News

Prosecution case was ‘absurd’

Published

10 years ago

December 1, 2014

THE CASE of a Neyland man could not be proved beyond any reasonable doubt at court on Monday (Nov 3). Richard Davies, aged 69, of John Street, was accused of burglary other than a dwelling and theft from the person of another. He pleaded not guilty on August 8 and has maintained his innocence ever since. The second charge of theft was dropped by the Magistrates as they found he would have no case to answer. The matter dates back to 2012 when Richard’s neighbour, Stephen Thomas, went away for a couple of weeks.

Mr Thomas had his shed broken into during those weeks and a number of things were taken from it. Richard Davies was alleged to have stolen a clamp and a Stanley knife from the shed. CCTV from Mr Thomas’ home showed Davies climbing over his fence and walking up to his shed. The footage shows that Davies was in the shed for almost fifteen minutes and he says he was securing the door so nobody else could get in. After he comes out of the shed he has a clamp in his hand and then picks up a Stanley knife which was on the ground.

Davies added that the clamp was found outside of the garage and said he had no need for it. He then takes the items back to his own shed and places them there for safe keeping. Mr Thomas returned and reported to the police that a number of items were missing and he submitted CCTV footage to them. Asked in court why he did not call the police when he found out the shed had been broken into, Davies said: “That was the biggest mistake I made, I wish I had.” The police came round on February 2 2013, to speak to Mr Davies and he handed over the items that he had taken from the shed. Mr Thomas said that he had seen Davies and his wife in the weeks after the theft but Davies said that they had not seen each other.

Defending Patrick Llewlyn said: “The defence case is very strong, there is nothing that undermines Mr Davies’ account. He gave his account before seeing the CCTV and it fits. He is of good character and he is less likely not to tell the truth, he is a man of impeccable clean character. The prosecution case is quite absurd, in full view of a CCTV camera to steal two quite random items to the value of £30 when there are more items available – the prosecution case does not make sense. In hindsight, we all regret things, this was merely a mistake, it was a garage, less serious than normal and the house had been all but abandoned.

The charges don’t make sense; he accepts he picked up the Stanley knife. The property is infrequently attended, Thomas had moved out of the property and he did not see them until after the police officer had attended his house. Considering all that the court cannot be sure that meets the threshold of burglary.” The Magistrates agreed with the defence and agreed to dismiss the case.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.