A PEMBROKE man has been remanded in custody after appearing before magistrates accused of threatening a woman with a knife, assaulting her and causing damage to property.

John Timmis, aged 41, of Olivers View, Pembroke, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Mar 19).

He is charged with threatening a person with a bladed article in a private place, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.

The court heard that on Monday (Mar 17), at his home address, Timmis is alleged to have threatened Nicole Davis with a kitchen knife in such a way that there was an immediate risk of serious physical harm.

He is further accused of assaulting the same woman, causing actual bodily harm.

It is also alleged that between Saturday (Mar 15) and Tuesday (Mar 18), he damaged televisions belonging to her.

Case sent to Crown Court

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial.

No pleas were entered in relation to the indictable matters.

Remanded in custody

Timmis was remanded in custody following a full bail application.

The court cited concerns that he may commit further offences, cause injury or fear of injury to an associated person, and interfere with witnesses.

Magistrates also considered the nature and seriousness of the allegations, along with his previous record and character.

Timmis is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Apr 20) at 10:30am for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

A SUMMIT bringing together key organisations from across Pembrokeshire has highlighted both the scale of local poverty and the work underway to support vulnerable communities.

Around 100 representatives attended Pembrokeshire County Council’s third Tackling Poverty Summit on Thursday (Mar 13), including local authority officers, third sector groups, and national bodies such as the Bevan Foundation.

The event aimed to shine a light on the key challenges facing the county, while strengthening collaboration and identifying practical ways to deliver support where it is most needed.

Focus on collaboration

A strong theme throughout the day was the importance of joined-up working. Discussions around issues such as food poverty and the ‘Words to Action’ project highlighted how better alignment of services and resources can deliver more effective and sustainable support.

Dr Steffan Evans, Chief Executive of the Bevan Foundation, delivered the keynote address, providing national context on poverty in Wales alongside detailed insight into local data. He outlined where targeted action could have the greatest long-term impact in building a more prosperous county.

Workshops, facilitated by Sophie Buckley of PAVS, also marked the start of a review of the county’s Tackling Poverty Strategy. First published in 2023, the strategy is now being reassessed to ensure it reflects current challenges.

Attendees were invited to reflect on progress made to date while also identifying gaps and proposing new ideas to strengthen future action.

Targeted support delivering results

The summit also highlighted practical initiatives already making a difference. In particular, the LIFT (Low Income Family Tracker) pilot has helped identify households missing out on financial support.

Over the past six months, the scheme has generated more than £300,000 in additional income for local families by connecting them with benefits and assistance they were entitled to but not receiving.

Organisers said the results demonstrate the value of a proactive, targeted approach to income maximisation.

Leaders stress ongoing challenge

Cllr Marc Tierney, the council’s anti-poverty champion and Cabinet Member for Young People, Communities and the Wellbeing of Future Generations, said: “What we learned at the summit is that the causes of poverty are complex and remain a challenge, particularly for young people and their families.

“The solutions are complex too and must involve all levels of government doing all they can to support those most in need.

“Pembrokeshire has made tackling poverty a priority, working with the third sector to focus our efforts on where we can make a real difference locally. That work continues, with a strengthened resolve to respond to the experiences of local people and shape what we do next.”

James White, Head of Engagement, Performance and Community, added: “This was Pembrokeshire’s third annual summit, and it is clearly becoming a firm fixture in the calendar.

“The discussions will help inform the refresh of our poverty strategy later this year. Key themes included income maximisation, early intervention, support for families, and making services easier to access.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and to those working year-round to tackle poverty in Pembrokeshire.”

NICOLA WILLIAMS will take up the role in April, bringing more than three decades of experience in nursing and senior leadership.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced the appointment of Nicola Williams as its new Executive Director for Wales.

She joins the organisation from Velindre University NHS Trust, where she currently serves as Executive Director for Nursing, Allied Health Professionals and Health Care Scientists. With 38 years of experience in nursing and more than six years at executive board level, she is widely recognised across NHS Wales for her work in improving patient outcomes.

A highly experienced strategic leader, Williams has worked across a wide range of clinical and organisational settings. She has led major transformation programmes, strengthened national clinical leadership networks and championed innovation and evidence-based improvements in care. Her work has contributed to changes adopted across Wales and has been recognised with national awards.

Speaking about her appointment, Nicola Williams said: “I feel privileged to be appointed as Executive Director of RCN Wales. I’m a proud nurse, passionate about patient safety and improving care standards.

“Delivering the best care is only possible when nursing staff are supported to work in safe, inclusive environments. I will stand alongside members and their patients.

“Nursing staff are the backbone of health and care. I am determined to support our members across Wales, wherever they work, to meet the challenges ahead and shape the future of our profession.

“I look forward to meeting members across Wales and ensuring our work is informed by their experiences and expertise.”

In her new role, Williams will lead the RCN’s work in Wales and provide strategic leadership across key priority areas spanning the UK.

She succeeds Helen Whyley, who has held the position since February 2019 and will move into a new role as Director of Service Innovation at the RCN.