News

Local fisherman’s body recovered, says family

Published

5 years ago

February 18, 2021

THE FAMILY of a Pembrokeshire fisherman, who went missing after the vessel he was on sank on November 21 last year, have confirmed his body has been found.

Robert Morley was among three crew members aboard the vessel when the emergency call went out, two of the crew were recovered shortly after, but the search for Mr Morley was later terminated.

The 45-foot scalloping vessel, Joanna C, sent an emergency signal to the Coastguard on Saturday, November 21 at 6am.

The vessel is said to have sunk three miles off the coast of Seaford.

The initial search involved coastguard rescue teams, RNLI all weather lifeboats, two coastguard helicopters, the coastguard fixed wing aircraft and fishing vessels in the area.

Thirty-eight-year-old Morley lived with his Fiance and children in Llangolman. But worked away for long stretches at a time on fishing boats.

The search was called off at 11pm on Saturday, November 21 and continued on first light Sunday Morning, but later terminated at 2.30pm with nothing further found.

Dave Bickerstaff, skipper of the vessel, was found Saturday morning clinging to a lifebuoy.

The body of a second crew member, Adam Harper, 26 was recovered by divers a couple of days later.

Robert’s Step-father confirmed that the body that was recovered from the sea in December of last year has been identified as the thirty-eight-year-old.

45-Foot scalloping vessel, Joanna C, sank on November 21 last year

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Barry Woolford confirmed the tragic news.

He said: “To all the beautiful people of Brixham, it is with much sadness that I have to inform you that our son Robert Morley has been identified as the body that was brought from the sea at Bexhill in December.

“Thank you all for your fantastic support and love these past 12 weeks.

“No further information is available at this moment regarding funeral arrangements but on behalf of all Rob’s family thanks Brixham.”

The local Maenclochog community pulled together to support the families when news first broke that Robert was missing.

A gofundme page was set up to provide for the families of the Joanna C fishermen.

When the news broke, Councillor Huw George for Maenclochog paid his sympathies to the family, he said: “My thoughts are with her and the family at this difficult time.

“The Maenclochog community will stand by her one hundred percent. They are remarkable. It’s a shock for the whole community.

“She is well-respected in the Maenclochog community. She will be well-supported in work and in the wider community around Maenclochog.”

A weekly curry night was also organised by the village’s Caffi sgwar in the run up to Christmas to raise money for the family.

Crime

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

Published

7 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

7 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

8 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.