News

Fuel spillage in Hakin prompts swift response from emergency services

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2023

Emergency services swiftly took action to secure the safety of the public and ensure a thorough clean-up operation. Gelliswick Road in Hakin, Milford Haven, came to a standstill on the morning of Tuesday, October 31, as a substantial quantity of fuel spilled onto the road, rendering it dangerously slippery.

Dyfed-Powys Police, alongside the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Pembrokeshire County Council, descended upon the scene to assess and manage the situation. Natural Resources Wales were also alerted to the incident, highlighting the collaborative effort to address the environmental impact of the spillage.

The incident unfolded at 8.43am when the Milford Haven crew received a distress call. A spokesperson from the fire service revealed, “A large quantity of fuel has spilled onto a road, causing the road to be slippery and hazardous to drive on. Crew members assisted with cleaning the spillage off the road, as well as informing nearby members of the public of the hazards present, along with Dyfed Powys Police officers. The local authority were also in attendance and the incident was handed over to them.”

While the road closure inconvenienced local commuters, the swift and coordinated response from emergency services helped mitigate the potential risks associated with the spillage. A spokesperson from Dyfed-Powys Police assured the public, stating, “The council has been made aware, and staff are currently en-route to clean it up.” The closure, albeit necessary, was a precautionary measure to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.

The incident, which occurred during morning rush hour, prompted concern among residents and commuters in the area. However, the efficient response from the emergency services, coupled with the involvement of local authorities and environmental agencies, ensured that the situation was swiftly brought under control.

Following the clean-up efforts, the road was reopened at 9.41am, allowing traffic to resume its normal flow. The collaborative response showcased the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination in handling such emergencies, preventing potential accidents and environmental damage.

As investigations into the cause of the spillage continue, local residents and authorities have praised the rapid response from emergency services, emphasising the importance of preparedness and swift action in mitigating the impact of such incidents on the community and the environment.

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.