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‘Exceptionally busy time’ for our front-line services says Council Leader

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The following is an update from the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr David Simpson JP:

ONCE again I’m pleased to give you an update. I hope you are keeping well.

We were blessed with fine weather earlier this week which brought many people out to enjoy our coastline and other beautiful locations. Many people also took the time to explore lesser-visited locations such as the Preselis, the wonderful Cleddau estuary and our peaceful woodlands.

I have also enjoyed visiting places off the beaten track and it reminded me that Pembrokeshire has so much to offer – this really is the time to spread your wings and explore.

Council Leader, Cllr David Simpson (Pic PCC)

This week our frontline services have been exceptionally busy supporting the increase in visitor numbers. They all work so hard ensuring we can offer a warm Pembrokeshire welcome and also supporting our communities. I want to personally thank them all for doing such a sterling job.

As a county we are used to increased visitor numbers during August, however, this year we are seeing larger numbers than normal. I really do appreciate how everyone is working together to welcome people to our county, from multi agency collaborative working to the hospitality sector, frontline workers and communities. This is a huge operation and we will continue to work together throughout the coming weeks and months.

This will be my last update until September. Before I close, I have one simple request – when you are going out and about, please consider avoiding hotspots and find new places to visit. Most coastal carparks this week have been full by mid-morning. Please park considerately wherever you are, and please do remember that access roads must be kept open in case of any emergency.

Turning now to our contact centre, we appreciate that our phones are busy at the moment and you are having to wait if calling us. Please bear with us, as a number of staff have been seconded to the Track and Trace project to ensure this vital work continues.

Today we have had an update from the First Minister in relation to easing restrictions – officers will now be reviewing the details.

Again, I want to wish you a lovely weekend – I hope you can find time to relax and spend time with your families and friends.

Stay safe everyone, and thank you again for your support which is always appreciated.

 

Crime

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

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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.

 

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Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

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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.

 

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Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

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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.

 

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