News

Council ignored parents’ views

Published

11 years ago

August 1, 2014

YESTERDAY’S full council meeting debated a number of issues relating to school services. The first item dealt with the proposed amalgamation of the Hakin and Hubberston schools. Cllr Viv Stoddart addressed the chamber saying that the process has been one of misrepresentation. She said: “Lots of objections were submitted, I do not understand why you ask for opinions and then completely ignore them. “Hakin agreed to merge on the promise of a new school; a year ago Hubberston also came into the mix because someone in the council thought it would be a good idea. “Hubberston parents were unanimous in their objections. “There has been a lack of openness, the people I represent have been left with a stark proposal.” Cllr Stoddart added that she was in favour of a new school for Hakin and an upgrade for Hubberston. Cllr Mike Stoddart added: “The alternative is no money at all or back to the drawing board. We are already dealing with massive delays in this project. The whole thing is a complete scandal.” Council leader Jamie Adams claimed: “The process has been entirely in line with Welsh Government guidance. “The views of the community are being considered carefully and we always look to act as advocates for our children. “I remain determined to deliver a school that everyone will be proud of.” Cllr Ken Rowlands, recently removed as Cabinet member in charge of education loyally supported his leader and told the meeting: “I am confident that the availability of services will be second to none for the community.” Cllr Jonathan Nutting added: “Diversity is very important; I don’t believe that we are offering the same diversity in Hubberston and Hakin with what is in front of us.” The recommendation to discontinue Hakin and Hubberston schools and establish a new school for both was approved. Councillors also approved that the director for Children and Schools undertake a review of primary education in the Pembroke family of schools area. It is feared that the review will be first step towards the closure or amalgamation of the small rural schools on the Angle Peninsula, such as Orielton and Angle. Finally, Councillors approved an alteration to Johnston CP School adding an SEN provision to the school. Cllr Sue Perkins said: “The need for SEN is very important.” Cllr Jamie Adams added: “There is a clear desire to address this to meet the aspirations for those needing it.” It is not clear how the proposal will affect other SEN services delivered at other schools in the area, but the plans for a new school in Johnston already incorporate SEN facilities.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.