News
Youth cleared of teen rape
A YOUTH was cleared on Thursday (Nov 13) of the underwater rape of a teenage girl. The 17 year old, who cannot be named because of a court order, was accused of pulling aside her swimming costume and forcing himself on her while they were in the sea off the beach at Saundersfoot. The youth told a jury at Swansea crown court that while there may have been some kissing involved there had not been any sexual contact.
Ian Wright, prosecuting, said the pair had been in a group enjoying a day out at the beach. At one stage the rest of the group stopped swimming and returned to the beach, leaving just the youth and the girl in the water. The defendant was alleged to have touched her legs and to have pulled her with such force that she went under the water. Then, said Mr Wright, he exposed himself while holding her around the waist. Despite trying to bite him, added Mr Wright, he managed to pull her towards him and to have sexual intercourse with her.
Mr Wright said he stopped only when other members of the group reentered the sea. Mr Wright said the girl immediately complained to her cousin about what had happened. The cousin told the jury she had been surprised to see them kissing while in the sea. She confirmed the girl told her that the boy had had sex with her. But when she advised her to be careful before making allegations she appeared to brush away the matter. She said she had watched the couple while they had been in the water and had not been aware of anything sexual taking place. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty, which sparked celebrations of relief amongst members of the public.
News
Man remanded in custody following alleged assault in town centre
A PEMBROKE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged assault against a woman in Pembroke town centre last Thursday.
Morgan Ralph, 38, is accused of assaulting a female, occasioning her actual bodily harm during the alleged altercation on March 14.
Ralph, who appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday morning via a video link from Swansea Prison, pleaded not guilty to the offence.
His solicitor Tom Lloyd, informed magistrates that Ralph was acting in self defence during the alleged incident.
The matter was adjourned to May 23 when Ralph, of St Oswalds, Main Street, Pembroke, will be tried before Haverfordwest magistrates.
He was remanded in custody.
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.
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