News

Tenby drone show’s second cancellation leaves locals fuming

Published

3 years ago

August 16, 2023

A HIGHLY anticipated drone display in Tenby has left locals and visitors disappointed not once, but twice. Initially planned for August 1, the 100-drone showcase, organised by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to capture content for its “Respect the Range” campaign, was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Hopes were high for its rescheduled performance on August 16, but it was subsequently cancelled without a public viewing.

In a surprising move, the MOD decided to conduct the drone show in the early hours of Wednesday morning, away from the watchful eyes of the expectant crowd. The MOD’s statement mentioned their gratitude to the Tenby community for its support of their campaign but failed to quell the frustration felt by many.

Social media is awash with reactions, ranging from confusion to outright anger. Sam Macro, an individual from the community, voiced his concerns, saying, “This drone display has been such a shambles that I have lost respect for the MOD, despite the Respect the Range Campaign. Let’s hope the MOD doesn’t have to plan a war.” Nina Goldsworthy-Griffiths expressed her disbelief, stating, “I am speechless that this has happened. How ridiculous for the people who were looking forward to it. Not impressed.”

Natalie Thomas showed her annoyance with a sarcastic comment, “Change of plan tonight then.” Meanwhile, Laura Jayne Davies, clearly upset, shared that her friend Jess Rae was fuming over the decision, and David Woolnough mentioned his personal disappointment, remarking, “Shame, I was looking forward to that.”

While the MOD’s intent to promote safety on military lands is commendable, their execution in Tenby might have missed the mark. The local community and media will no doubt continue their quest for answers regarding the puzzling decision to deprive the public of a much-anticipated spectacle.

News

Hakin motorist banned after driving 14 times over drug limit

Published

6 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A HAKIN motorist has been banned from driving for three years after being caught behind the wheel with cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

Mark Briskham, 53, of Waterloo Square, Wellington Road, Hakin, was stopped by police on January 5 as he drove a Ford Kuga along Steynton Road, near Milford Haven.

Blood tests carried out at the police station showed he had 800mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

He also had 64mcg of cocaine in his system. The legal limit is 10mcg.

Briskham pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for three years, taking into account a previous drug-drive conviction from 2020.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.cr

Crime

Begelly man remanded over alleged May Day assault

Published

7 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged May Day assault against a woman in Begelly.

Tomas Baker, 34, of Ty Dee, New Road, Begelly, is accused of assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm, at an undisclosed location in Begelly on May 1.

Baker appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from Swansea Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 22.

Crime

Waterston man denies child rape and sexual assault charges

Published

7 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WATERSTON man has appeared before magistrates charged with 13 sexual offences against children, including three allegations of raping a girl under the age of 13.

Chaisee Price, 25, of Biggins Hill, Waterston, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

He faces three charges of raping a girl under 13, eight charges of sexually assaulting girls aged between five and eight, and two charges of intentionally inciting girls under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2014 and 2019.

Price denied all charges.

Because of the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on July 10.

Price was released on conditional bail.

The conditions include a daily electronically monitored curfew between 6:00pm and 6:00am, no contact with the prosecution witness, no unsupervised contact with children under 18, and a requirement to surrender his passport to police.