News

Migraine prevented defendant attending noise disturbance case

Published

3 years ago

August 30, 2023

A MILFORD HAVEN resident has been handed a hefty fine of almost £4,000 after consistently failing to adhere to a noise abatement notice issued due to her excessively loud music.

Ms. Gemma Hughes, 27, formerly of 10 Howarth Close, repeatedly disregarded requests from Pembrokeshire County Council to moderate the volume of her music. The nature of her living situation, occupying one unit in a block of four flats, amplified the issue, causing significant disturbance to neighbouring residents.

Alys Williams, legal counsel for Pembrokeshire County Council, noted: “The music often permeated the neighbouring flats, causing considerable inconvenience. Moreover, the music was frequently played during anti-social hours.”

Ms. Hughes was scheduled to present her case before the Haverfordwest magistrates, having contested two charges related to the contravention of the noise abatement notice. However, a last-minute call from her husband informed the court of her inability to attend due to a migraine. The absence of any medical verification led the magistrates to move forward with the proceedings in her absence.

Public health officer, Steve Morbey, recounted the series of complaints received concerning the disruptive noise from Ms. Hughes’ residence. “Over a significant period, we fielded numerous complaints which culminated in the issuance of the abatement notice, urging her to address the noise levels,” Morbey stated. “Regrettably, this seemed to have minimal impact.”

Supporting the claims, police officer Matthew Davies spoke about an incident from May 22, 2022. He recalled, “Upon my arrival around 12.30am, the music was audibly emanating from the flat. Ms. Hughes requested to continue playing a particular song she favoured when asked to reduce the volume. Even from a distance of 15 metres, the music remained distinctly audible.”

A subsequent incident the following month, recounted by police officer Skone from Pembroke Dock, added to the mounting evidence against Ms. Hughes. Skone stated, “Shortly after midnight, we received yet another complaint. The overpowering music from Ms. Hughes’ flat was evident even in the communal hallway.”

Given the weight of the evidence, the magistrates adjudged Ms. Hughes guilty on both counts. The consequent penalties amounted to £3,979.75, including £1,320 in fines, £2,525.75 in prosecution costs payable to Pembrokeshire County Council, and a £132 statutory surcharge.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

2 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

4 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

4 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