News

‘Christmas spree’ shoplifter jailed…

Published

11 years ago

January 22, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Shoplifters: Shae Cadwallader and Alicia Stokes.

A 20-YEAR-OLD shoplifter from Haverfordwest was jailed by Magistrates on Tuesday (Jan 6). Alicia Stokes, of Fleming Crescent admitted four counts of shop lifting in a pre-Christmas spree, in which she stole items of clothing and household items from her local branches of Pound Stretcher, Peacocks, Morrisons and The Factory Shop.

However, these thefts put her in breach of a Crown Court community order, and the bench felt that prison was the only option. The chair of the bench said: “The record you have is absolutely appalling. We feel that we really need to protect the public. “We will send you to prison for sixteen weeks.” However, Stokes started to argue from behind the glass, which separated her from the court room. She said: “I don’t think you should send me to prison.

I’ve been really compliant with my probation officer and my solicitor told me that I wouldn’t be going to prison today.” Friends and supporters, including her boyfriend, Shae Cadwallader shouted from the gallery as she was taken down: “I love you babe.” Stokes’ defence solicitor, Mark Layton felt that there was one last chance to get his client out of the cells. He immediately, and hastily, drew up an appeal against the sentence, and ten minutes later she was brought back upstairs while this application was heard. Mr Layton said: “I can only make this application if I feel the sentence imposed has been mantifestively excessive.

“She has largely complied with the court order – I don’t know what a Crown Court judge would do. “The judge may say that Stokes has broken the order, but I would like her to be released on bail. She could report daily to Haverfordwest Police Station and could be ordered not to enter the shopping areas of Haverfordwest.” In response to the application for bail, prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard-Jones said: “I simply refer you to the record, she’s committed offence after offence. Also these offences were committed when subject to a Crown Court community order.

“The defendant has a history of committing offences on bail, therefore I would say bail is not appropriate.” Without hesitation, the chairman of the bench ruled out the application for bail, saying: “We are satisfied – the sentence is correct for the level of crime and therefore we are not granting bail.’

…but boyfriend spared prison

A SUSPENDED prison sentence was imposed on the boyfriend of Alicia Stokes, who went on a shopping spree to fund his legal high addiction at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jan 6). Shae Cadwallader, of Fleming Crescent, Haverfordwest, stole items with the intention to sell some on in order to buy a legal high known as Pyschlone Herbal Incense. Cadwallader was charged with four shoplifting offences and whilst he was in court, told the probation service that he was also in court at a later date for stealing this legal high and that was brought forward. He pleaded guilty to stealing a £38 bottle of aftershave from Wilkos on November 8, 2014, and admitted to stealing £477.50 worth of items from Debenhams, £69.49 worth of items from Boots and £24 worth of items from TK Maxx on December 17, 2014.

Cadwallader also pleaded guilty to stealing a legal high to the value of £30 from the All Sorts store in Haverfordwest on September 17, 2014. As part of the suspended sentence he was ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work and a thinking skills programme. The Magistrates also ordered compensation of £38 to be paid to Wilkos and £30 to All Sorts.He was also told to pay an £80 victim surcharge and £85 court costs. Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said: “On November 8, a security guard was monitoring CCTV and this person noticed a couple acting suspiciously. “The male has selected the item from the shelf and put it in his pocket. No attempt was made to pay for the item.

The police were called and later when they spoke to him, he told them he had already sold the bottle on for £20. “On December 17 at 6.45pm police were dealing with an incident of shoplifting for another person when Cadwallader passed by holding a large carrier bag. “There were a large number of perfume bottles in it and he said he been given them by his mother to wrap up as Christmas presents. “That story turned out not to be true and he was arrested for theft. Officers also attended at the Debenhams, TK Maxx and Boots stores to inform them of the missing items. “At the third interview he finally accepted taking the items from the stores but doesn’t remember going into TK Maxx.

“He is sorry for what he has done”. The Magistrates asked for a report to be prepared but after he was let out Cadwallader returned home to pack a bag as he was worried he might be sent to prison. Probation Officer Julie Norman added: “I have raised with him the concerns about failing to attend on previous orders but he tells me that was when he was younger and he didn’t take responsibility for himself. “He has developed an issue with legal highs and because he can’t fund them has resorted to shoplifting to sell items in order to get money for the legal highs. He is concerned about it and he would benefit from assistance.

“He tells me he is willing to comply with a community order”. Ms Morgan produced the evidence for the theft of the legal high. She said: “On September 17, he went into the All Sorts shop in Quay Street to ask for the legal high. The assistant put it down on the counter and whilst his back was turned, Cadwallader picked it up and ran out of the store. The police were contacted and after his arrest he admitted the offence in his interview.” The Magistrates felt that this was a ‘planned spree to fund a habit’ and therefore issued a 12 week custodial sentence which will be suspended for 12 months. As part of the sentence he was ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work and a thinking skills programme. The Magistrates also ordered compensation of £38 to be paid to Wilkos and £30 to All Sorts, and was also told to pay an £80 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.

News

Paris in February made easy with special direct Air France flights from Cardiff

Published

3 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TRAVELLING to Paris has never been simpler for Welsh holidaymakers, with Air France launching a series of special direct weekend services from Cardiff Airport to the French capital this month.

The limited-period flights offer a convenient, non-stop journey of under two hours to Paris, giving passengers more time to enjoy the city’s culture, cuisine and famous landmarks without the hassle of connections or long road transfers to other UK airports.

Timed perfectly for winter city breaks and Valentine’s getaways, the services run between February 13 and February 16, making them ideal for long weekends.

February is widely considered one of the best times to visit the French capital, with fewer crowds and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Visitors can explore world-famous attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame Cathedral, browse galleries at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, or simply enjoy cafés, bistros and Michelin-starred dining across the city.

