News

Horrific injuries on swan following dog attack in Pembroke

Published

5 years ago

December 22, 2020

Tom Sinclair

RSPCA Cymru issues a reminder for dog owners to keep pets on a lead around wildlife

A swan has been found with horrific injuries – thought to have been caused by a dog – in Pembroke.

The adult mute swan was found by a walker with severe injuries on the river bank near Monkton. RSPCA animal rescue officer Ellie West said she was shocked to see the condition the bird was in.

“I couldn’t believe this poor swan’s condition and the severity of his injuries – they were some of the worst I have ever seen on a swan,” she said.

“Most of the flesh had been ripped from his wings exposing the bones. He also had bite wounds to his body and looking at the distance between teeth puncture wounds this seemed all consistent with a large dog breed attack.

“Sadly the swan was so severely injured the difficult decision was made to put him to sleep to avoid him any further suffering and pain.”

This week Ellie received the information from the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) ring which states that the swan was ringed in 2018 just two kilometres away from where he was found after the attack in October.

“It is very sad that this swan suffered in this way – and which would have been very preventable if the dog had been kept on a lead around wildlife,” she said. “We ask that dog owners be aware that there may be wild animals present in the area when walking their dog and to keep their dog under control at all times.

“We expect more people will be out and about exercising near their homes during this current lockdown, so we urge dog owners to be mindful of other animals and to of course maintain social distancing from others.”

Swans, their nests and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Dog owners have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to keep their dog under control in a public place.

Anyone with information is urged to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018. If you have an animal welfare concern or find an animal in distress please call 0300 1234 999.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

17 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

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

Published

20 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.