News
Rhod Gilbert supports Welsh NHS Charity Christmas Campaign
CARMARTHEN born comedian Rhod Gilbert has pledged his support to a West Wales NHS charity’s Give a Gift Appeal, with a video message inspiring the public to think of others this Christmas.
Hywel Dda Health Charities is the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board. It aims to make a positive difference to the health, wellbeing and experience of NHS patients, service users and staff across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.
The charity’s Christmas Give a Gift Appeal for 2020 focuses on supporting adult mental health patients by providing a range of creative and wellbeing resources above and beyond those which the NHS delivers. The Give a Gift Appeal allows local communities to purchase a gift from a selection of items which have been carefully chosen by NHS occupational therapists to benefit adults who are helped at home, in hospital and in the community.

Members of Hywel Dda UHB mental Health team supporting the Give a Gift appeal
Rhod, 52, said: “This has been such a tough year for so many people, so I’m proud to be supporting Hywel Dda Health Charities’ fundraising campaign trying to raise money to improve Christmas for NHS mental health patients across Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, and Pembrokeshire.
“I would encourage everyone who can, to please donate and support this very worthwhile cause.”
Fundraising Manager Tara Nickerson said, “Christmas can be hard for patients even in an ordinary year; but with everything that we’ve all had to cope with, 2020 has brought new pressures for NHS staff and patients alike.
“NHS Occupational Therapists have worked with our charity to create a wishlist of items including paints, pamper products and cookery books, which the public can purchase to bring some festive cheer to the patients they are caring for this holiday season.”
Rhod added, “The wishlist the charity has come up with will spread some much needed happiness for a group of people who could really do with it this Christmas. So, for those who can consider buying an extra present this year, it would be a wonderful gesture of kindness to take part in the Give a Gift scheme.”
For the Give a Gift wishlist and information on how to support Hywel Dda Health Charities go to: www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk
Rhod’s message of support for Hywel Dda Health Charities’ Christmas fundraising campaign is at: https://www.facebook.com/388540777976772/videos/132028388563653
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order
ANTHONY Coombes, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes used an Xbox device without informing police within three days of its use, which he was prohibited from doing under a sexual harm prevention order made at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.
Coombes indicated a guilty plea at the first hearing.
Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.
He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.
The court record states that bail was refused on the grounds that he was considered likely to offend, with magistrates citing the nature and seriousness of the offence, along with his previous record and character.
A pre-sentence report was ordered.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
Crime
Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe
FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.
At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.
The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.
In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.
Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.
Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.
While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.
The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”
He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”
Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.
-
News6 days agoRayner and Lammy visit Wales to discuss justice and community safety
-
News5 days agoFishguard linked to allegations in Many Tears Animal Rescue investigation
-
News3 days agoEmergency services flood Haverfordwest after reports of person in river
-
Local Government6 days agoInvestigation confirmed after inspectors visit Many Tears Animal Rescue
-
Business7 days agoTesco B&Q Haverfordwest click and collect pod approved
-
Crime2 days agoMother given community order after admitting child cruelty offence
-
Business6 days agoLegal action backed in case over development at Dinas Cross
-
Community6 days agoTown hall takeover plan questioned as cost figures conflict







