News

Teenager’s death not linked to bullying or social media, says coroner

Published

1 year ago

November 23, 2024

A “KIND, strong” teenager who tragically took her own life was not driven to her actions by bullying or social media, the Pembrokeshire Coroner has concluded following a five-day inquest.

Megan Evans, aged 14, was found in her home in Milford Haven on February 7, 2017. Described by her family as “a kind and beautiful soul,” Megan was remembered for her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and the love and laughter she brought to her home.

Her death prompted a significant examination of the pressures faced by teenagers today, particularly concerning bullying and the influence of social media. However, Pembrokeshire Coroner Paul Bennett stated there was no evidence to suggest these factors played a role in Megan’s death.

Coroner’s findings

Dyfed-Powys Police’s digital crime investigation unit analyzed Megan’s social media activity and found “no evidence of targeted abuse or bullying directed at Megan.” The coroner also reviewed the school’s anti-bullying measures, which included assemblies, PSE lessons, and an intranet reporting tool.

“Pupils knew what route they could take should bullying arise,” said Mr. Bennett. “That does not mean that pupils did avail themselves of those options.” He added that perceptions of bullying could vary widely, stating that “bullying to one may be banter to another.”

The inquest heard that Megan had been upset by incidents at school, including one five days before her death. However, Mr. Bennett found no link between these events and her decision to take her own life. He also ruled out other factors such as reprimands about her uniform or concerns about her father’s health as contributing to her actions.

“Megan Catherine Evans died as a result of self-suspension, having intended to take her own life. The decision to do so was not influenced by bullying or social media,” Mr. Bennett concluded.

Family’s heartbreak

Megan’s family expressed profound sadness over the coroner’s findings. Earlier in the week, they pledged to honor her legacy by continuing to fight for kindness and love.

“She is missed more than we could ever express,” they said. “She made the world a better place just by being in it.”

However, Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, took to social media to voice her anger and frustration with the coroner’s conclusions.

“It’s utterly heartbreaking and beyond disgusting to see a conclusion that tries to blur the lines between bullying and banter,” she wrote. “Megan is dead—she clearly did not take it as banter. How is it acceptable to claim that such words don’t amount to targeted bullying or abuse?”

Her comments have sparked widespread support online, with many echoing her concerns. One local woman commented: “Banter—it most certainly is not. Those words kill. What has this life become when so-called professionals see no wrong in this type of behavior?” Others called for accountability, suggesting the case should be subject to judicial review.

Megan’s death sent shockwaves through the Milford Haven community. Tributes poured in after her passing, and her story became a rallying point for discussions on mental health, bullying, and the pressures faced by young people. Milford Haven School has since emphasized its commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for pupils.

Headteacher Jane Smith said in a statement: “Megan’s death was a tragedy that deeply affected everyone at our school. We continue to work tirelessly to ensure all students feel supported and to address any concerns they may have.”

Local organizations have also stepped in, launching campaigns to promote mental health awareness and kindness. A vigil held in Megan’s memory shortly after her death drew hundreds of attendees, many of whom highlighted the urgent need for change.

Expert perspectives on bullying and banter

The distinction between bullying and banter, highlighted by the coroner, has drawn criticism from experts and advocates. Child psychologist Dr. Sarah Davies noted: “For some young people, what may seem like lighthearted jokes can have devastating emotional impacts. We must listen to their experiences and validate their feelings rather than dismissing them as misunderstandings.”

Mental health charity Mind Cymru echoed these concerns, urging schools and communities to take every report of harmful behavior seriously. “Words have power, and the way we address this issue has consequences for how young people perceive support systems around them.”

The tragedy of Megan Evans has reignited conversations about how to protect young people from harm and foster kindness both online and offline. Megan’s family remains steadfast in their commitment to honoring her memory, calling for accountability and cultural change.

“She deserved so much more,” said Nicola Harteveld. “We will continue to fight for her and for others who are struggling.”

Crime

Milford Haven man denies child sex charges as trial date set

Published

34 minutes ago

December 19, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A MAN originally from Milford Haven has pleaded not guilty to a series of sexual offences involving a child after recently moving to Cornwall.

James Kershaw, aged 45, formerly of Milford Haven and now living in Quethiock, Cornwall, appeared in court on Friday (Dec 19), where he denied all four sexual charges put to him.

The hearing was his first Crown Court appearance in the case, during which a trial date was fixed for October 5.

Kershaw was allowed to remain on bail under strict conditions, including that he must have no contact with any prosecution witnesses.

Kershaw appeared via video link from his solicitor’s office in Cornwall. The judge described this as “a very generous decision by the listings officer” and said it had “presumably been arranged due to the distance from you to the court”.

Allegations denied

The charges relate to alleged incidents said to have taken place in Liskeard, Cornwall, between October 26 and November 1, 2023.

