area.

Committee chair Glinys Meredydd thanked everyone who had helped make the campaign a success.
She said: “I would like to thank all members of the Narberth Eisteddfod team for their hard work and commitment.
“They organised some fantastic events, which were extremely well supported by the local community.
“I would also like to thank Narberth Town Council, which donated £2,000 on behalf of the people of Narberth.”

The committee will hold one final fundraising event with a last sale of its locally produced and hand-printed Eisteddfod Garreg Las 2026 T-shirts.
Members of the public are invited to visit the committee at Narberth Carnival Field on Saturday, July 25, where they will have a final opportunity to buy or win one of the T-shirts and join the celebrations ahead of the Eisteddfod’s return to Pembrokeshire.
The committee has thanked everyone who attended an event, made a donation, volunteered their time, purchased a T-shirt or helped promote the campaign.
Reaching the £8,000 target has been described as a powerful example of what can be achieved when the Narberth community comes together in support of Welsh language and culture.

Crime
Man, 37, found dead following major police response in Pembroke Dock
Death not being treated as suspicious as police make statutory referral to IOPC following active investigation
A 37-YEAR-OLD man has been found dead at Warrior Way in Pembroke Dock.
Dyfed-Powys Police said officers attended the area at around 7pm on Sunday, July 19, after concerns were raised for the welfare of an individual.
There was a significant police presence in the area, with several units positioned at the scene on Sunday and further police activity continuing into Monday.
The scale of the response prompted speculation among members of the public about the nature of the incident.
Police have now confirmed that the man was found deceased and that his death is not being treated as suspicious.
His next of kin have been informed.
HM Coroner has been advised, and officers will continue to assist with the coroner’s investigation.
The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because the man had been involved in an active police investigation.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the referral was made in line with the IOPC’s statutory referral criteria.
Such referrals are required in certain circumstances and do not, in themselves, indicate that police officers or staff are suspected of wrongdoing.
Charity
Salvation Army offers free meals and school uniforms to families across Wales
Children in Mold can receive free meals throughout the summer holidays, while thousands of school uniform items are being distributed through centres in Swansea and Cardiff
THE SALVATION ARMY is helping families across Wales cope with the additional cost of the school summer holidays by providing free meals for children and free school uniforms ahead of the new academic year.
Its church and community centre in Mold is opening from 9.30am until 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday, throughout the Welsh school holidays.
Free meals are available to all children aged under 16, with no requirement for accompanying adults to purchase anything.
Major Michelle Hayter said the scheme had made a significant difference to families in the area over recent years.
She said: “If your children usually receive free school meals, suddenly having to provide lunch, snacks and activities every day can be costly.
“By offering free meals, we are helping families free up money so they can enjoy the fun things their children want to do.
“When we remind parents that the meals are free, you can see the smile on their faces.”
The Mold centre is also holding recycling-themed craft sessions on selected days, including activities such as making mosaic coasters, decorating jars and creating bird feeders.
The charity is also supporting parents who may already be concerned about the cost of buying school uniforms for September.
Salvation Army charity shops and donation centres across Wales are offering free school uniform items, subject to availability.
Donation centres in Gorseinon, Swansea, and Cardiff have already distributed more than 3,000 items donated by Bridgend-based school uniform supplier Euroschools Direct.
Craig Mawer, manager at Euroschools Direct, said the company wanted its unused stock to benefit families rather than go to waste.
He said: “We are really pleased the uniforms have been able to support The Salvation Army’s work.
“When we realised we had unused stock, we wanted it to make a genuine difference rather than end up as waste.
“The Salvation Army felt like the right choice because of its strong community presence and the support it offers to parents facing financial pressure.”
Families seeking help are advised to contact their nearest Salvation Army church, community centre, charity shop or donation centre to find out what support is available locally.
-
Health1 day agoWelsh Ambulance Service invites public to AGM and Board meeting
-
featured3 hours agoFrom a father-and-son project to an award-winning campervan business
-
Crime1 day agoTeen cleared of attempted murder but guilty of GBH after Milford teacher stabbed
-
Crime1 day agoWhat the Milford Haven School stabbing verdict really means
-
Business1 day agoPort appoints two new directors as energy and regeneration projects advance
-
Community7 hours agoHousehold Cavalry drum horse returns home to Pembrokeshire for final farewell
-
Entertainment2 days agoDinosaur adventure set to roar into the Torch Theatre
-
Farming2 days agoWelsh farmers promised £1bn funding package under three-year deal






