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Judge demands inquiry into Haverfordwest court knife incident

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A JUDGE has said today he expected an inquiry into how a defendant managed to get a knife passed security at Haverfordwest magistrates court.

Lukasz Robert Pawlowski, aged 33, even got the knife into the dock of a court where he used it to slash his own throat while magistrates considered what sentence to pass.

Pawlowski, of Pembroke Dock, had to be airlifted to Swansea’s Morriston hospital after the incident on January 11.

Pawlowski appeared before Judge Paul Thomas at Swansea Crown Court to be sentenced for the original offence of sexual assault and now also possessing a knife in a public place.

Judge Thomas said he expected an inquiry.

“This was a serious breach of court security. I have little doubt others will be in trouble because of it,” he added.

Robin Rouch, prosecuting, said the first offence took place on October 30 when Pawlowski walked into a shop in Pembroke Dock and asked a 30 year old assistant for a kiss.  She refused but he leant over the counter and kissed her.

Pawlowski then asked for details about the prices of alcohol.  When she stepped from behind the counter to help him he grabbed her and kissed her on the lips.

“She began to cry. Afterwards, she said she felt dirty and thought she could no longer work in the shop unless the manager was there,” added Mr Rouch.

Pawlowski was arrested and told police he has “misread” the situation and was sorry.

Pawlowski appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on January 11 to be sentenced.

Mr Rouch said magistrates needed to read a pre sentence report prepared by a probation officer. While they were doing that Pawlowski was allowed to use a toilet and returned to the dock 60 seconds later.

The court clerk noticed he was rustling through a bag and then saw him apparently scratching the right side of his neck.  Although no blood was visible at first it became clear he was holding a knife and then Pawlowski made a “concerted” effort to cut his throat.

He bled profusely and was found to be clutching a black kitchen knife with a three inch blade.

Mr Rouch said three mental health nurses attending a neighbouring courtroom went to his assistance and he was airlifted to hospital.

Mr Rouch said he had made a serious effort to injure himself.

It transpired, he added, that Pawlowski had hidden the knife in the toilet after entering the court building but before he went into the courtroom.

Jon Tarrant, the barrister representing Pawlowski, said it appeared he had got it into his head that he would go to prison, although that wasn’t the case.

“He appears to have misread that too,” said Mr Tarrant.

Pawlowski was later remanded into custody and held at Parc prison near Bridgend.

Judge Thomas said it was ironic that Pawlowski had been afraid of going to jail and then had done something which would land him in jail.

He said he found the case unique.

He told Pawlowski, “You have caused a great deal of alarm and distress to the people who saw what you were doing.”

And he told him it had been “very wrong” to grab a woman and kiss her on the lips.

Drunkenness appeared to be behind it, he added, but that was no excuse.

Judge Thomas said Pawlowski had served two months in jail on remand and that was enough.

Pawlowski was made the subject of a three year community order and told to complete 10 days of a rehabilitation activity. He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and to register with the police as a sex offender for the next five years.

He was also made the subject of a restraining order preventing him from making contact with his sex victim.

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Education

Second Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament celebrates youth and skill

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THE SECOND Pembrokeshire Chess Tournament drew participants from 21 schools across the region, culminating in a day of intense competition and camaraderie.

The tournament, reported by Vicky Brown, saw young chess enthusiasts gather for a day marked by strategic gameplay and exceptional talent. Henry Burton from Redhill emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in a closely contested field. The duo of Steffan Hughes and Huw Holliday, also from Redhill, followed closely in second place, while Osian Griffiths (Ysgol Caer Elen), Bryn Williams (Milford Haven Community School), and Iolo Hughes (Redhill) shared the third place, showcasing the depth of talent present among the participants.

In recognition of outstanding sportsmanship, Carys Callan from Redhill was honoured with the ‘David Pinch Award’, embodying the spirit of fair play and respect that marked the tournament. A special mention was given to Tyler Davison-Hall from Johnston CP School for participating in the Game of the Tournament, further highlighting the event’s competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

The tournament benefitted significantly from the expertise of Ian Eustis from the Welsh Chess Union, who served as Arbiter, ensuring the smooth running of the games. The event was also supported by Martin Jones and Scott Hammett, who took on the roles of stewards, and the Friends of Redhill (FOR), who managed the refreshments, contributing to the day’s success.

