News

Farewell to HMS Pembroke: An iconic Royal Navy vessel concludes its journey

Published

3 years ago

July 23, 2023

THE STREETS of Pembrokeshire are set to witness an emotional moment this morning (July 23) as HMS Pembroke, a venerable Sandown Class mine hunter, bids farewell to its 26 years of distinguished service. The vessel, named after the charming county town of Pembroke, will be decommissioned, marking the end of an era for this esteemed warship.

Having faithfully served for over two and a half decades, HMS Pembroke holds a special place in the hearts of those who have been associated with her. Measuring an impressive 52.5 metres and weighing a robust 485 tonnes, this mine counter-measures vessel (MCMV) has covered more than 2,500 nautical miles since her maiden voyage in 1997.

Manned by a crew of approximately 40 dedicated men and women, including highly trained mine warfare specialists, mine clearance divers, engineers, officers, and chefs, HMS Pembroke stands as a testament to the prowess and expertise of the Royal Navy. The ship’s company, a close-knit and diverse group, takes immense pride in representing the Royal Navy in various sporting events such as rugby, football, badminton, and hockey. Moreover, aboard HMS Pembroke, a beautiful symphony of languages, including English, German, French, Welsh, and Spanish, can be heard, exemplifying the spirit of cooperation and unity that prevails on this remarkable vessel.

*HMS Pembroke in Pembroke Dock (Image Karl Everall/Facebook)*

Notably, the musicians of HMS Pembroke contribute their talent to the ship’s cultural vibrancy, playing an assortment of instruments, from traditional bagpipes to kettle drums, flute, saxophone, and even the exotic didgeridoo. This rich tapestry of sound resonates throughout the ship, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of its crew.

As a poignant final gesture, the crew of HMS Pembroke will exercise their freedom of the town of Pembroke tomorrow, parading proudly through the historic streets. The majestic procession, led by local dignitaries and organisations, will also include the enthusiastic presence of Fishguard, Tenby, and Milford Haven Sea Cadets, all of whom share a profound affiliation with the esteemed warship.

The ceremonial parade is scheduled to commence at 11 am tomorrow, Sunday, 23rd July, starting from St Michael’s Square Pembroke and culminating at the grand Pembroke Castle. This symbolic journey represents a tribute to the remarkable legacy of HMS Pembroke and its enduring contribution to the maritime heritage of Pembrokeshire.

Throughout its service, HMS Pembroke played a vital role in the Royal Navy’s ongoing mission to ensure the safety and security of global sea lines, facilitating international trade. Among its many achievements, one notable success story involved the discovery and safe disposal of a historic Russian mine from the First World War. A mission conducted off the coast of Lithuania showcased the ship’s capabilities as a remote underwater vehicle was deployed to identify the object, paving the way for Royal Navy mine clearance divers to eliminate the century-old ordnance safely.

As the sun sets on its illustrious journey, HMS Pembroke will leave behind an indelible mark, not only in the annals of naval history but also in the hearts of the people of Pembrokeshire.

READ THIS WEEK’S PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD HERE:

Crime

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

Published

15 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.