News

Five Haverfordwest firefighters retire from duty

Published

4 years ago

November 23, 2021

FIVE firefighters recently retired from Haverfordwest fire station had been working the Retained Duty System for well over 100 years between them, the fire service confirmed this week.

The five retirees are: Firefighter Andrew Wilson, Firefighter Phillip Squelch, Firefighter Rob Price, Firefighter Phillip Rogers. Firefighter David Thomas

Watch Manager Keith Jenkins said: “Station Manager Emyr Thomas and I gave presentation gifts to the guys: breathing apparatus brass tallies to each individual and a 20-year medal to Firefighter Rob Price. The men also received certificates of service.

Keith Jenkins added: “This is a fantastic achievement that these firefighters have given their commitment to serving the community and attending various incidents throughout their careers, such as house fires, RTC, Special service calls etc.

“On-call firefighters are an essential part of the emergency services network and come from all walks of life.

“They have often chosen a career outside of the fire service, but also wish to serve their community as a firefighter.

“They are ready to respond to emergencies, prevent fire and rescue incidents from happening, and protect people and property across Pembrokeshire.

“Amongst the requirements to be eligible to become an on-call firefighter, you will need to live or work within 10 minutes of the fire station.

“On-call firefighters will also need to stay within the agreed set travel distance when on-call, to respond to emergency calls when needed.

“As a Fire and Rescue Service, we serve every member of the public in Pembrokeshire and therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds within our county.

“If you are successful in your application to become an on-call firefighter, we will provide you with all the training and support required to respond to emergency incidents such as property fires, road traffic collisions and incidents involving flooding, rescues from height and many other specialist emergency calls. You will also receive training to deliver community safety advice that will help keep people safe in their homes and communities.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service also work with local employers to release their staff to respond to emergency incidents.

Crew Manager James Johnson added: “There are many benefits for employers who allow their staff to serve as on-call firefighters. These include a high standard of training for those members of staff; in areas such as Manual handling, health and safety, and first aid. Employees will also receive upskilling in the development of teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills. There are also opportunities for management development and qualifications within the Fire Service and, of course, the profile-raising of your company or organisation.”

If you are interested, in becoming a firefighter please fill in the attached LINK with expressions of interest.
https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/on-call-recruitment/expression-of-interest-form/

Crime

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

Published

14 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

15 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

16 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.