News

Bramble ‘Hell’ Farm owner sent to prison for breach of animal ban order

Published

2 years ago

March 2, 2023

A CONTROVERSIAL Pembrokeshire farmer who was disqualified from keeping animals indefinitely has today (Mar 2) been sent to prison.

Sean Ronald Burns, age 52, of Bramble Hall Farm, Ferry Lane, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching a court order by keeping lovebirds, dogs and tortoises.

The offending was committed whilst the defendant was subject to a suspended sentence order.

In September 2020 he received a suspended prison sentence, alongside two other men for his part in the production of smokies at Bramble Hall Farm.

His Honour Judge Thomas outlined the past offending of Burns as part of an aggravating feature to the breach, with a number of animal welfare convictions dating back to 2018.

A huge animal welfare operation was held at Bramble Hall Farm back in January 2019 where more than 200 animals were removed from the property.

It was dubbed ‘Bramble Hell Farm’.

Burns arrived at Swansea Crown Court in a wheelchair, along with copies of medications and medical conditions.

Defending barrister Mr Roach, asked the judge to take into account Burns’ health condition when considering any custodial sentence.

However, during sentencing Judge Thomas said: “You’ve arrived today in a wheelchair.

“What is absent is any medical evidence, I have also been told you haven’t seen Dr in 18 months even though you use a wheelchair often.

“I have some scepticism about it, especially as no evidence has been obtained.”

The court heard how the breach came to light after a police officer attended the property over reports that dogs were on the main road. A report was made to the council who arrived the following day with the police to remove the animals.

Some of the animals were found to be in very poor health, with excrement covering the floor and the dog beds. The tortoise was found without any access to leafy greens.

A Black cat and a decapitated chicken carcass were found inside a telephone box on the property.

Three older dogs were in poor condition. And a puppy required immediate vet attention with the removal of six temporary teeth.

Burns accepted the breaches, however denied any ownership of the animals.

Judge Thomas told the court how he felt there was no other option than to activate the suspended sentence.

He said: “‘This is a Flagrant breach’ by keeping a tortoise, love birds and 12 dogs.

“Some were kept in poor conditions.

“Three dogs were very poorly treated indeed.

“You continued to keep animals under your control.”

Burns was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for each of the three breaches admitted, to run concurrently.

Judge Thomas activated the defendants suspended sentence, however took into consideration Bruns’ health conditions, an activation period was set at eight months to run concurrently.

Burns will serve half of the sentence in custody with the remaining period on licence.

A new order was also imposed, banning Burns from not only owning animals but also all types of animal interaction.

No application can be made to change the order for a period of 10 years.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

9 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

9 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.