News

Farmer in court over poor condition of sheep

Published

8 years ago

November 28, 2016

Tom Sinclair

One of the sheep: Found in a poor condition

A FLOCK of sheep belonging to a well-known farmer was found to be in such poor condition that one of them – a pregnant ewe – had to be put down, a court has heard.

Hugh Davies of Abernant, Carmarthenshire – who also runs farms in Pembrokeshire – pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 24) to two Animal Health and Welfare offences.

He also admitted, on behalf of the partnership of AH and NA Davies, two Animal By-product offences.

The court was told that during February and April last year, Animal Health and Welfare officer from Pembrokeshire County Council’s Public Protection team made several visits to various locations in Martletwy – where Davies kept cattle and sheep – to investigate complaints they had received.

On one visit a flock of sheep belonging to Davies were found to be in poor condition and without sufficient feed, particularly as they were approaching lambing.

One ewe was found in such poor condition that, to prevent further suffering, it was euthanised. Another ewe died during the course of the visit and this animal was taken for post mortem.

The examination revealed it to be in a poor condition likely to have been caused by sheep scab infection. It was lame due to foot rot. The ewe was also carrying three full-term lambs.

The veterinary officer supported the case that lack of nutrition was majorly responsible for the animal’s death, particularly as it was supporting three lambs.

On another visit in April to Martletwy farms, Eweton and Martins Hill, officers found a large quantity of sheep carcasses in sheds and fields.

An Animal By-Products Notice was served requiring Davies to collect and dispose of all the carcasses. When officers returned to the farm, they found he had collected some but more than 10 carcasses were still present, thus ensuring failure to comply with the Notice.

In mitigation Davies said that at the time of the offences his mother was ill and the shepherd, to whom he had entrusted the care of the flock, had failed to perform his duties properly.

The Magistrates imposed a conditional discharge for 12 months for one Animal Welfare offence and one Animal By-Product offence with no separate penalty for the other two offences.

In sentencing Davies, the Bench said they could have imposed a fine but had taken into account his guilty plea and were not going to disqualify him from keeping animals.

Davies was also ordered to pay costs totally £3,525.04 plus a victim surcharge of £15. An offer to pay at the rate of £100 per month was accepted.

Business

Global green hydrogen pioneers choose Milford Haven as new HQ

Published

14 hours ago

December 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAUSH LTD, a leading green energy and technology company specialising in green hydrogen, has announced Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters. The move marks a significant step toward making the area a global powerhouse for green hydrogen production and innovation.

Pioneering green hydrogen solutions

Haush Ltd aims to be the first company of its kind to provide green hydrogen solutions for decarbonising land, sea, and air transportation, as well as exporting fuel to Europe. The company’s new headquarters will be established at Fleet Surgeons House, where work is set to begin immediately. The project will create local jobs and includes plans for an education centre to promote skills development in the community.

The Welsh Government is backing Haush through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR). This initiative focuses on fast-tracking hydrogen production and refuelling services for onshore and offshore fleets, including the design of a permanent hydrogen refuelling solution for the Port of Milford Haven.

High-profile visit to Milford Haven

Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans toured the new site on Thursday (Dec 12). She was accompanied by Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne, Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver, Chief Operating Officer Adam Hill, and Chief Financial Officer Peter Kristensen.

Rebecca Evans said: “Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK head office.

“The company’s ambitious growth plans align with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy. This investment will benefit both our climate and economy, generating quality, skilled jobs.

“Haush has committed to training local residents to the highest standards and expanding their educational initiatives to benefit the wider community.”

Driving green innovation

Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne expressed excitement about the project:
“Haush is delighted to make this announcement and move forward with this groundbreaking green hydrogen production project. We look forward to working closely with the Welsh Government to maximise training and educational opportunities for the local community, equipping a future workforce with valuable, transferable skills.”

Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver emphasi sed the company’s innovative approach:
“Haush is operating at the forefront of green hydrogen technology and aims to play a significant role in advancing the local green energy transition.”

A brighter, greener future

Haush’s decision to base its UK headquarters in Milford Haven underscores the town’s growing importance as a hub for renewable energy innovation. With strong support from the Welsh Government and a focus on local job creation, the project promises to boost the regional economy and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

(Photos by Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Excitement builds for the Art Afoot launch event

Published

17 hours ago

December 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A FANTASTIC new accessible art trail connecting Fishguard and Goodwick is officially launching this Sunday (Dec 15). The Art Afoot / Celf ar Droed project brings together exciting new artworks, sculptures, and digital creations, seamlessly blending them with existing arts and heritage features.

Event details

Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Time: 2:00pm
Meeting Point: Ocean Lab, Goodwick
Conclusion: 3:30pm at Ffwrn with refreshments

The launch features a guided walk along the trail where visitors can explore new installations, including Gideon’s seahorse, creative wayfinders, and augmented reality sculptures. This family-friendly event is open to everyone and provides a chance to meet the artists and creators behind the project.

What’s new?

Fresh public art pieces, including sculptures and AR creations.
Enhanced trail routes connecting the twin towns of Fishguard and Goodwick.
Promotion and printed maps supported by Pembrokeshire County Council and Visit Pembrokeshire.

Maps will soon be available at Ocean Lab and Fishguard Town Hall, helping visitors navigate the trails and discover these innovative works of art.

This event promises an afternoon of creativity, community, and connection. Don’t miss this unique celebration of art and heritage.

For more information, visit www.artafoot.co.uk.

See you there!

News

Jail for man with wilful and persistent failure to comply with probation

Published

17 hours ago

December 13, 2024

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison after admitting to breaching a restraining order and failing to comply with a community order.

Liam Roberts, 32, of Marble Hall Road, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Dec 12). The court heard that Roberts failed to attend probation office appointments on November 4 and November 8, breaching a community order imposed by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on August 21, 2024.

The order related to an offence on August 11, 2024, when Roberts came within 100 metres of a prohibited address in Hakin. This incident violated a restraining order issued in 2021 by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrates revoked the community order, citing Roberts’ “wilful and persistent failure to comply with probation,” and sentenced him to 16 weeks in prison.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Roberts was ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £60 in court costs, totaling £214. A collection order was made, with payment due by February 20, 2025.

This case underscores the serious consequences of breaching court orders and failing to engage with rehabilitation programmes.