News

Tag removed by bench

Published

11 years ago

January 5, 2015

MAGISTRATES removed a number of bail conditions, including an electronic tag, attached to a Haverfordwest man at Court on Wednesday (Dec 17). Joshua Simmons, aged 24 of Dew Street, pleaded guilty on a basis to a charge of ABH, theft of a mobile phone and possession of less than a gram of cannabis.

A fourth charge of breaching a nonmolestation order was dropped after it was revealed that the complainant initiated the breach by going to his house and then having sexual relations with him on that evening. The Magistrates indicated that they were looking at giving a community order and a report will now be prepared by the probation service.

At a previous hearing, five bail conditions were imposed on Simmons. These were a curfew from 9pm-7am – for which he was also given an electronic tag – not to contact the complainant, not to enter Milford Haven, that he should report to the police station every day and that he should live and sleep at his address. The chairman of the bench removed those conditions. The two new conditions he was given were he should not contact the complainant and that he should cooperate with the probation service.

Prosecuting, Peter Lloyd said: “The basis is not acceptable to the crown. The lady says she went to his address in Dew Street and accepts that she shouldn’t have gone there. “Whilst in the house, he looked at her mobile phone and saw messages from other lads on it. This resulted in the assault and he grabbed her hair and pushed her to the floor. He went out but come back soon after and pulled her by the hair, dragging her along the floor. The CPS say that she was stamped on the face by the defendant, while he says that the injury was caused by him kneeing her to the eye.

He does accept that he caused the injury. He grabbed her by her hair again and wouldn’t let her out. He has eventually pushed her out of the flat”. Defending, Mike Kelleher said: “There are differences in the accounts of what happened. On this night she had alcohol. We say she was drunk and had gained access to his flat and they slept together.

My client has become worried because he knew about the nonmolestation order and that she might be able to make a complaint. “He told her to get out of the flat and the assault occurred. He fell on top of her and kneed her to the side of the face. It took some more persuasion for the lady to leave and it is a shame that it has ended up like this. “He accepts he caused the injury and that he perhaps was a little rough in getting her out, but he apologises for all of this.” The Magistrates indicated that they would be sentencing on the basis given by the defence and ordered for a report. The matter will come back to court on January 14, 2015 and Simmons was

News

Flood warnings issued across Wales as heavy rain raises river levels

Published

11 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FLOOD warnings and alerts have been issued across large parts of Wales as persistent heavy rain causes river levels to rise, with parts of the country facing an increased risk of flooding on Thursday (Dec 18).

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that four flood warnings are currently in place, meaning immediate action is required, while a further 16 flood alerts have been issued where flooding is possible.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office, covering much of Wales from 10:00am on Thursday until 7:00pm, with disruption expected in some areas.

NRW said the warnings follow prolonged wet weather, with further heavy rainfall forecast to move across the country during the day.

The Met Office said: “An area of heavy rain will move northeast across the warning area during Thursday morning and afternoon before clearing to the east through the evening.

“Given recent very wet weather, there is potential for some disruption to travel and possible flooding.

“Much of the warning area will see 15–25mm of rain but some places could see 40–50mm, with the highest totals falling over high ground of south Wales.”

Forecasters have also warned that strong winds could worsen conditions, particularly along the coast.

“There is a chance of 60–70mph gusts along the exposed south coast, and perhaps 40–50mph some way inland,” the Met Office added.

Flood warnings in force

NRW has confirmed flood warnings are currently active at the following locations:

River Towy at Carmarthen Quay, Carmarthen
River Ritec at Tenby
River Towy affecting isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili
River Rhyd Hir at Riverside Terrace, Pwllheli

Residents in these areas are being urged to take immediate action to protect property and personal safety.

Flood alerts issued

In addition, flood alerts — meaning flooding is possible — have been issued for the Lower Severn catchment in Powys, along with other areas shown on NRW’s live flood monitoring maps.

NRW is advising people to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and footpaths, and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.

The Herald understands that river levels will continue to be closely monitored throughout the day as rainfall moves through Wales.

Members of the public can check the latest flood warnings and alerts on the Natural Resources Wales website or by signing up for flood alerts direct to their phone.

Flood alerts and warnings across Wales on Thursday (Pic: NRW).

Crime

Jury discharged after failing to reach verdict in historic abuse trial

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CPS have a week do decide if they wish to pursue a re-trial, judge confirms

THE JURY has been discharged in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after telling the court it was unable to reach a verdict, even by majority.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is charged with the oral rape and sexual assault of a child, with the offences alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen. He denies the charges.

On Thursday (Dec 18), the jury returned to Swansea Crown Court and was asked whether it had reached a verdict on either count upon which at least ten jurors were agreed.

The foreman replied: “No.”

Judge Paul Thomas KC then asked whether there was any realistic likelihood that further deliberations would lead to a verdict being reached.

The foreman replied: “No, your honour.”

Judge Thomas KC said that in those circumstances he would discharge the jury and give the prosecution seven days to decide whether it would seek a retrial.

Addressing the jurors, the judge said they should not think they had failed or let anyone down.

“These things happen,” he said. “It’s one of the strengths of the jury system that people hold different views.”

He thanked the jury for their service and wished them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The court heard that the prosecution will now consider its position, with a further hearing expected next week to determine whether a retrial will take place.