News

Premier Inn ‘arsonist’ remanded in custody

Published

11 years ago

January 21, 2015

A 26-YEAR-OLD Narberth woman has been remanded in custody, charged with causing the fire at the Premier Inn hotel in Haverfordwest on Sunday morning, as well as other offences.

Gina Tranter of Redstone Court, Narberth, gave no indication of plea when she confirmed her name and address at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning (Jan 21).

Prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard Jones explained the CPS case: “The defendant went to the Hunt Ball in Haverfordwest with her boyfriend on Saturday night, the boy had not paid her much attention and she felt rejected. They went back to the Premier Inn where they were staying. The boyfriend shut the door and wouldn’t let her into the room. Following that, she went down to reception. She was drunk. We believe that she may have taken cocaine as well.”

Remanded in custody: Tina Tranter is accused of arson

The prosecutor continued: “The hotel receptionist wanted her to leave the hotel so the police were called. The police attended and drove her home. She got home and took the keys to her mother’s car. She went into her garage and got a can of petrol. She then drove back to Haverfordwest and sent a text to her boyfriend saying ‘you’ll be sorry’.

Mr Pritchard Jones said: “On arriving back at the hotel, she went to one of the external fire doors and poured the petrol onto the facia of the door and she set it alight with a cigarette lighter. There were 133 guests in the premier inn. There was one person who was staying the hotel who was trained in firefighting. He got some equipment and put the fire out. The incident was recorded on CCTV. It is clear that it is the defendant who set the fire.”

He added: “She made a call to a friend of hers, Mr. Evans, at 6.32am. She called her friend saying: ‘I have poured petrol on the Premier Inn, I am in deep trouble. I have got to go on the run.'”

The court heard that the defendant is of clean character with no previous convictions or cautions.

Wearing a grey sweatshirt Tranter was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court on January 27.

Tranter is facing four charges in total. Arson when reckless as to whether life could be endangered, taking a vehicle without consent, driving a vehicle with no insurance and failing to provide a breath test.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.