The Pembrokeshire Herald

03/06/2025

HERALD NEWS UPDATE

Mother of five banned from driving after drug-driving offence days after partner’s death

A MOTHER of five has been banned from the road after being caught driving through Hakin with co***ne and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine, in her system—just four days after the death of her long-term partner.

Amy O’Rourke, 33, was stopped by police on December 4 while driving her Vauxhall Vectra along James Street, Hakin. When questioned by officers, she admitted to having taken co***ne and cannabis the night before.

Blood tests later revealed she had 66 micrograms of co***ne and 800 micrograms of benzoylecgonine in her system—well above the legal limits of 10 and 50 respectively.

“She was with him when he passed away, which was four days prior to the offence,” her solicitor Fenn Richards told Haverfordwest magistrates. “She’d lost him and took the drugs in an attempt to numb her pain.”

O’Rourke, of James Street, Hakin, pleaded guilty to driving while over the specified drug limit. She was disqualified from driving and handed a nine-month community order requiring her to complete ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.

She was also fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 court surcharge.

03/06/2025

HERALD NEWS UPDATE

Weekly produce market brings fresh flavour to Saundersfoot Harbour

SAUNDERSFOOT Harbour’s Schooner Decking transforms into a vibrant marketplace every Tuesday, offering locals and visitors a taste of Pembrokeshire’s finest produce.

Running from 10:00am to 2:00pm each week, the open-air market features stalls selling local meats, cheeses, ferments and other handmade delicacies. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Saundersfoot’s bustling marina, the market has become a popular attraction for both residents and holidaymakers alike.

Organised by the Saundersfoot Harbour team, the initiative encourages people to “shop local, shop small” — supporting independent producers from around the county.

A striking feature of the market’s setting is the replica schooner, moored alongside the wooden deck and serving as a central landmark for the event. Colourful tents line the quayside, while fishing boats and leisure yachts bob in the water just metres away, creating a unique maritime shopping experience.

Social media posts from Saundersfoot Harbour have drawn praise from attendees, with one commenter asking: “Hope this is on in the summer?” — a sentiment echoed by many keen to see the event continue during the peak holiday season.

With its mix of fresh produce, coastal charm and community spirit, the Tuesday market is fast becoming a staple of the seaside town’s weekly calendar.

Photo caption:
Bustling quay: Saundersfoot Harbour’s Schooner Decking hosts a popular Tuesday produce market (Pic: Gareth Davies Photography / Saundersfoot Harbour Facebook)

03/06/2025

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘

Lucy Langmead, 44, accessed confidential material from the force’s computer system and passed it to her partner, Daniel Cozens, 37, during their relationship.
An investigation by a police anti-corruption unit revealed that Langmead accessed and disclosed details about Cozens’ associates between May 2021 and February 2022. She also unlawfully viewed information relating to her own family and other contacts between May 2020 and March 2022

A FORMER South Wales Police staff member has been jailed for leaking sensitive police information to her drug dealer boyfriend. Lucy Langmead, 44, from Pontypridd, accessed confidential material from the force’s computer system and passed it to her partner, Daniel Cozens, 37, during their relation...

03/06/2025

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘

The new facility, located adjacent to Whitland railway station, is the result of a joint initiative between Carmarthenshire County Council and Network Rail. It was funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and aims to improve access to the town and ease pressure on local parking.

WHITLAND’S long-awaited new station car park has officially opened, offering 25 additional parking spaces for residents, visitors and rail users. The new facility, located adjacent to Whitland railway station, is the result of a joint initiative between Carmarthenshire County Council and Network R...

03/06/2025

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘

Homebuy Pembrokeshire, delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council, offers eligible applicants an equity loan of up to 30% of a property’s value—providing vital support for those struggling to bridge the gap between mortgage offers and rising house prices.

A NEW affordable housing initiative has been launched to help first-time buyers in Pembrokeshire take their first step onto the property ladder. Homebuy Pembrokeshire, delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council, offers eligible applicants an equity loan of up to 30% of a property’s value—providin...

03/06/2025

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘

D. Murphy, a 70-year-old Irish citizen who resides in Swansea, was arrested alongside Swedish national Susanne Björk in the village of Khalet Al-Daba’a on May 31. Both women are reported to have complied with Israeli army orders but were accused of entering a restricted military area and failing to identify themselves.

Calls for justice as 70-year-old D. Murphy is held in Israeli prison amid crackdown on foreign observers A SWANSEA-BASED peace activist is being detained in an Israeli prison after she was arrested while standing in solidarity with Palestinian families facing imminent displacement in the West Bank.....

03/06/2025

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘

𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗡𝗟𝗜

TWO members of Angle Lifeboat crew have qualified as deputy mechanics after months of dedicated training and assessment.

James Findlay and Seymore Phillips were both congratulated this week following successful completion of their mechanic pass-outs, marking a key milestone in their lifeboat careers.

