News

Milford Haven couple narrowly avoid jail following nightclub fracas

Published

3 years ago

December 10, 2022

A MILFORD HAVEN couple who instigated violent scenes outside a Pembrokeshire nightclub have been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.

On Friday (Dec 9) Judge Geraint Walters said the behaviour of husband and wife Callum and Rihanna Hicks of Meyler Crescent, was unacceptable, and that they needed to think carefully of their role as parents.

On a large TV screen in the courtroom, the judge viewed CCTV footage of Callum, 27, and Rihanna Hicks, 25 leaving Eddie’s nightclub in the early hours of January 23 was played in the court room.

The footage showed that they were followed by Matthew Jones, 30, who was ejected from the club and followed outside by security staff.

“It was clear that there was tension between them and others at the nightclub,” said CPS lawyer Hannah George.

Ms George then proceeded to play CCTV footage depicting Rihanna Hicks pulling an unidentified male by the hair. She was pulled away from him by a bystander and immediately joined her husband and Matthew Jones.

“Rihanna was intent on becoming involved,” she said.

Matthew Jones, of Richard John Road, Milford Haven, was then seen punching a man to his face, causing him to fall backwards.

Callum and Rihanna moved towards the victim and continued the assault. Rihanna punched him to the face while Callum was seen punching him approximately seven times after which Rihanna struck him yet again.

Despite the onlookers’ attempts to pull him off, Callum continued to punch out at the victim.

Police were called to the scene and questioned both Rihanna and Callum Hicks about their involvement – who denied any wrongdoing.

PS Borman then grappled one of the men to the floor. Matthew Jones then kicked out, hitting the officer to his face, and then Callum kicked out, and again caught the officer on the face.

Rihanna kicked a female victim to the chest after she had fallen to the floor. The police officer and the female ended up in hospital as a result of the incident.

PS Borman was taken to A&E where he was treated for cuts, swelling and bruising. The female victim was also admitted to A&E after sustaining bruising to her chest, back and face and swelling to her knee.

In her victim impact statement she said that she is now anxious that she may bump into Callum and Rihanna Hicks whenever she goes to Haverfordwest. She also struggles to sleep, she said.

All three defendants pleaded guilty to assault by beating and assault causing actual bodily harm. Callum Hicks and Mathew Jones pleaded guilty to an additional charge of affray.

Jones was represented in court by barrister Jon Tarrant who said his client had no recollection of that evening’s events.

Callum Hicks’s counsel, Ian Ibrahim, said his client takes “Full responsibility at his behaviour – but he’s learned from this and moved. He is not that man which he used to be.”

Meanwhile Rihanna Hicks’s legal representative said that this was a “depressingly shameful incident which she regrets taking part in,” he said.

Callum Hicks and Matthew Jones were sentenced to 12 month in custody suspended for two years.

Callum must carry out 30 days of rehabilitation activity and 180 hours of unpaid work while Matthew was sentenced to ten days of rehabilitation and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Rihanna Hicks was sentenced to six months in custody, suspended for two years.

She must complete ten days of rehabilitation and 80 hours of unpaid work.

Business

Could Primark be coming to Haverfordwest? Major retailer in talks for former Wilko site

Published

26 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Council confirms advanced discussions as speculation grows over high street boost

HAVERFORDWEST could soon see a major high street revival, with a national retailer in advanced talks to take over the former Wilko building in the town centre.

Pembrokeshire County Council has confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, with a deal potentially just weeks — or even days — away.

Speaking to The Herald, Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller said the authority is in “detailed discussions with a major national retailer” over the prominent vacant unit.

However, he declined to name the business involved, citing commercial confidentiality.

Speculation grows

Despite the secrecy, speculation has been mounting locally that clothing giant Primark could be the retailer preparing to move into the site.

The size of the former Wilko store — one of the largest retail units in the town — has led many to believe only a handful of national chains would be able to occupy the space.

When asked directly whether Primark was involved, Cllr Miller did not confirm the claim, but also did not deny it.

***Primark is one of the only non-supermarket retailers in the UK who would be able to make use of the huge floorspace at the Wilko building***

Work already underway

The council has taken steps to prepare the building for a new tenant following Wilko’s collapse into administration.

This includes carrying out essential structural repairs, particularly to the roof, funded through a combination of council investment and an interest-free Welsh Government town centre loan.

Cllr Miller said the aim is to deliver a “blank canvas” for a new retailer, who would then invest further in fitting out the store.

He added that any incoming tenant would likely spend “millions” preparing the unit before opening.

