News

Jilted arsonist jailed for two years

Published

12 years ago

November 20, 2013

A JILTED teenager got his own back by burning down the home of his ex-girlfriend.

James Holt, 18, caused £106,000 worth of damage to the home of Emily Longden. Holt, of Bevelin Hall, Saundersfoot, admitted arson and was sent to a young offenders’ institution for two years.

Swansea crown court heard how Holt set fire to a bed at Southwinds, Culver Park, Tenby. But he used an accelerant and the flames quickly spread, causing £90,000 worth of structural damage.

Miss Longden’s family also lost £16,000 worth of personal possessions, including irreplaceable photographs.

Chris James, Holt’s barrister, said he had had extremely strong feelings for Miss Longden and was completely lost when the relationship ended.

He had tried to take his own life and the arson was more of a cry for help, added Mr James. Holt was the only person in the property at the time. Judge Paul Thomas said the fire was a spiteful act of revenge.

He said thousands of young people ended relationships with the opposite sex every day but they did not react in the way he had.

“Their home was ruined and Emily’s studies were interrupted at an important time in her life.

“I have to have in mind the profound impact on that family.

“Irreplaceable family mementos were lost for ever and all because your girlfriend finished with you.

“The fire got out of control. But if you play with fire you don’t know what the consequences will be.

“I accept that the only person at risk was you,” he added.

Judge Thomas said he noted that in 2009 Holt had caused “gratuitous” damage to a house by spreading cream on the floor. For that he had received a police caution.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

45 minutes ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

1 hour ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.

News

Welsh Secretary holds first call with new First Minister

Published

2 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Jo Stevens and Rhun ap Iorwerth discuss poverty, public services, clean energy, steelmaking and economic growth

WELSH Secretary Jo Stevens has held her first call with Wales’ new First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth following the recent Senedd election.

The call took place today, Monday (May 18), with Ms Stevens congratulating Mr ap Iorwerth on Plaid Cymru’s election results and his appointment as First Minister.

The Welsh Secretary said it was important for the UK and Welsh Governments to work constructively together on shared priorities.

Those issues include the cost of living, poverty, public services, economic growth and the delivery of clean energy infrastructure in Wales.

Ms Stevens also raised the importance of collaboration on Welsh steelmaking and the transition at Port Talbot, as well as growth funds, defence and national security.

The conversation follows a call last week between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the new First Minister, during which Mr Starmer also congratulated him on his appointment.

The Prime Minister has offered to meet Mr ap Iorwerth in person in June to discuss shared issues and priorities.