AN 80-YEAR-OLD Crymych woman has been handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to 11 donkeys and a pony in her care over a prolonged period.

Elizabeth Palmer, of The Retreat, Llethr-Uchaf, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Dec 11), where she pleaded guilty to two charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The court heard that between September 2023 and March 2024, Palmer failed to provide the animals with essential farrier and dental care, leaving them in significant distress.

The offences came to light following an investigation by the RSPCA, which revealed severe neglect at Palmer’s property. One donkey had to be euthanised due to the extent of its suffering.

Magistrates described the offences as “so serious” that Palmer was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. In addition to the custodial sentence, she was ordered to pay a £150 victim surcharge, £400 in court costs, and £3,570.62 in prosecution costs to the RSPCA.

Palmer has also been disqualified from owning, keeping, or dealing with any animals, except for dogs and cats, for 10 years. The court further granted the RSPCA authority to seize any animals in her possession, with a five-year restriction on applying to lift the ban.

Palmer’s guilty plea was taken into account when sentencing. She has been ordered to pay her financial penalties in monthly instalments, starting from January 22, 2025.

SMUGGLING PROBLEMS PERSIST

DRUGS smuggled into Parc Prison in Bridgend using drones, staff corruption, and even children’s nappies are contributing to a crisis that has seen 17 inmate deaths this year. MPs have grilled the management of the G4S-run facility – which houses many offenders from Pembrokeshire – over safety and governance issues.

Will Styles, director of HMP Parc, told the Welsh Affairs Select Committee that contraband enters the prison via several routes. “It can be thrown over the wall, brought in by visitors – hidden in bodily orifices or children’s nappies – or through staff corruption,” he explained.

Organised crime gangs, particularly those based in Wales and the Midlands, are exploiting drone technology to smuggle illicit items. “It takes 20 seconds to fly a drone over the wall, drop drugs, and exit the premises,” said Gordon Brockington, G4S managing director. “Even small amounts of drugs can cause enormous problems.”

DEATHS UNDER SCRUTINY

The committee heard that of the 17 deaths at the prison this year, eight were from natural causes, three were self-inflicted, and five were drug-related. Parc Prison houses an ageing population, with 16% of inmates aged over 50, and serves as one of two palliative care centres in the UK.

Mr Brockington highlighted the threat of nitazenes, synthetic opioids up to 1,000 times more potent than morphine, which were introduced into the prison earlier this year. Despite these challenges, he insisted that the majority of staff are not corrupt.

PROGRESS BUT MORE TO DO

Ruth Jones, chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, pressed prison officials on whether inmates can be guaranteed safety. Mr Styles responded: “An awful lot of work has gone into improving safety and security. Self-harm and violence metrics have significantly improved, and there have been no non-natural deaths since June.”

Inmates have also reported feeling safer, and improvements to prison conditions and regimes have been noted. However, Ms Jones expressed concerns about ongoing issues, particularly the introduction of new drugs like nitazenes and the smuggling of tiny mobile phones designed to evade security.

FUTURE STEPS

The committee acknowledged that progress has been made but emphasized the need for continued efforts. Ms Jones said: “Seventeen deaths in one year is a tragedy and raises serious questions about safety. Frontline staff must be better trained to address emerging threats. Additionally, the Government must act swiftly to address the smuggling of mobile phones designed to evade security.”

The committee also noted that plans to expand Parc Prison would require addressing staffing and healthcare concerns. Ms Jones confirmed that her committee would monitor progress closely and revisit the issue if necessary.

MINISTER BACKS G4S CONTRACT

The UK Government’s Prisons Minister, Lord James Timpson, told the committee he has no plans to strip G4S of its contract to run HMP Parc. Responding to questions from the committee’s chair, Ruth Jones, Lord Timpson said he was impressed by improvements during a recent visit and saw no reason to cancel the contract.

“I’ve seen a number of prisons over the years, both in private and public ownership. It comes down to leadership and focus over the long term,” Lord Timpson said. “Despite the challenges, I think they did a lot of good things at HMP Parc, and the reasons to close a contract aren’t present in this case.”

DRUGS IN PRISONS: A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS

Lord Timpson admitted that tackling drugs in prisons like Parc remains a significant challenge. “We have a long way to go on drugs,” he said. “We need to see it as a public health problem and ensure opportunities for inmates to turn their lives around. Substance-free wings, education, purposeful activity, and building meaningful relationships with officers are key.”

The minister emphasized the importance of reducing reoffending through rehabilitation efforts, saying: “If we can help people leave prison free of drugs or alcohol, it will make a massive difference to reoffending rates.”

SECURITY AND STAFFING IMPROVEMENTS

Will Styles told MPs that security checks on staff have increased five-fold since June, and staffing levels have improved. “The vast majority of staff are not corrupt,” he stressed, adding that work is ongoing to address smuggling routes, including industrial-scale drone drops organized by crime gangs.

Parc Prison’s management and the UK Government face mounting pressure to implement lasting solutions to safety and governance challenges. The Welsh Affairs Select Committee has pledged to continue monitoring progress closely.

HAVERFORDWEST MAGISTRATES’ COURT will hear a series of littering cases tomorrow, with individuals from across Pembrokeshire and beyond accused of offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The cases primarily involve cigarette butts being dropped and left in public spaces, with locations spanning Pembroke Dock, Haverfordwest, Tenby, Milford Haven, and other towns.

The following individuals are set to appear:

1. Nathan Abbott, 30, of Hakin, Milford Haven
2. Alex Austin, 49, of Malvern, Worcestershire
3. Tim Benfan, 36, of Rugby, Warwickshire
4. Anthony Bevan, 39, of Pembroke
5. Melissa Bevan, 43, of Pembroke
6. Arron Bridges, 23, of Crundale, Haverfordwest
7. Daniel Brooks, 38, of Tenby
8. Dale Brown, 38, of Milford Haven
9. Stephen Charkes, 62, of Llanelli
10. John Cotton, 60, of Ledbury, Herefordshire
11. Chaves De Oliveria, 24, of London
12. James William Gwyn Dewhurst, 38, of Haverfordwest
13. Kevin Filer, 66, of Milford Haven
14. Barry Frost, 64, of Bradford, West Yorkshire
15. Andrew Griffiths, 41, of Aberdare
16. Robert Jeffrey Hamblin, 42, of Pembroke
17. Victoria Hodgson, 34, of Pembroke
18. Gerald Maddocks, 40, of Haverfordwest
19. Deana Sophia Mead, 31, of Milford Haven
20. Jacqueline Niblett, 63, of Hengoed
21. Micheal Raymond, 55, of Cowbridge
22. Shaun Tuxker, 38, of Haverfordwest
23. Liam Unsworth, 27, of Narberth
24. Shaun Manche, 41, of Milford Haven
25. Chelsea McLaren, 29, of Narberth
26. Marian Radoi, 40, of Haverfordwest
27. Leah Reynolds, 31, of Haverfordwest
28. James Stewart, 44, of Pembroke Dock
29. Andrew Stokes, 53, of Stourport-on-Severn
30. Nicola Wilkins, 48, of Swansea
31. Rhys R Williams, 24, of Tonyrefail
32. Ryan Williams, 45, of Swansea
33. John Wright, 41, of Pembroke Dock

Each case involves allegations of littering, primarily cigarette butts, in public places such as streets, car parks, and parks across Pembrokeshire. Offenders face maximum penalties of up to £2,500 under Section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Authorities hope these proceedings will serve as a reminder to the public about the importance of maintaining clean and litter-free communities.

Pictured: Litter enforcement officer in Haverfordwest (Image: File)