News

Moveable shed proves to be a ‘wheelie’ hard case

Published

7 years ago

March 11, 2019

ATTEMPTS by Pembrokeshire County Council to prosecute a Milford Haven man under planning enforcement law have stalled after it was decided that the case was too complicated for Magistrates to deal with.

James Kershaw of Lower Priory, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 11) to confirm his name and address.

The Court heard that Kershaw was charged with failing to comply with an enforcement notice served by the local authority on September 26, 2016.

The case related to a large shed that Kershaw constructed in his driveway – pictured here on wheels during the recent flood – without the relevant permission of the planning authorities.

Defiant: James Kershaw

Kershaw’s property, makes up part of the ruins of Pill Priory, and in his front garden stands the priory arch – a well known Milford landmark – which is a CADW protected monument.

Mr. Kershaw told the Herald that he has informed council solicitor of the grounds of his defence to the case, he said that having raised the shed off the ground and put it onto wheels it “was no longer development, but a chattel”.

The crux of the argument it seems, is that now the shed is on wheels it is now a mobile unit, not covered by planning regulations.

At court the clerk Michael Cray said “There are various issues on points of law before we are ready for this trial, I also recommend that a District Judge be assigned to this case as there are various points of law that are quite complicated – and there are likely to be cases stated from the High Court”.

Magistrates decided to adjourn the case until May 9 at 10am.

The court ordered that the defendant serve on Pembrokeshire County Council and the Court, within 21 days, skeleton arguments detailing his defence to the allegation in full.

The prosecution was given 14 days thereafter to give their response to the skeleton argument on the defendant and the Court.
Jonathan Webb was in court, but clarified that he was not there in his capacity to act for Kershaw, but as a court appointed solicitor there only for the purposes of enabling cross-examination of witnesses.

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

3 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

3 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

3 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)