News

Sex offender who has been incarcerated for breach of order

Published

3 years ago

August 8, 2023

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have released the photograph of a west Wales sex offender who has been incarcerated due to his repeated defiance of a sexual harm prevention order.

Shaun Smith was placed under a 10-year sexual harm prevention order when he was sentenced to 15 months in prison on December 20, 2018, for attempting to meet a girl under the age of 16 following grooming, and attempting to induce a female to partake in sexual activity without her consent.

As a stipulation of his sexual harm prevention order, Smith was prohibited from erasing any browsing history on his internet-connected devices.

On June 29, two officers visited Smith’s residence on Park Street in Ammanford to conduct a risk assessment.

Upon request, he surrendered his phone and when questioned about potential deletions, he confessed to removing the Telegram application.

Smith claimed he had been “engaged in conversation with a woman” on the app and through a third-party explicit website, but then eliminated the app and its history.

He informed the officers that his actions were in response to “an attempt to defraud [him],” stated prosecutor Harry Dickens.

“Yes, I made an error. I accept responsibility for it,” Smith conceded to the police, subsequently leading to his arrest.

Smith, who has amassed seven prior convictions for 11 offenses, had previously violated the order on two occasions.

The first instance involved using an internet-capable phone without notifying the police, and the second was related to acquiring a PlayStation 4 – which connects to the internet – without informing the authorities.

Rhiannon Lee-Meredith, in defence, pointed out that Smith had immediately provided the information to the officers and admitted his transgression.

“He is cognizant that this marks the third breach of this court order. He acknowledges the possibility of a custodial sentence. He is fully aware and consents,” she remarked.

“He has expressed his intention to now adhere to any court-imposed directive.”

Recorder David Harris indicated that this recent breach represented “an escalation of the violations.”

He sentenced Smith to one year in prison and imposed a £187 surcharge.

(Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

4 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

6 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

6 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle