News
Pembroke Dock police station to close; police relocating to Argyle Street
DYFED-POWYS POLICE have said this week they are progressing with plans to relocate their Pembroke Dock base from Water Street to a new site on Argyle Street.
This, they say, is part of ongoing efforts to modernise policing infrastructure in Pembrokeshire.
The need to move, formally reported to the Police and Crime Panel in May 2024, is expected to be finalised in the coming months, following negotiations with the new landlord, Pembrokeshire County Council.
Once the relocation is complete, the existing Water Street station will be placed on the open market. The current police station is seen as too large and costly, and contains a custody suite that is no longer used – as all arrested individuals are now booked in to the more modern Haverfordwest police station.
The police said in a statement released today: “The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police are progressing negotiations with Pembrokeshire County Council to formalise moving its current policing base in Walter Street Pembroke Dock to new premises in Argyle Street.
“This decision was formally reported to the Police and Crime Panel at their meeting in May 2024 and we expect the terms of this purchase to be finalised over the next few months.
“If this move is concluded successfully, then it will progress with the sale of the current police station in Water Street, Pembroke Dock with the property then being advertised for sale on the open market.”
This planned relocation is the latest in a series of changes to police stations across Pembrokeshire. Fairly recently, Milford Haven’s police station was moved from Charles Street to Cedar Court, a decision aimed at “improving efficiency and ensuring the police presence remains central to the community”. Similarly, the Saundersfoot police station has already closed, with services restructured to maintain effective policing in the area.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys has emphasised to The Herald that these moves are part of a broader strategy to optimise resources and enhance the effectiveness of local policing. The Commissioner assured residents that the level of service will remain unchanged, with local policing tailored to meet the needs of the community, despite these structural changes.
These developments reflect a wider trend within Dyfed-Powys Police to adapt to modern demands while ensuring that the community’s needs are met efficiently and effectively.
Crime
Swansea Crown Court to deal with Narberth rape case
A 46-YEAR-OLD Haverfordwest man has appeared before a District Judge charged with raping a woman at an undisclosed location in Narberth.
Richard Murray, recently of Hill Street, Haverfordwest is accused of raping the woman on August 25, 2022. He is further charged with sexually assaulting a woman and of causing a female to engage in sexual activity without her consent. Both offences are alleged to have been committed on the same date, August 25.
Murray denied all three charges when he appeared before District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, September 17.
Judge Layton declined jurisdiction in the matter and the case will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court.
Murray was released on conditional bail, the condition being not to have any direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim.
The matter will next be heard at Swansea Crown Court on October 14.
Crime
Pet running loose in Milford Haven was a banned fighting dog
A DOG that was seen running loose on a main road in Milford Haven was found to be an unregistered fighting XL Bully which, according to police experts, had the strength to cause someone ‘substantial injury’.
Officers were called to a property in Milford Haven on March 24 following numerous reports from members of the public that a dog was running loose on the road, causing what the Crown Prosecution described as ‘a hazard’ to drivers. There they found the dog enclosed in a front garden.
This week it’s owner, Megan Pouparrd, 20, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, pleaded guilty to possessing or having custody of a fighting dog.
“It was a typical XL Bully dog in relation to its appearance and size,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
The dog, which had wandered approximately one mile from its owner’s home, was caught and taken away by officers for further examinations to be carried out to confirm its breed.
A police statement read out to Judge Layton stated that the dog was ‘very restless and curious’.
“He made no attempt to jump on us and was more interested in finding out about his new surroundings,” said the report.
“He was a very relaxed dog, but was also extremely strong, and could easily have knocked someone off their feet.”
A destruction order for the dog was submitted to the court by the police, however following a request by District Judge Mark Layton, this was delayed pending a behaviourist report to be carried out on the animal.
Sentencing was adjourned to October 8.
(Image: File)
Crime
Letterston man in court over ‘silly neighbours’ dispute’
A NEIGHBOURS’ dispute reached the courts this week when Letterston resident Stuart Wing pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to his neighbour’s car.
“It was a silly dispute,” the 59-year-old told a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
“We used to be good neighbours, but it was the stupidest of things. I’d put his bin bags back but then he fell out with me, giving me hand signals and calling me a scumbag.”
The incident took place on June 21, 2023 at Spring Gardens, Letterston.
“The victim [Clark Gretton], had left his property and entered his vehicle,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Judge Mark Layton.
“[The victim] said, ‘I’ll be glad to get away from these scumbags’, but the defendant was near and must have heard him, because he picked some gravel up and threw it at the car, causing chip marks.”
Ms Jackson said that the cost of the criminal damage to Mr Gretton’s Nissan Qashqai totaled £660.
After pleading guilty to causing criminal damage, Stuart Wing was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £660 compensation to Mr Gretton.
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