A MAN from St Davids is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse, including physical assault and coercive control, spanning more than two years.

Ryan Bowen, aged 44, of Nun Street, appeared in court accused of controlling and abusive behaviour towards his partner between August 2019 and January 2022.

Bowen is alleged to have physically assaulted the woman by slamming a car door on her leg, punching her in the ribs, and pushing her. The court also heard he verbally abused her, belittled her as a mother, and threatened to kill her.

It is further alleged he controlled her finances, dictated what she wore, where she could sleep, and where she was allowed to work.

Prosecutors also claimed he threatened to take her children away and told her he would kill himself if she ever left him.

Bowen has denied the charges.

Judge Paul Thomas KC asked defence barrister Dyfed Thomas whether his client would consider pleading guilty to any lesser charges. Mr Thomas responded that Bowen was “adamant” the allegations were untrue and would not be changing his plea.

A trial has been listed for December 9. Bowen was granted bail until that date.

THE FORMER Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, Richard Lewis, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Mr Lewis, who also led Cleveland Police and held national portfolios for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), will take up his new role on 16 June 2025. He succeeds Dr Jenny Stewart, who has served as interim Chief Executive since July last year.

The APHA is responsible for safeguarding animal and plant health across the UK, working to protect the environment, support the rural economy, and ensure the UK meets international biosecurity standards.

Mr Lewis said: “It’s a real honour to be appointed Chief Executive of APHA. Now more than ever, the UK needs a strong, science-led Animal and Plant Health Agency.

“From protecting our borders against animal and plant threats to unlocking opportunities for trade and growth, I’m excited to champion APHA’s vital work — and to lead alongside the world-class scientists and experts who make it possible.”

During his policing career, Mr Lewis was awarded a commendation for distinguished service and was widely respected for his leadership on rural affairs in Wales. He has worked on issues including habitat protection, tackling rural crime, and addressing mental health challenges in agricultural communities.

The APHA is an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government.

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL will hold a Full Council meeting on Monday (April 28) at 7:00pm at the Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets Unit on Havens Head Business Park.

Councillors will be asked to review a packed agenda, with items ranging from committee reports and planning matters to the election of the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2025-2026 municipal year.

Current Mayor, Councillor W. Elliott, will chair the session, which includes updates on recent engagements by councillors, feedback from outside body representation, and financial matters relating to the town council’s accounts and expenditure for the past year.

The council will receive and discuss minutes from recent sub-committee meetings, including the Public Events Sub-Committee (April 22) and the Standing Orders Sub-Committee (April 23), as well as a review of the council’s insurance, financial regulations, and standing orders.

Financial accountability is a major theme of the meeting, with members set to review the Statement and Schedule of Accounts for March 2025 and a summary of expenditure covering April 2024 to March 2025. Applications for financial assistance from Milford Haven Men’s Shed and Milford Haven Round Table will also be considered.

Two councillors, V. Hammett and M. Woodward, have put their names forward for the role of Deputy Mayor, while the Mayor’s position for the forthcoming year will also be decided.

Later in the agenda, members will vote on whether to move into private session to consider confidential matters, including reports from informal meetings regarding the long-term future of Milford Haven Library. Representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven have taken part in these discussions.

As per legislation under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021, remote access will be made available to members of the public upon request.

The Herald will be following the outcomes of the meeting and providing updates online