News

Drugs: Police raid at Mount Estate

Published

12 years ago

July 20, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Raid: Willow Close, Mount Estate

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have tonight (July 20) raided a property at Willow End, Mount Estate, Milford Haven. Officers were still at the scene when The Herald arrived in what we understand is a cannabis plantation at the rented property. One witness who lives nearby told our reporter: “The police arrived at around 7pm, there were multiple vehicles here. They kicked the door in because they had information that there were drugs in the property.” When we asked another neighbour if they had seen any suspicious activity at the property she replied: “Yes there have been Chinese looking men going in and out, but we didn’t often see them. They have been renting the property for around five months.” Another bystander who did not want to be named said: “This property has been rented out by R.Miles Scurlock Estate Agents. I know because I was going to rent it but then some oriental looking people moved in. I saw the manageress of the estate agents banging on the door yesterday. She was hammering on it hard, but there was no answer. Then today the police turned up.” This is not the first time that the estate agent has been connected with a cannabis growing operation – a large plantation was found in a property managed by the firm in November. Police officers at the scene declined to comment on the operation. A police spokesman later said: “On Sunday July 20 officers executed a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at a property in Willow End, Mount Estate, Milford Haven. A number of cannabis plants were discovered inside the property, and will be removed once all enquiries at the scene are complete. Investigation ongoing.” To help combat this and in order to warn and inform the public, police are asked communities last year to be vigilant with suspect properties: Mostly terraced – one out of five detached – also industrial units – Limited signs of daily activity – Infrequent calls – Curtains/ blinds closed – Gardens overgrown. Speaking to the Herald last year, Detective Sergeant Mark Richards said: “When criminals operate out of properties the whole community suffers but it can also result in personal loss for a landlord. Tenants using the property illegally will often reduce the property value, cause damage and not pay rent.We are urging landlords and neighbours to be aware of signs which could indicate criminal activity and if they are at all suspicious to tell us and we can help them address the issues.” Properties used in this type of criminal activity can also have: Strong smell of chemicals and empty containers left outside Residents bringing unusual equipment such as sophisticated lighting Extreme property fortification. DS Mark Richards added: “Although this is not a significant issue for Dyfed-Powys Police and there are no specific community concerns, we still want to highlight a variety of the signs – which can be present at any one time – as they relate to different types of drug production. “Other signs are tenants paying rent in advance in cash, tenants preventing landlords from visiting the premises and willingness for tenants to pay for expensive exterior fortifications.” However, the construction of these ‘factories’ often involves interference with the properties electrical installation, which carries an obvious fire risk and risk of electrocution to future tenants, or unaware visitors. Police are urging members of the public to be aware of the risk and not to investigate themselves – anyone wanting more advice or who has any information can contact their local police station via 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Post by The Pembrokeshire Herald.

Charity

Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look

Published

2 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.

The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.

The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.

Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.

Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.

“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.

At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.

With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.

Photo caption:

Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

2 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

3 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.