News

Pembroke Dock Home Bargains to take over former Wilko store

Published

2 years ago

March 7, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to let a Pembrokeshire barn, used for axe-throwing and archery instruction without planning permission, stay running have been conditionally approved.

Jonathon Keens, of Aim Country Sports, had applied to Pembrokeshire planners for a retrospective change of use of an agricultural barn to a part-time archery and axe throwing instruction venue at Ffynnon Hafod, Crosslands Road, near Tavernspite.

The application said the change of use was undertaken in 2019, with Mr Keens producing copies of first aid and public liability insurance certificates with the application.

Mr Keens says a pre-application discussion with officers was started in late 2019, but he “heard nothing for almost four years,” before being advised to submit the change of use call.

No objections to the scheme were received.

A report for planners stated: “The application is submitted in retrospect for the retention of an outbuilding used in association with an archery and axe throwing business.

“The application site comprises a small outbuilding used as a bespoke archery and axe throwing instruction venue in association with a small business known as Aim Country Sports which operates from the site.

“The small business use has positive social impacts through the provision of an outdoor sport available within the locality. Positive economic benefits are achieved through the generation of income from the business.”

The application was approved, with conditions including the provision of a disabled parking bay and the scheme complies with approved plans.

Aim Country Sports, on its website, says: “At Aim you will have the chance to try out activities that are different and completely new to Pembrokeshire and Wales! We are the only venue offering aerial archery, archery and axe throwing.”

It says aerial archery involves “aiming to large foam discs that are on the move,” adding: “Using special bows and arrows you can try your hand at being the next Arrow, Katniss or Legolas.”

Axe-throwing is described as “a crazily fun activity that almost anyone from approximately 10yrs+ can enjoy (our oldest client was 90)”.

It adds: “It is particularly suited to clients who like the challenge of something new. Great fun for anything from first dates to team building.”

The attraction is rated as five stars on the Tripadvisor website.

Crime

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

Published

19 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

19 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

20 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.