News
Support needed for Sir Thomas Picton School
PLAID CYMRU’S Simon Thomas AM has urged the Welsh Government and Local Authority to support Sir Thomas Picton School over the coming months.
Last month, the inspectors had written to the Welsh Government suggesting the school was in need of special measures. There has not been enough progress in addressing shortcomings identified in January 2015.
Simon Thomas AM asked the Cabinet Secretary for Education Kirsty Williams for a statement on the issue, but the Plaid Cymru AM was unimpressed with the response:
“The Cabinet Secretary attempted to distance the Welsh Government from any association and claimed that it was Estyn and the Local Authority’s responsibility to ensure the School saw improvements.
“I believe that the Welsh Government should be doing much more to assist and support the new acting head Tracy Edwards as she aims to get the school back on track.”
The Assembly Member for Mid and West Simon Thomas had previously stated that Pembrokeshire Council’s record was found wanting when compared with neighbouring Plaid-led Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire council.
The leader of Pembrokeshire Council, Jamie Adams believed these comments to be ‘overtly political’ and ‘flippant remarks’, but the Party of Wales AM disregarded Adams’ comments as an attempt to avoid any criticism or responsibility:
“It is not political or flippant to suggest that Pembrokeshire County Council is languishing far behind the neighbouring Plaid-led Authorities in Education – it is fact.
“At Key Stage 4, 83% of pupils within Pembrokeshire achieved Level 2 results compared to Carmarthenshire’s 87% and Ceredigion’s 89.9%.”
The Mid and West AM believes a constructive and shared approach is needed between all parties involved, including the Welsh Government, to ensure that mistakes aren’t repeated and successful improvements are made.
“After sending in commissioners in the past to deal with inadequacies in Pembrokeshire education, the Welsh Government cannot wash its hands of its responsibilities now towards parents and pupils in Haverfordwest”
“I will actively offer my assistance when possible to ensure that no child in Pembrokeshire suffers as a result of mismanagement at local level.”
Crime
Teenage protester jailed after motorway and railway disruption offences
Custodial sentence imposed for incidents on A1(M) and at Haverfordwest railway station
A TEENAGER from Pembroke Dock has been jailed for eighteen weeks after admitting offences which caused serious disruption to both road and rail networks.
Jeylane Bamford, aged eighteen, formerly of Britannia Drive, Pembroke Dock, appeared for sentencing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 16).
The court heard that on January 24, 2026, Bamford walked into a live lane of the A1(M) at Hatfield, Hertfordshire, interfering with the operation of key national infrastructure. The offence was prosecuted under the Public Order Act 2023.
Magistrates were told the incident created a serious risk to road users and caused significant disruption to services.
Bamford also admitted a separate offence committed on January 14, 2026, at Cartlett railway station in Haverfordwest, where she trespassed on the railway and obstructed an engine or carriage, contrary to the Malicious Damage Act 1861.
A further charge of intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance — relating to lying in the live carriageway of the A1(M) — was also taken into account.
The bench said the offences were so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence could be justified, citing disregard for public safety and the scale of disruption caused.
Bamford received a total custodial sentence of eighteen weeks’ imprisonment, with the terms to run concurrently. No order for costs was made due to her lack of means and the immediate custody imposed.
District Judge Alaw Harries presided, sitting with magistrates Dr S Hancock, Mr D Fawcett and Mr R John. The prosecution was conducted by Sian Vaughan.
Crime
Neyland stalker admits harassment of Milford Haven woman
A MAN has admitted stalking a woman over a two-month period in Neyland and has been placed on conditional bail ahead of sentencing.
Andrew Richards, aged 39, of High Street, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 16), where he pleaded guilty to stalking without fear, alarm or distress.
The court heard that between December 2, 2025 and February 15, 2026, Richards pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of a female in Milford Haven.
The offence falls under Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be prepared and remanded Richards on conditional bail.
As part of those conditions, he must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly and must not post anything on social media relating to her.
He is also banned from entering Milford Haven town unless attending pre-arranged medical appointments.
Richards was ordered to live and sleep each night at his home address in Neyland while on bail.
The case will return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Monday, March 9.
Crime
MAN charged with GBH with intent following incident involving ‘Pembrokeshire Patriot’
Defendant remanded in custody as case linked to police raids on Friday
A MAN has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent following an incident in Pembroke Dock involving controversial local activist Darren Edmundson, widely known as the “Pembrokeshire Patriot.”
Zack Ian Craig High, aged 26, of Anthem Court, Monkton, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 16) accused of unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to Edmundson with intent.
The allegation relates to an incident at an address in Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, on January 29.
No plea was entered during the hearing. Due to the seriousness of the charge, the case was sent directly to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
High was remanded in custody. Magistrates were told bail was refused on multiple grounds, including the nature and seriousness of the offence, concerns he may commit further offences, interfere with witnesses, and issues relating to previous record and character.
He is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on March 20 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Link to major police operation
The charge comes after a significant armed police operation in Pembroke Dock on Friday (Feb 13), which The Pembrokeshire Herald reported extensively at the time.
Heavily equipped officers carried out pre-planned raids in Bush Street and nearby Gordon Street, leading to four arrests including a man detained on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
It is understood the investigation relates to the alleged assault which has now resulted in High being charged.
About the alleged victim

Darren Edmundson has previously attracted attention locally and nationally under the name “Pembrokeshire Patriot,” becoming known for outspoken activism and online broadcasting. His activities and campaigns have generated both support and controversy.
He has also been linked to disputes surrounding a veterans’ support initiative and other activism-related issues, which he has strongly denied wrongdoing.
No further details about Edmundson’s injuries were disclosed during the magistrates’ hearing.
As criminal proceedings are ongoing, Zack Ian Craig High is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
-
Health6 days agoHealth Board to decide future of nine key services at two-day meeting
-
Community7 days agoFacebook ‘news’ site targeting Herald editor collapses after community backlash
-
Crime4 days agoFour arrested in armed police operation across Pembroke Dock
-
Community1 day agoHywel Dda hospital services decisions will be made next week
-
Crime6 days agoPublican admits supplying cocaine and cannabis at Crown Court
-
Community7 days agoStudents win King’s Trust award for transforming vandalised subway
-
Education4 days agoSchool in special measures after inspectors raise safeguarding and leadership concerns
-
Climate6 days agoPlans for £40m Newgale coastal road upgrade put on hold









law enforcement insignia laws
January 5, 2026 at 9:36 pm
I enjoyed reading this. It’s clear and well-written.
video recording police encounters
January 5, 2026 at 9:43 pm
This is a topic I’ve been curious about. Thanks for the detailed information.