News

Llys Meddyg restaurant in Newport fined for falsely describing food

Published

5 years ago

December 22, 2020

LLYS MEDDYG restaurant in Newport has been fined a total of £2,100 for food safety offences, failing to display a food hygiene rating, and for falsely describing food.

Business operators Ed and Louise Sykes were fined £1,050 each.

Llys Meddyg had received a Food Hygiene Rating of ‘1’ following an inspection on 20th February 2019 by an Environmental Health Officer from Pembrokeshire County Council’s Public Protection Division.

But the court heard that on 4th September 2019, the officer visited the premises again, at the owners’ request, to carry out an inspection to ‘re-score’ the business and provide them with a new food hygiene rating.

On arrival, she saw that the current food hygiene rating sticker was hidden on an internal glass door behind a lantern. The company had already received verbal and written warnings, as well as a fine, for failing to display their score properly as required by law.

A subsequent inspection took place on September 30.

Although the standard of cleanliness was observed to be improved, there were still issues outstanding.

The business had a food safety management system in place designed to ensure that chilled food was cold enough and cooked thoroughly, and that cleaning was carried out, but there was inadequate evidence that staff were using it.

Flies were found crawling on equipment, surfaces and tables in all areas of the premises, attracted through an open door by a bin without a lid.

A vac packer had been used for packing both raw and cooked fish (separate vac packers should be used for raw and cooked foods) and a number of food safety controls described in writing had not been implemented.

Other aspects of the food preparation such as vac packing were not covered by the system at all, and access to the garden kitchen wash hand basin was blocked by a bin.

Bacon described as ‘local’ on the breakfast menu was labelled ‘Origin EEC’ and although it had been bought from a local butcher, it actually originated from outside Wales.

Food business operators Ed and Louise Sykes pleaded guilty to all offences, with the exception of falsely describing the bacon on the menu as ‘local’ and the case was heard by the District Judge Chris James at Llanelli Magistrates Court on Thursday 10th December. Despite the submission of some complex legal arguments by the defence solicitor, District Judge Chris James found both defendants guilty of that charge.

The District Judge accepted mitigation in that the business had taken steps to put things right, that they were of previous good character and commented that it was currently a difficult and unprecedented time for people working in the catering industry. He gave a third credit for the early guilty pleas. However, he said he had to have regard to the deterrent effect.

As well as the fine, costs of £5,000 were also awarded to the County Council.

After the case the Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Public Protection and Welsh Language, Cllr Cris Tomos, said: “This business was provided with several opportunities to rectify most of these matters, but they did not heed our advice or warnings and failed to attend interviews to which they were invited.

“It is hoped that in future they will take their obligations more seriously and act on any guidance or direction that they receive.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

18 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

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 repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences 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 refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

19 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

20 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.