Boost for town centre

The arrival of a major national retailer would represent a significant boost for Haverfordwest, which has faced challenges in recent years with declining footfall and the loss of several well-known stores.

The Wilko closure left a large gap in the town centre, both physically and economically, and securing a new anchor tenant is seen as key to revitalising the high street.

If confirmed, the move could increase visitor numbers, support surrounding businesses, and help restore confidence in the town’s retail future.

***The old Wilko store is located in a central location in Haverfordwest***

Deal ‘close’

Cllr Miller indicated that negotiations are at an advanced stage.

He said: “I’d like to think we’re talking weeks, not months — maybe even days, but these things can change.”

While no formal agreement has yet been announced, the timeline suggests a decision could be imminent.

What happens next

Until a deal is formally signed, the identity of the retailer remains unconfirmed.

However, with negotiations progressing and work underway on the building, expectations are growing that a major announcement could soon follow.

For now, all eyes remain on Haverfordwest — and on whether one of the UK’s biggest retail names is about to arrive.

We have contacted Primark for a comment.

***Previous vision: A cancelled 2017 concept of a new cinema at the Wilko site***

Entertainment

Easter egg trails return to Pembrokeshire as National Trust launches spring events

Published

43 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to “hop into spring” as Easter egg trails return to National Trust sites across Wales.

The popular seasonal events will take place at thirteen locations nationwide, including Colby Woodland Garden near Amroth, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, nature exploration, and family-friendly challenges.

The National Trust Cymru says the trails are designed to keep children entertained during the Easter holidays while encouraging them to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors.

At Colby Woodland Garden, visitors can explore a wooded valley filled with winding paths, streams, and hidden corners while taking part in ten activity stations along the Easter trail.

Organisers say the site’s mix of natural play areas and historic features makes it an ideal location for families looking to enjoy the spring weather.

The Easter egg trail at Colby will run from Thursday (Apr 3) to Sunday (Apr 6), between 10:00am and 3:30pm.

Family-friendly activities

Across Wales, the trails include a wide range of themed activities, from wildlife spotting and creative challenges to physical games and imaginative play.

Each location features around ten activity points, with participants receiving a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg on completion. Vegan and allergy-friendly options are also available.

Normal admission charges apply, although National Trust members can enter for free. The Easter trail costs £3.50 per child.

Spring boost for tourism

The National Trust says the events are part of a wider effort to encourage families to make the most of outdoor spaces as the weather improves.

With gardens in bloom and longer daylight hours, organisers hope the trails will attract visitors from across west Wales and beyond.

A spokesperson said the programme offers “hours of fun, discovery and seasonal adventure for the whole family.”

More information and booking details are available via the National Trust website.

Charity

RNLI lifeguards save more than 300 lives in Wales as patrols return for Easter

Published

52 minutes ago

March 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RNLI LIFEGUARDS have saved more than 300 lives in Wales since patrols were first introduced in Pembrokeshire in 2008, as the charity prepares to return to beaches for the Easter holidays.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution said its lifeguards have saved 315 lives across Wales, aided more than 45,000 people, and responded to over 26,000 incidents. They have also carried out more than six million preventative actions to stop situations becoming emergencies.

The service, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, will see lifeguards return to key Welsh beaches from Saturday (Mar 28) as schools break up for Easter.

In Pembrokeshire, patrols will resume at Whitesands, St Davids, from March 28 to April 12, and at Tenby South from April 3 to April 6.

The RNLI said its lifeguards play a crucial role in keeping beachgoers safe, with around 95 per cent of their work focused on prevention, including advising swimmers, identifying hazards, and educating visitors.

Tom John, a Lifeguard Supervisor in Swansea who joined the service in 2009, said: “We’ve seen more people visiting our beaches each year. While the fundamentals remain the same, we are now a much more proactive service.

“Our training and equipment are excellent, and we have a brilliant team. This time of year is always special as lifeguards return with energy and enthusiasm for the season ahead.”

He added that lifeguards spend much of their time engaging with the public, offering safety advice, and helping people understand the risks before incidents occur.

Across Wales, more than 35 beaches are now patrolled by RNLI lifeguards, forming part of a wider UK network covering over 245 beaches.

The charity is urging anyone heading to the coast this Easter to choose a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags.

Visitors are also advised to check weather and tide conditions, understand local hazards, and carry a means of calling for help when taking part in water activities.

The RNLI’s “Float to Live” advice remains central to its safety message. Anyone who gets into difficulty in the water is urged to float on their back, keeping their airway clear until help arrives.

In an emergency, people should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The RNLI said its lifeguards will continue to play a vital role in protecting coastal communities and visitors as demand on beaches grows year on year.