News

Pembrokeshire County Council prepares for European Elections

Published

7 years ago

April 15, 2019

THE 2019 European Parliament election is due to be held on Thursday, 23rd May.

Initially, the elections were not planned as the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (following the 2016 referendum) was set for 29th March.

However, the British Government requested a delay which – unless the UKs withdrawal from the EU is agreed before the 23rd May – will mean we take part in the elections.

In order to vote in the elections on Thursday, 23rd May, an individual’s name needs to be on the electoral register.

You have until Tuesday, 7th May, to register.

There are a number of reasons why it is important to be included on the electoral register. Elections can be called at short notice and if you are not registered you will not be able to vote. Voting also ensures you have a say on the issues of the day while being on the electoral register can maintain your credit rating.

Registering is quick and simple. Just visit: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact Electoral Services.

Information for EU Citizens

If you wish to vote at European Parliamentary elections while registered in the UK, you will need to complete an additional form (UC1). This form tells your home country that you wish to vote in the UK.

EU citizens from any member state outside the UK who are currently on the electoral register should have recently received an UC1 form. This has been sent to the address where you are registered to vote.

To vote in Pembrokeshire in respect of the European Parliamentary Elections on Thursday, 23rd May, please complete and return this form as soon as possible.

The final deadline for the receipt of the forms is Tuesday, 7th May.

Other key registration dates for the European Parliamentary Elections are:

Wednesday, 8th May: deadline for applications to vote by post and for changes to existing postal and proxy votes. Further information about voting by post is available here.

Wednesday, 15th May: deadline to appoint a proxy voter (not postal proxy or emergency proxy). Further information about voting by proxy is available here.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s electoral services team can be contacted by:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01437 775844
By post at: Electoral Services, Unit 23, Thornton Industrial Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 2RR.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

59 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.