News

Petition launched after second Pembrokeshire blood biker dies in line of duty

Published

1 month ago

January 8, 2026

A PETITION calling for blood bikers to be allowed to use green emergency lights has been launched following the death of a second Pembrokeshire volunteer rider within six months.

Volunteer blood biker Andrew Rogers, aged 61, from Hayscastle, died following a collision on the A48 on Monday (Dec 29) while carrying out his duties.

Mr Rogers was volunteering at the time of the incident. In a tribute, his family described him as “well known, loved, respected and extremely knowledgeable”.

They said he was deeply passionate about his role as a blood biker, as well as his work helping others through volunteering and as a street pastor.

His death comes just six months after another Pembrokeshire blood biker was killed while on duty.

On Tuesday (July 2, 2025), Timothy Minett, known as Tim, aged 78, died following a crash on the A478 between Glandy Cross and Blaenffos while riding for Blood Bikes Wales.

In October, more than one hundred blood bikers from across the UK took part in a memorial ride to honour Mr Minett.

Lesley Isaacs-Penny, vice-chair of Blood Bikes Wales, said: “It was very touching. Tim’s family were there — they couldn’t believe how many people had come and were really grateful.”

Blood Bikes Wales is one of thirty-six volunteer-run blood bike groups across the UK, providing a free, life-saving service to the NHS by transporting blood, organs, medication, and other urgent medical supplies.

Following the latest tragedy, fellow blood biker Louise Lunt has launched a petition on Change.org calling for blood bikers to be permitted to use green emergency headlights to improve visibility during emergency runs.

She said: “As a dedicated blood biker, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges we face on the roads while performing our voluntary duties.

“Recently, a fellow blood biker tragically lost their life on duty, marking the second such incident in just a few months. Before these incidents, another blood biker sadly died on shift in Lancashire.”

Ms Lunt said the visibility of blood bikers — who often operate at night and out of hours — is “alarmingly limited”, despite the critical nature of their work.

She is campaigning for green lights to be legally permitted on blood bikes, similar to the blue lights used by emergency services.

“Much like ambulances and police vehicles, green lights would significantly improve our visibility and alert other road users to our role,” she said.

She added that road safety studies suggest high-visibility lighting can reduce accident risk by up to sixty per cent.

“Allowing green lights could help prevent further tragic incidents,” she said. “We urge decision-makers to recognise the vital role blood bikers play and support this small but potentially life-saving change.”

The petition has already attracted more than 1,000 signatures. Those wishing to support the campaign can find it on Change.org by searching Grant permission for blood bikers to use green lights.

Crime

Man who threw corrosive liquid at guest and fled abroad jailed

Published

7 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A BUSINESSMAN who threw a corrosive liquid into a guest’s face during a row at a spiritual retreat before fleeing the country has been jailed for 18 months.

Dean Mayze, aged 38, from Abercrave in Powys, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm following the attack at his Hafan-y-Coed retreat in December 2022.

Swansea Crown Court heard the assault happened after an argument with guest Keifer Price, who had complained about the condition of his accommodation, including a lack of heating and washing facilities.

During the confrontation, Mayze produced a blue container and threw its contents upwards into the victim’s face.

The liquid — described as smelling like ammonia — entered Mr Price’s eyes, nose and mouth, leaving him in severe pain and struggling to breathe.

Medical evidence confirmed injuries consistent with a chemical burn to both eyes. He suffered abrasions, a corneal defect and the loss of the outer corneal layer in one eye, requiring significant treatment to prevent permanent sight loss. He has since recovered without lasting injury.

Fled across Europe

Following the attack, Mayze fled the UK, triggering an international search.

The court heard he travelled across several European countries, including Ireland, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece, before eventually being arrested in Romania in 2025.

Despite being on the run, he remained in regular contact with police by text and email, at one point telling officers he would not be returning to Wales.

His partner initially claimed responsibility for the assault and later received a suspended prison sentence after admitting perverting the course of justice.

Previous conviction

The court was told Mayze has a previous conviction for wounding involving a corrosive substance in Kent in 2013.

Defence barrister Andrew Taylor said his client had experienced harsh conditions while detained in Romania, including contracting scabies without treatment, and described him as remorseful.

However, Judge Geraint Walters said it was “pure luck” the victim had not suffered permanent injuries, describing the attack as a “particularly wicked way of inflicting violence”.

Sentence and order

Mayze, who appeared via video link from prison, had previously denied a more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and made subject to a three-year restraining order.

Crime

Police appeal after man injured in St Davids incident

Published

12 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in St Davids which left one man injured.

The incident happened in Nun Street at around 11:10am on Tuesday, December 30. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Police are now asking anyone with information, dash cam footage, or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Alternatively, email [email protected], send a direct message via social media, or call 101 quoting reference DP20251230094.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

13 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.