News

Planned campaign ends in jail for brothers

Published

12 years ago

August 5, 2014

TWO PROFESSIONAL burglars who broke into houses across west Wales have been jailed. Brothers William Connors, 24, and Edward Connors, aged 17 at the time, researched properties over the internet and drew up a menu of houses to break into. Then they based themselves in a rented house near Llandysul and fitted a Mazda with false number plates before burgling at least 16 homes over the Christmas period. Swansea crown court heard that they targeted jewellery and stole the engagement ring of a widow undergoing chemotherapy treatment. And there was evidence, said Chris James, prosecuting, that they had researched prices for second hand gold at London’s Hatton Garden. Mr James said the brothers had travelled from Ireland posing as holidaymakers looking to enjoy Christmas in west Wales. “They caused misery to many individuals and families, violating their homes around what should have been a joyous time of year. “They stole a huge amount of valuable jewellery, much which belonged to late relatives, DVDs, and electrical property. “One of their victims, a widow having chemotherapy, can no longer bear to leave her house because of their intrusion into her home,” he added. Mr James said the pair were so confident of making a profit that they paid hundreds of pounds up front to rent a house in the countryside near Llandysul. In less than one month they burgled houses in Llandybie, Llandysul, Aberaeron, Haverfordwest, Nantycaws Pontyberem and Llangunnor. Mr James said they sometimes committed several burglaries a day, ransacking homes even on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. They were finally arrested in Tregaron. Mr James said their victims described being devastated and their worlds having been turned upside down. “Some of them are terrified and do not feel safe in their own homes any more. “Several of their victims told police that they will never get over not being able to hand sentimental items on to their children.” The stolen goods that could be identified were worth more than £24,000, but Mr James described the figure as being “no where near the full value of what was taken.” Judge Paul Thomas said the brothers had carried out a “carefully planned campaign”. He said they had used the internet to scope out properties and places they could sell the stolen jewellery on to. “Apart from the financial impact, the human cost to your victims is substantial. People’s lives have been greatly affected and lives turned upside down.” William Connors, who had previous convictions, was jailed for six years. His brother was sent to a young offenders’ institution for three-and-a-half years. Both admitted conspiracy to commit burglary and were entitled to reduced sentences because of their confessions.

News

Nearly 100 attend Big Green Service at St Davids Cathedral

Published

2 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

COMMUNITY EVENT CELEBRATES FAITH, NATURE AND ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

NEARLY 100 people gathered at St Davids Cathedral for the Big Green Service, a celebration of faith, community action and care for the natural world.

The service brought together worshippers, local churches and chapels, members of the Cathedral congregation, and visitors from across the world.

Those taking part included EcoDewi, Erw Dewi, Hope Worship Band, the Cathedral Choristers, Canon Sheridan, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, Mamgu Welshcakes, the refreshments team, Cathedral staff and volunteers.

Visitors also attended from California, Philadelphia, Belgium, Malaysia and Patagonia.

Organisers said the event was a reminder to be grateful for the planet and to continue working together to protect it for future generations.

Community

Tenby 10k raises more than £20,000 for Paul Sartori

Published

3 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR Tenby road race has raised more than £20,000 for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Runners and sponsors taking part in last year’s Tenby 10k raised £20,559.07 for the Pembrokeshire charity, which provides hospice care to people in their own homes.

The race, organised by Waterfront Community Runners, took place in October 2025 and was well supported by locals and visitors, who lined the route through the town to cheer on competitors.

Laura Hugman, Chief Executive of Paul Sartori, has now received the cheque, presented by a selection of those who took part in the event.

This year’s Tenby 10k will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, on a closed-road, two-lap course through the centre of Tenby.

More than 400 runners have already signed up, with entries now past 40 per cent capacity and organisers expecting the event to sell out again.

Anyone wishing to take part can enter at www.waterfrontcommunityrunners.co.uk.

All proceeds from this year’s race will again be donated to the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Caption:

Laura Hugman, Chief Executive of Paul Sartori, receives the cheque from Tenby 10k runners and organisers.

Community

Forgotten wartime archive found in Pembroke Dock attic after 80 years

Published

3 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Remarkable family collection reveals story of father and son who served through two world wars

A REMARKABLE untouched family archive documenting the lives of two Pembroke Dock servicemen who fought for Britain across both World Wars has been discovered in the attic of a terraced house in the town.

The collection, found at a property on Lewis Street, contains original military papers, wartime identity documents, Army service certificates and an old Dyfed driving licence belonging to members of the Atcherley family.

The archive was uncovered by local resident Ryan Guy, who said he was stunned by what he found hidden away in the loft of his home at 33 Lewis Street.

At the heart of the discovery are records belonging to father and son Samuel and James Atcherley, whose military careers spanned decades of British history.

World War One soldier

Among the most significant finds is an original discharge certificate belonging to Samuel Atcherley, who served with the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.

The document shows Samuel enlisted at Shrewsbury on July 19, 1909, before going on to serve throughout the early years of the First World War.

Military records found in the attic show he was discharged on September 6, 1916 after being declared “no longer physically fit for war service” following more than seven years with the Colours.

The papers also paint a vivid picture of the soldier himself. Samuel was described as standing 5ft 6in tall, with fair complexion, grey eyes and blonde hair.

Experts in military history say surviving original service records from the First World War are increasingly rare, particularly where complete family papers remain together.

Secret wartime work

The archive also sheds light on the military career of Samuel’s son, James Henry Atcherley, who served during the Second World War and into the post-war period.

Among the papers is an Army Certificate of Service confirming James reached the rank of Sergeant and served for almost twenty years.

One of the most intriguing discoveries is his wartime military service book carrying stark warnings about secrecy, including instructions that “Military Secrets Must Be Guarded In Peace And War”.

The wording suggests James may have worked in a sensitive military role during a period when Britain was developing radar and communications systems that proved crucial to the war effort.

A surviving wartime National Registration Identity Card lists James Atcherley as living at 33 Lewis Street, Pembroke Dock, linking the documents directly to the property where they were uncovered.

A glimpse into local history

The find offers a rare snapshot of ordinary life in Pembroke Dock across much of the twentieth century.

Also discovered among the papers was an original Great Britain driving licence issued through Dyfed County Council in 1976, again showing James Atcherley still living at the same address.

The Herald understands the collection may include further military material and family records yet to be examined.

Ryan Guy said he hopes the discovery will help preserve the memory of the Atcherley family and provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of local men who served their country during some of its darkest hours.

The Herald would be keen to hear from anyone who remembers the Atcherley family or has further information about their military service.