Kershaw is accused of engaging in sexual communication with a child under the age of 16 and of causing a child aged 13 to watch sexual activity. He also faces two allegations of causing or inciting a girl aged 13 to engage in sexual activity of a non-penetrative nature on separate dates.

In addition, Kershaw is charged with two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed by Derby Crown Court in May 2022. These allegations include the use of an undisclosed Facebook account and the deletion of messages, both of which are said to be prohibited under the terms of that order.

Kershaw denies all allegations.

The court ordered that Kershaw may remain on bail pending trial, subject to conditions including a strict ban on contacting any witnesses.

The complainant’s identity is protected by law under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

The case is due to return to court when the trial begins in October.

Community

Craig Flannery appointed as new Chief Fire Officer

Published

11 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID AND WEST WALES FIRE SERVICE LEADERSHIP CHANGE

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has announced the appointment of Craig Flannery as its new Chief Fire Officer, with effect from Monday, December 15, 2025.

Mr Flannery has served with the Service for more than twenty years, progressing through a wide range of middle management and senior leadership roles across both operational and non-operational departments.

During his career, he has been closely involved in strengthening operational delivery, risk management and organisational development. His work has included leading innovation in learning and development, overseeing the Service’s On-Call Improvement Programme, and driving investment in key enabling functions such as workforce development and information and communication technology.

The appointment followed a rigorous, multi-stage recruitment process led by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority. Candidates were assessed through structured interviews, strategic leadership exercises and scenario-based assessments designed to test operational judgement, organisational vision and the ability to lead a modern fire and rescue service.

External professional assessors were also engaged to provide independent scrutiny, ensuring the process met high standards of fairness, transparency and challenge.

Mr Flannery emerged as the strongest candidate, demonstrating clear strategic leadership capability, detailed organisational knowledge and a strong commitment to community safety and service improvement.

Councillor John Davies, Chair of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “Craig brings a deep understanding of our Service and a clear vision for its future. His appointment will strengthen our ability to innovate, support our workforce and deliver high-quality protection for the communities we serve.

“As we navigate a rapidly changing landscape, Craig’s experience in driving innovation and organisational development will be invaluable in helping us adapt and transform for the future.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Flannery said: “It is a privilege to lead this outstanding Service. I am committed to supporting our people, strengthening partnerships and building on the strong foundations already in place.

“As the challenges facing fire and rescue services continue to evolve, we must modernise and innovate, ensuring we have the skills, technology and capability needed to meet the needs of our communities. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across Mid and West Wales to deliver a resilient, progressive Service that keeps people safe and places our staff at the heart of everything we do.”

Health

Resident doctors in Wales vote to accept new contract

Published

16 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENT doctors across Wales have voted to accept a new contract, with 83% of those who took part in a referendum backing the agreement, according to BMA Cymru Wales.

The contract includes a four per cent additional investment in the resident doctor workforce and introduces a range of reforms aimed at improving training conditions, wellbeing and long-term workforce sustainability within NHS Wales. The BMA says the deal also supports progress towards pay restoration, which remains a central issue for doctors.

Key changes include new safeguards to limit the most fatiguing working patterns, measures intended to address medical unemployment and career progression concerns, and reforms to study budgets and study leave to improve access to training opportunities.

Negotiations between the BMA’s Welsh Resident Doctors Committee, NHS Wales Employers and the Welsh Government concluded earlier this year. Following a consultation period, a referendum of resident doctors and final-year medical students in Wales was held, resulting in a clear majority in favour of the proposals.

Welsh Resident Doctors Committee chair Dr Oba Babs Osibodu said the agreement marked a significant step forward for doctors working in Wales.

He said: “We’re proud to have negotiated this contract, which offers our colleagues and the future generation of doctors safer terms of service, fairer pay, and better prospects so that they can grow and develop their careers in Wales.

“This contract will help to retain the doctors already in training, and also attract more doctors to work in Wales, where they can offer their expertise and benefit patients.”

Dr Osibodu added that the BMA remains committed to achieving full pay restoration and acknowledged that challenges remain for some doctors.

“Whilst this contract sets the foundations for a brighter future for resident doctors in Wales, we recognise that there are still doctors who are struggling to develop their careers and secure permanent work,” he said. “We need to work with the Welsh Government and NHS employers to address training bottlenecks and underemployment.”

The Welsh Government has previously said it recognises the pressures facing resident doctors and the importance of improving recruitment and retention across NHS Wales, while also highlighting the need to balance pay agreements with wider NHS funding pressures and patient demand.

The new contract is expected to be phased in from August 2026. It will initially apply to doctors in foundation programmes, those in specialty training with unbanded rotas, and new starters, before being rolled out to all resident doctors across Wales.