The local chess community, including participants and spectators, expressed their appreciation for the organisational efforts that made the event possible. For those interested in furthering their chess skills, the Pembrokeshire Chess Club extends an invitation to meet on Tuesday evenings in Steynton. Martin Jones, contactable at 07884384131, is available for further details regarding membership and participation.

Looking ahead, Redhill is poised to host its next chess tournament on Saturday, 8th June, promising another opportunity for young chess players to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game. The success of this event not only highlights the thriving chess scene in Pembrokeshire but also sets the stage for future tournaments that continue to inspire and engage the youth in the noble game of chess.

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News

Rugby Weekly – Tenby’s promotion push continues

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It’s crunch time for all rugby clubs around the county, whether promotion is their aim or fighting relegation or even just trying to improve their league position, it’s now or never. 

Last weekend saw an important win for Fishguard in division two west which should put any relegation fears to bed completely. James Griffiths added an impressive 18 points for the Seagulls as they defeated Nantgaredig 33-19. 

Elsewhere in the second division, Milford were beaten 32-8 by a good Lampeter outfit. The Mariners are still a little too close for comfort with the drop zone but should have enough quality to see them safe. 

At the other end of the table Tenby sit in second place and have played fewer games than leaders St Clears and third place Lampeter. They won impressively again last weekend, beating Pontyberem 64-19 at Haywood Lane. Fletcher Broadhurst impressed with two tries as did Hywel Baker who also grabbed himself a brace. Another excellent performance in an outstanding season so far in which promotion would be the absolute icing on the cake. 

In Division Three West, Pembroke were well beaten by Laugharne 74-15 in which the outstanding Liam Price and Nico Setaro both crossed the whitewash 4 teams a piece. The latter also added 7 successful conversions. 

There was a local derby at Pill Parks where Llangwm hosted Pembroke Dock Quins and it was an exciting clash. The visitors won narrowly 28-23, Craig Barnett and Gethin Bradney both scored two tries for the Quins. The Wasps battled hard and will be proud of their performance, Gethin Thomas impressed for the hosts with two tries of his own but it wasn’t enough to secure the points. 

St David’s hosted the high flying Cardigan outfit and were unable to score in reply to the visitors 20 points, with it ending 20-0. The Saints however won’t be losing too much sleep over it as they have had a great season so far. 

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Business

Stephen Crabb leads inquiry on retaining community bank services  

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PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, and Chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee Stephen Crabb is leading an inquiry in Parliament that will investigate the closure of high street banks in Wales, as well as access to cash.

In November 2023, Pembrokeshire saw the closure of Lloyds Bank in St Davids, and in the coming months both Barclays Bank and Halifax in Haverfordwest are set to close. In recent years, Wales has experienced a rapid decline in the number of high street banking services available to the public. Already in 2024, 23 high street bank closures have been announced in Wales, while automated teller machines (ATMs) declined by nearly a quarter between 2018 and 2023.

The Committee willconsider how declining high street banking services are impacting vulnerable people and small businesses across Wales, who are often more reliant on cash than digital banking. It will also examine how Wales is being affected by the loss of high street bank services, and whether the problem is worse in Wales than other parts of the UK.

Mr Crabb is a staunch advocate for retaining community banking facilities, especially in rural communities like Pembrokeshire where many local branches remain the only source of face-to-face banking provision for miles.

Recently Mr Crabb challenged Barclays Bank senior management on their decision to close the bank branch in Haverfordwest– a move that will see Barclays not only pull out of the county town, but means they won’t have a branch left anywhere in Pembrokeshire. He has also engaged with LINK – the UK’s largest cash machine network – and continues to campaign on the basis that a Banking Hub is established and that ATM machines should be retained or installed, especially in areas worst affected by the closures.  

Following the launch of the inquiry, MP Crabb added: “It is really sad to see so many banks across Wales closing as online banking grows in popularity. Despite the advantages of online banking, for a rural community with an ageing population like Pembrokeshire, bank branches hold huge importance as they offer face-to-face customer service.”

“I am acutely aware of the inconvenience that the bank closures locally have already caused following hundreds of replies from constituents to my ‘online banking survey’ ”

“I am looking forward to gathering further evidence on this subject through the committee’s inquiry, and will continue to put pressure on the relevant stakeholders to ensure that adequate alternative provisions are made through the establishment of banking hubs as well as the instalment of ATM machines where necessary.”

“In this inquiry, we are particularly keen to hear from those likely to be directly affected by the shift away from cash and physical banks. I encourage anyone with first-hand experience of losing banking services to give evidence to the Committee”

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