News

Tiers cross: Businessman found guilty of common assault

Published

11 years ago

January 21, 2015

A WELL-KNOWN businessman from Tiers Cross has been found guilty of common assault against his former partner.

Philip Stoddart, of Oakley house, had been bailed by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on November 19 after pleading not guilty to a charge of assault. The company owner, who runs Stoddart Tyres, will be sentenced on February 11.

At a trial at Haverfordwest court on Wednesday (Jan 21) the prosecution outlined the case. For the CPS, Vaughan Pritchard Jones said: “Mr. Stoddart’s partner was at his house with the children. There was an argument about child support and she left with them. There is no dispute that a cordless telephone came into contact with her head which caused a lump, and there were lines on her face consistent with the ridges of the phone. The prosecution says that the defendant was in a temper and struck her with the phone.”

“He says that he was going to make a phone call and said that she wanted to stop him so she grabbed hold of the phone and yanked it from him and the force of that caused her to hit herself in the face with the phone.

But Stoddart maintained his innocence, saying he had not hit is ex. On the stand he said: “I was waving the phone around so she could take the phone off me. She managed to grab onto the phone and I let go of it, and this caused her to be hit on the side of the head.”

But the magistrates did not accept his explanation. The chairwoman of the bench said at the end of the trial: “We find the case against Phil Stoddart proved, mainly because of the credibility of the main witness. We are satisfied that her version of events are the correct one.”

Stoddart was released on bail with the conditions that he does not contact his ex, except via a solicitor, or enter her street.

Just before Christmas, the 48-year-old was held by police and appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court for an alleged offence under the Bail Act 1976.

However, after police received information that the director had breached his bail, he was arrested on December 20. Llanelli Magistrates’ Court remanded Stoddart into custody. He then appeared on December 23 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from prison.

At the second hearing, the bench agreed to release Stoddart in time for Christmas; but only if he adhered to strict bail conditions. The conditions are that he wears an electronic tag, is subject to a curfew between 8pm and 6am daily, does not contact a witness in the case, does not enter a particular area of Haverfordwest, and that he resided at Talbenny Hall Farm, Pembrokeshire.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

36 minutes 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

52 minutes 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

1 hour 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.