The pair underwent both rigorous theory and afloat assessments under the supervision of RNLI Assessor Mike. Their hard work paid off as they were found to have demonstrated the necessary skills and competence to take on the role of afloat mechanic.

In separate presentations overlooking the Milford Haven waterway, Assessor Mike formally congratulated both men, shaking hands and recognising their achievement.

Angle RNLI posted the news on social media, saying: “After months of hard work and effort, congratulations to crew members James Findlay and Seymore Phillips who have both been successful in their mechanic pass-outs today… Congratulations guys!”

The role of deputy mechanic is a vital one within the lifeboat crew, responsible for maintaining the operational readiness of the vessel and supporting lifesaving missions around the Pembrokeshire coast.

Proud moment: James Findlay (left) and Seymore Phillips (right) shake hands with RNLI Assessor Mike after qualifying as deputy mechanics (Pics: RNLI)

03/06/2025

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘

The Independent Commission on the Regulation of Water and Sewerage Services in Wales, chaired by Sir John Cunliffe, highlighted significant concerns regarding regulatory oversight and environmental standards. Sir John emphasised that regulators must ensure private water companies operate in the public interest.

Prominent Conservative MS renews call for NRW overhaul after critical review ANDREW RT DAVIES, a prominent Conservative Member of the Senedd (MS) for South Wales Central, has reiterated his demand for the closure and replacement of Natural Resources Wales (NRW). His comments follow the publication o...

03/06/2025

HERALD NEWS UPDATE

Tenby man punched stranger unconscious after row with girlfriend

A 22-YEAR-OLD man from Pembrokeshire has been ordered to pay £3,000 in compensation after he knocked a bystander unconscious and left him bleeding in the street during a violent incident in Tenby town centre.

Oscar Allen, of The Ridgeway, Penally, launched the unprovoked attack on Jason Page after Mr Page intervened over concerns about how Allen was speaking to his girlfriend in Bank Lane on the evening of November 25, 2023.

“The victim could see the way in which the situation was escalating,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

As Mr Page approached the couple, Allen struck him in the face with a single punch, knocking him unconscious. When police arrived, they found Mr Page lying unresponsive on the ground, covered in blood.

“The defendant left the individual in an extremely vulnerable position – this was general abandonment,” added Ms Vaughan.

Mr Page was left with a fractured jaw that required the insertion of a titanium plate. He also suffered a loss of earnings totalling £4,000 as a result of the injury.

A victim impact statement read to the court described the lasting effect of the assault.

“It’s had a lasting impact on my everyday life,” said Mr Page. “Social situations are now a huge struggle for me, and this is affecting not just me, but my family too, as I’m reluctant to go out.

“I no longer feel like the person I was before this happened. It’s a nightmare which I have to deal with daily.”

Allen pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Mr Page, causing grievous bodily harm.

Defence solicitor John Allchurch told the court: “This was a single punch that caused serious injury.”

Allen was sentenced to 12 months’ custody, suspended for two years. He must complete 250 hours of unpaid work and attend 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was also ordered to pay £3,000 in compensation, a £187 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.

Presiding magistrate Mary Smith warned Allen that he was on thin ice.

“You’ve come very close to going to prison today,” she said. “It’s time to sort yourself out, because if you put a foot wrong in the next two years, you’ll find yourself in custody.”

03/06/2025

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘

𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁: £𝟰,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺

TENBY RNLI has received a welcome financial boost from the organisers of the town’s iconic Boxing Day Swim.

Members of the Tenby Sea Swimming Association (TSSA) visited the RNLI lifeboat station on Monday (June 2) to present a cheque for £4,000—raised during the 2023 festive swim event.

The money will support the vital work of the local lifeboat crew, who were on hand to accept the donation and thank the organisers in person. The presentation took place aboard the Tenby lifeboat, with volunteers, supporters, and a cheerful RNLI mascot in attendance.

Speaking at the presentation, representatives of TSSA praised the bravery and dedication of the RNLI team. “The RNLI is an essential part of our coastal community, and we’re proud to continue supporting their work through the Boxing Day Swim,” they said.

The annual charity swim, a firm favourite in Tenby’s festive calendar, attracts hundreds of participants and spectators each year. Funds raised are split between local causes, with Tenby RNLI being a regular beneficiary.

RNLI crew members expressed their gratitude, saying the donation would go directly towards lifesaving equipment and training.

The presentation was captured by local photographer Gareth Davies, who generously provided the images for use by the media.

Photo caption:
Lifesaving support: Members of the Tenby Sea Swimming Association present a cheque for £4,000 to the RNLI at Tenby Lifeboat Station (Pic: Gareth Davies Photography)

03/06/2025

𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘

She was joined by County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward on Pembrokeshire County Council.
The visit included a detailed presentation on the Draft Volunteering Strategy for Pembrokeshire 2025–2030, which was formally approved by the council’s Cabinet on Monday (June 2).

THE FIRST MINISTER, Eluned Morgan, visited the headquarters of the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) this week to discuss the future of volunteering in the county. She was joined by County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward on Pembrokeshire County Council. T...