With Valentine’s Day falling during the operating period, the flights offer couples an easy escape for scenic walks along the Seine, memorable meals and classic Parisian experiences.

Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: “We’re delighted to offer direct flights to such a vibrant city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach, giving customers an easy, friendly travel experience and fantastic options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are excited to make this opportunity possible, with more to come from Cardiff.”

Seats are available now via airfrance.co.uk and through travel agents. As availability is limited, early booking is recommended.

Flight schedule

Cardiff (CWL) to Paris (CDG)

• Feb 13 – AF4149 – 6:20pm → 8:50pm
• Feb 14 – AF4149 – 3:20pm → 5:50pm
• Feb 15 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 15 – AF4151 – 9:00pm → 11:30pm
• Feb 16 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 16 – AF4151 – 5:50pm → 8:20pm

Paris (CDG) to Cardiff (CWL)

• Feb 13 – AF4148 – 5:00pm → 5:30pm
• Feb 14 – AF4148 – 2:00pm → 2:30pm
• Feb 15 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 15 – AF4150 – 7:40pm → 8:10pm
• Feb 16 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 16 – AF4150 – 4:30pm → 5:00pm

Education

Language commissioner launches probe into school closure impact on Welsh

Published

3 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Language Commissioner has launched a formal investigation into claims that the proposed closure of a rural Carmarthenshire primary school did not properly assess the impact on the Welsh language.

Campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith confirmed this week that the Welsh Language Commissioner will examine whether Carmarthenshire County Council complied with its legal duties when producing a language impact assessment linked to plans to close Ysgol Llansteffan.

The council issued a statutory notice last year proposing to shut the village school at the end of the summer term as part of wider education reorganisation. A final decision had been expected this spring.

However, the investigation now creates fresh uncertainty over the timetable.

Complaint over ‘insufficient assessment’

Cymdeithas yr Iaith says it submitted a formal complaint arguing that the council failed to produce a sufficiently detailed assessment of how the closure could affect Welsh-medium education and the wider Welsh-speaking community.

The group claims the authority selectively used data to support closure rather than examining all available evidence objectively.

Two key concerns were raised.

Firstly, campaigners argue there may not be enough places in neighbouring Welsh-medium schools to accommodate pupils from Llansteffan and nearby housing developments, potentially forcing some families into English-medium provision.

Secondly, they say the assessment did not meaningfully consider the school’s role as a community hub or explore ways the site could generate income and support local Welsh-language activities.

On behalf of local members, Ffred Ffransis said: “There will not be places for all the Llansteffan children, nor for the children of the new housing estates, in other Welsh-medium schools in the area.

“The most cost-effective way of providing sufficient places locally in Welsh-medium education is by keeping open Ysgol Llansteffan and making better use of the buildings, including environmental education and community use.”

Formal investigation

In a letter to the group, the commissioner confirmed an investigation will be held under Section 71 of the Welsh Language Measure to determine whether the council complied with Welsh language standards.

The probe could take up to three months.

Campaigners believe this may delay implementation of the closure and could require the council to revisit its assessment and potentially carry out a fresh statutory consultation.

Ffransis said: “Even if the council now decided to make a full and meaningful assessment, there would likely have to be a new consultation. The original decision may have been taken on a faulty basis.”

He added that similar concerns had been raised about language impact assessments connected to other proposed school closures in the county.

Council position

The council has previously said that school reorganisation proposals are driven by falling pupil numbers, financial pressures and the need to ensure sustainable, high-quality education.

Authorities across Wales have faced difficult decisions in recent years as rural rolls decline and building maintenance costs rise.

It is expected the council will respond formally to the commissioner’s investigation in due course.

What happens next

If the commissioner finds that language standards were not properly followed, enforcement steps could be taken and the process delayed or revisited.

For families in Llansteffan, the outcome may determine whether their local Welsh-medium school remains open beyond the summer term.

The Herald has contacted Carmarthenshire County Council for comment.

Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.

Business

First Minister criticised after ‘Netflix’ comment on struggling high streets

Published

3 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Government announces 15% support package but campaigners say costs still crushing hospitality

PUBS, cafés and restaurants across Wales will receive extra business rates relief — but ministers are facing criticism after comments suggesting people staying home watching Netflix are partly to blame for struggling high streets.

The Welsh Government has announced a 15% business rates discount for around 4,400 hospitality businesses in 2026-27, backed by up to £8 million in funding.

Announcing the package, Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “Pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, and live music venues are at the heart of communities across Wales. We know they are facing real pressures, from rising costs to changing consumer habits.

“This additional support will help around 4,400 businesses as they adapt to these challenges.”

The announcement came hours after Eluned Morgan suggested in Senedd discussions that changing lifestyles — including more time spent at home on streaming services — were contributing to falling footfall in town centres.

The remarks prompted political backlash.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds, said: “People are not willingly choosing Netflix over the high street. They are being forced indoors because prices keep rising and wages are not.

“Blaming people for staying at home is an insult to business owners who are working longer hours just to survive.”

Industry groups say the problem runs deeper than consumer behaviour.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) welcomed the discount but warned it would not prevent closures.

Chris Charters, CAMRA Wales director, said: “15% off for a year is only the start. It won’t fix the unfair business rates system our pubs are being crushed by.

“Welsh publicans need a permanent solution, or doors will continue to close.”

Across Pembrokeshire, traders have repeatedly told The Herald that rising energy bills, wage pressures and rates — rather than a lack of willingness to go out — are keeping customers away.

Several town centres have seen growing numbers of empty units over the past year, with independent shops and hospitality venues reporting reduced footfall outside the main tourist season.

While ministers say the relief balances support with tight public finances, business groups are calling for wider and longer-term reform.

Further debate on rates changes is expected later this year.