Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Former Tenby doorman found guilty of child sexual assault

Published

on

GARY BLOUNT, a 44-year-old man from Whitland previously employed as a doorman and sound engineer in Tenby, has been unanimously found guilty by a jury on two charges of child sexual assault.

The incidents, involving a child aged five or six, occurred between 2014 and October 2016. Blount had denied both charges, which were related to the same victim.

The trial, held at Swansea Crown Court, lasted three days.

Despite being on bail during the proceedings, Blount is now in custody awaiting sentencing.

The court was informed of Blount’s concerning criminal history.

In 2018, he had been convicted after admitting to sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl and inducing her into similar acts.

These offences were committed between September and October 2016.

The current allegations were brought to light last year when the young victim confided in a school counsellor.

Prosecutor Ian Wright shared that the child later informed her mother, expressing remorse for not speaking up sooner.

She described feeling “uncomfortable” with Blount’s advances, but he had told her such actions were “normal”.

On July 8, 2022, the victim provided her account to the police, detailing the inappropriate contact. Blount was subsequently arrested and charged when he visited Haverfordwest Police Station the next day.

Judge Geraint Walters has scheduled Blount’s sentencing for Monday, September 18, following the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

 

Community

Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes

Published

on

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the launch of its first Waterway Safety Competition, set to begin in April.

The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible use of the Milford Haven Waterway, one of the busiest and most diverse waterways in Wales. The waterway is used daily by paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, and large commercial vessels, making safety a key priority.

As part of the competition, participants are invited to showcase their own interpretation of the waterway through any creative medium. All art forms are welcome, and entries will be judged monthly.

Each month, winners will receive prizes designed to support water safety, including lifejackets and training sessions.

The Port hopes the competition will encourage greater awareness of safety while celebrating the unique character of the waterway.

For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-safety-competition/

 

Continue Reading

News

Reform UK unveils Carmarthenshire Senedd candidates

Published

on

REFORM UK Wales has announced its full list of candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin (Carmarthenshire) ahead of the Senedd election on Thursday, May 7.

Leading the list is Gareth Beer, the party’s Carmarthenshire chairman, a local businessman, father of four and Kidwelly town councillor. In the 2024 General Election, he came within around 1,500 votes of winning the Llanelli seat — Reform UK’s strongest result in Wales.

Beer said the party had assembled “a strong team of decent, hard-working people” ready to represent the county.

He said: “We have already started campaigning strongly across the constituency, and the reception we are receiving on the doorstep has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People have had enough of the lies they hear from politicians and want to give a new party a genuine chance to make real changes.”

He added that key issues raised by voters included NHS waiting lists, education standards, the economy and the cost of living.

Full candidate list

The Reform UK candidates for Sir Gaerfyrddin are:

Gareth Beer – Businessman, Kidwelly town councillor and Carmarthenshire chairman for Reform UK.

Carmelo Colasanto – County and community councillor with a background in retail, compliance and multinational business operations.

Sarah Edwards – Retired dental professional and smallholder, known for campaigning on rural and environmental issues.

Christopher Brooke – Retired engineer and manager with more than four decades’ experience in manufacturing.

Alan Cole – Former senior corporate leader and business owner who has worked with small businesses across South Wales.

Michelle Beer – Marketing and PR professional and Reform UK county councillor for the Lliedi ward, elected in a 2025 by-election.

The party said the team brings experience from business, engineering, healthcare and public service.

Reform UK Wales said its campaign in Carmarthenshire would focus on reducing NHS waiting times, improving education, supporting small businesses and addressing the rising cost of living.

The party is positioning itself as an alternative to what it describes as the political “status quo” in Cardiff Bay.

 

Continue Reading

News

Police watchdog investigates after gunshot fired inside Milford Haven flats

Published

on

A POLICE firearm was discharged inside a block of flats in Milford Haven during an incident on Saturday evening (March 28), it has emerged.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a single shot was fired at around 6:32pm after officers were called to reports of disorder at Bunkers Hill involving a person believed to be carrying a knife.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed it has been notified. A spokesperson said the force had made a voluntary conduct referral, which will be assessed before any decision is made on further action.

Police have stated that the firearm was not directed at any individual and that no injuries were reported.

A witness close to the matter told The Herald that the shot was fired as an officer entered the flats and moved up the stairs, with the bullet striking a breeze block wall. This account has not yet been officially confirmed.

When Herald reporters attended the scene on Sunday afternoon, a significant police presence remained, with officers seen going in and out of the building and carrying out checks around the rear of the flats.

The precise circumstances leading to the discharge remain under investigation.

More to follow.

 

Continue Reading

News3 hours ago

Plaid Cymru launches bid to lead next Welsh Government

Party positions itself as ‘government-in-waiting’ ahead of May election PLAID CYMRU has formally launched its campaign for the 2026 Senedd...

Crime4 hours ago

Police appeal after attempted child abduction in Haverfordwest

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has launched an appeal for witnesses following a reported attempted abduction of a 12-year-old girl in Haverfordwest. The...

Crime1 day ago

Gunshot fired by police during incident in Milford Haven

A POLICE officer discharged a firearm during an incident in Milford Haven on Saturday evening (March 28), prompting an investigation...

Community2 days ago

Three Amigos Easter Run roars through Pembrokeshire

MOTORCYCLE enthusiasts turned out in force today (Saturday, March 28) as the popular Three Amigos Easter Run returned to the...

Education3 days ago

Ysgol Henry Tudor reassures parents over Sikh ceremonial kirpan

School says religious item worn by pupil is secured, symbolic and non-functional YSGOL HENRY TUDOR has moved to reassure parents...

Crime4 days ago

Teen jailed after starting fire while others slept

Fire set in shared home left sleeping residents at risk and caused £130,000 damage A TEENAGER who started a fire...

Health4 days ago

GP crisis driving NHS pressure in Wales, Senedd report warns

Falling GP numbers and funding gaps blamed for worsening hospital delays THE NHS crisis highlighted earlier this week is being...

News5 days ago

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot REFORM UK...

Health5 days ago

Clash over Withybush Hospital services as Paul Davies challenges First Minister

A HEATED exchange in the Senedd has laid bare growing tensions over the future of hospital services in west Wales....

Crime6 days ago

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday...

Popular This Week