News

Narberth man sent a semi-naked photograph of his ex to her own son

Published

7 months ago

January 20, 2019

UNABLE to accept his relationship was over, a Narberth man sent a semi-naked photograph of his ex to her own son and then posted similar pictures on Facebook suggesting she was seeking male company.
Stephen Patrick Stokes bombard the victim at her home in Yeovil, Somerset, with a string of emails and text messages before sending the distressing photograph.
The victim decided not to go ahead with a prosecution to protect her privacy. However when he resumed contact again it was the “final straw” so she called the police and he was arrested.
Stokes, 59, of Redstone Road, appeared in the dock before Somerset Magistrates at Yeovil.
He pleaded guilty that between May 1 and June 25 last year he pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the harassment of the female complainant in that he contacted her by text messages, emails and letters and via third parties.
Prosecutor Ben Winzer said that the couple had been in a relationship for five years when she ended it in March 2018 so Stokes moved to Pembrokeshire but did not take the separation well.
“The victim was texted, phoned, messaged and sent letters from the defendant who attempted to reignite the relationship,” he said.
“She also disclosed that Stokes had sent a semi-naked picture of the complainant to her adult son and posted like images on his Facebook profile suggesting she was seeking male company.
“She declined to prosecute because of her privacy, however on May 17 the defendant was contacted by police and told about the disclosure of the photo and he accepted his behaviour had been unacceptable and was warned that any further problems would lead to a complaint of harassment.
“On June 24 he contacted her again by text requesting resuming their relationship and this was the final straw and caused her to support a prosecution and he was arrested.”
When Stokes was interviewed he admitted harassing his ex to try and win her back and accepted sending the letters and disclosing the photos on Facebook.
“This was a significant aggravating feature in this case and was intended to maximise the distress caused to the complainant and also involved one of her children,” added Mr Winzer.
Defending solicitor Ray Peters said that Stokes was his partner’s full time carer before the relationship ended and it came as a shock to him when it happened and he became extremely depressed as a result.
“He went to live in Pembrokeshire and when the police contacted him he admitted he had been attempting to reignite their relationship, although there was no suggestion of any threats,” he said.
“When he went to Wales he was diagnosed with depression by his GP and was having difficulties eating so was prescribed sleeping tablets and anti depressants.
“He says he is now moving on from the relationship break-up and has stayed on medication and has been able to find casual work at a pub.
“He accepts the relationship is now over and has no wish to contact the complainant.”
The magistrates sentenced Stokes to an 18 month community order with 200 hours unpaid work and a 25 day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. Costs of £85 and an £85 surcharge were also imposed
The magistrates also imposed a 12 month restraining order on the defendant ordering that he must not contact the complainant or her children and must not go to her address in Yeovil.

News

Dale Road: Several have minor injuries after two vehicle accident

Published

20 hours ago

August 16, 2019

Thomas Sinclair

EMERGENCY SERVICES are attending a two-vehicle road traffic accident on the B4327 Dale Road.

Two fire crews from Haverfordwest as well as police were called at around 3pm today (Aug 16).

A van and a car are involved.

Avoid the area at the present time

The Herald understands that several people are being treated for minor injuries.

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News

Tenby: Hotel goes into administration as new owner’s business empire collapses

Published

23 hours ago

August 16, 2019

Thomas Sinclair

A POPULAR Pembrokeshire hotel has gone into administration.

The Fourcroft Hotel in Tenby how faces an uncertain future. It’s parent company Northern Powerhouse Developments reportedly suffered a £14m operational loss last year.

The 40-bedroomed hotel, which had been in the ownership of the same family for over 70 years, was bought by Northern Powerhouse Developments for an undisclosed sum in January 2017.

New boss Gavin Woodhouse said at the time: “This is the first of four hotels we are acquiring and opening in South Wales to complement our existing hotels up and down the coastline of the United Kingdom.”

“The Fourcroft will be the sister hotel to the Llandudno Bay Hotel and Spa and part of the group’s premier hotel collection.

“We are keen to compliment the local businesses and hope to be part of the future success of Tenby and the surrounding areas.”

NPD was founded by Gavin Woodhouse to focus on investment in the leisure and tourism industry.

According to ITV News, at the High Court hearing, Justice Alastair Norris was told that Woodhouse had been withdrawing tens of thousands of pounds from a bank account he had kept secret from administrators.

Below: Video by The Guardian regarding the missing millions which have plagued Gavin Woodhouse’s businesses

Appointment of Administrators

In the High Court of Justice

Court Number: CR-2019-005297

FOURCROFT HOTEL (TENBY) LIMITED

(Company Number 00772050)

Nature of Business: Hotels and similar accommodation

Registered office: Unit D2 Elland Riorges Link, Lowfields Business Park, Elland, HX5 9DG

Principal trading address: The Croft, Tenby, SA70 8AP

Date of Appointment: 8 August 2019

Names and Address of Administrators: Philip Francis Duffy (IP No. 9253) and Sarah Helen Bell (IP No. 9406) both of Duff & Phelps Ltd, The Chancery, 58 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 1EW

Further details contact: The Joint Administrators, Tel: 0161 827 9000. Alternative contact: Chloe Chan, Email: Chloe.Chan@duffandphelps.com

Ag JG50885

News

Coastguard call-out after missing cliff climbers fears

Published

1 day ago

August 16, 2019

Thomas Sinclair

EMERGENCY services were called to the Stack Rocks area on Thursday August 15, following concerns for the safety of two climbers.

The emergency services were called following fears over the safety of some climbers when climbing gear had been found at the top of the cliff near Bullslaughter Bay, with the owners nowhere to be seen.

At 9.11pm, Tenby Coastguard rescue team, St Govan coastguard rescue team, Tenby Lifeboats RNLI ALB, Angle Lifeboat RNLI ALB and Coastguard rescue helicopter 187 were called to search for possible missing persons in the vicinity of Stack rocks.

Tenby’s RNLI all-weather lifeboat was launched just after 9pm and made best speed towards the scene, 10 miles west of Tenby, while Tenby and St Govans Coastguard rescue teams and Coastguard rescue helicopter 187 also made their way.

An RNLI spokesman said: “Once on scene, the volunteer crew began their search from Stackpole Head towards Bullslaughter Bay.

“With darkness fast approaching, it was decided to launch Angle all-weather lifeboat so that the search for anyone in difficulty could be widened.

“Sometime later, the helicopter spotted some climbers and directed Angle lifeboat to their position, and, while speaking to them, they confirmed it was their climbing gear and that they were in no difficulty.

“All units stood down and returned to their respective stations, with Tenby lifeboat arriving back on station at about 12.15am.”

H M Coastguard Tenby, posting on Facebook, added: “Coastguard and RNLI were quickly on the scene with the Coastguard officers searching from land along the coastline and RNLI lifeboats commencing a water search.

“Once Coastguard rescue helicopter 187 arrived on scene they managed to quickly locate two climbers using FLIR [Forward-Looking Infra-Red].

“Angle RNLI was then directed to the persons and made contact with the climbers and confirmed that the equipment found belonged to them and that they did not require assistance.”