News
Narberth man sent a semi-naked photograph of his ex to her own son
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
Retaining wall collapse in Haverfordwest crushes van
A RETAINING wall at Spring Gardens Lane, behind the site of the former Pembroke House Hotel in Haverfordwest, has collapsed following a period of heavy rainfall, causing damage to vehicles parked in the vicinity.
The incident has left two vans damaged, one severely.
The collapse of the wall sent debris sprawling across the car park, illustrating the force of the collapse and the substantial volume of water contributing to the structural failure.
Witnesses described hearing a loud rumbling noise before discovering the aftermath of the collapse.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
The collapse serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and the importance of maintaining and monitoring ageing infrastructure.
Business
People in Wales are worried about running out of money in retirement
FEAR of running out of money in retirement is rising among those in Wales with more than half (55%) concerned their savings will not last them through retirement, new research from Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) shows (please see the attached press release).
In general, women are more worried about running out of money compared to men. More than half (54%) of women surveyed are concerned about how long their money will last in retirement, compared to only 44% of men. Around 46% of men who are not worried about running out of money in retirement say it is because they have a final salary pension scheme – compared to just 38% of women who have this.
The study by Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), part of Rathbones Group, among people with stock market investments including pensions, paints a bleak picture – around 55% of those living in Wales are concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This is similar to the UK average of 56%.
Women are more worried than men that they do not have enough money for retirement. Almost two thirds (61%) of women surveyed are concerned, with 18% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement. This compares to just over half (53%) of men surveyed, with 14% of these very concerned they do not have enough money for retirement.
The Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) study shows that those living in Wales who have yet to retire are realistic about what will happen to their incomes in retirement – 64% expect their monthly incomes to drop on retirement and 36% did not know.
News
Road closure following serious road traffic collision near Pembroke
A ROAD traffic collision involving two vehicle led to the closure of the A4075 between Golden Hill and the Fingerpost Junction near Pembroke, causing significant disruption throughout Monday (MAr 18).
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 11:30 AM after reports the incident.
The road was closed to allow for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As the day progressed, it became clear that the closure would be extended, with the road likely to remain shut for an extended period.
The accident, described as ‘serious’ by authorities, prompted an immediate response from Dyfed-Powys Police and emergency medical teams.
Early reports suggest that at least one individual has been injured, although the extent of the injuries remains unclear.
Throughout the day, updates from the scene indicated a significant effort by investigative teams to understand the cause of the crash.
By late evening, after more than nine hours of closure, there was a slight reduction in the length of the road affected, AA Traffic said.
The A4075 is a crucial link between Pembroke and the surrounding areas, and its closure has had a noticeable impact on local traffic and commuters.
Emergency services and local authorities have expressed their gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time.
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