News

Inquest disappoints family

Published

10 years ago

January 6, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Seren Bernard: Family
“disappointed” at lack of depth to
inquests scope

SWANSEA’S coroner has ruled that an inquest into a teenagers suicide whilst in local authority care, will only consider the last few months of her life. 14-year-old Seren Bernard took her own life in 2012 when she was living with Pembrokeshire County Council foster carers in Milford Haven. Sarah Pollock, Seren’s mother, has been fighting for Article 2 of the Human Rights Act and the care given to the teenager over a longer period, be included in the inquest.

However, Paul Bennett said at a pre-inquest hearing that the teenager’s mental state in the few months before her death will be considered in the inquest, leaving Ms Pollock “disappointed”. A serious case review was carried out, with a summary published in January 2014, and Ms Pollock has not been permitted to see the full report, with the pre-inquest hearing also showing that Mr Bennett had not seen the full report, but he did not deem it necessary.

Mr Bennett said the inquest was not examining “systemic failures” neither duplicating what was investigated by the serious case review. Mr Bennet said: “I did not identify systemic failure in terms of steps taken by various agencies.” 12 witnesses will be called to give evidence the pre-inquest hearing concluded, with the inquest likely to take five or six days in June 2015. Written statements by a number of witnesses will also be considered, however the coroner stated a jury would not be required.

Crime

Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

Published

3 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.

Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.

She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.

Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.

The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Business

Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

Published

3 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.

High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.

To enter the competition, participants must:

Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
Like the competition post
Comment with their favourite Welsh word

The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.

For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Community

Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

Published

3 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.

Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.

Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.