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Transport for Wales chair honoured for services to public transport

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THE CHAIR of Transport for Wales, Vernon Everitt, has been awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List in recognition of his outstanding contribution to public transport.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport has congratulated Mr Everitt on the honour, which comes at a pivotal moment for public transport in Wales. The Welsh Government’s £800m investment in new trains for the Wales and Borders network is now being rolled out, transforming rail services and improving the passenger experience across the country.

Alongside rail investment, the Welsh Government’s new Bus Services Bill is set to reshape how local bus services are planned and delivered. The legislation aims to create a single, integrated public transport network for Wales, with one timetable and one ticket, placing passengers at the heart of decision-making. Transport for Wales is also due to publish a new, industry-led long-term vision for rail early in the new year, setting out a clear direction for the future of the network.

Mr Everitt took up his role as Chair of Transport for Wales in July 2025, bringing with him extensive senior leadership experience from public transport systems in Greater Manchester and London. During his career, he has overseen major improvements in customer service and played a key role in growing passenger numbers across large, complex transport networks.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: “I am pleased to congratulate Vernon on this well-deserved recognition for his exceptional contribution, pragmatism and innovation in public transport. I was delighted with his appointment as Chair of Transport for Wales and look forward to drawing on his leadership, wisdom and experience as we continue to transform public transport in Wales in 2026.”


 

Crime

Man sentenced for stalking Milford Haven woman

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Restraining order imposed by Haverfordwest magistrates

A MAN has been sentenced after admitting stalking a woman in Milford Haven.

Andrew Richards, 39, of High Street, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

Richards had previously pleaded guilty to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

The court heard that between December 2, 2025 and February 15, 2026, he pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking of Tamsin Matthias and which he knew, or ought to have known, amounted to harassment.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until September 8, 2027.

As part of the order, Richards must undertake alcohol treatment for nine months under the direction of the probation service.

He must also complete up to twenty days of rehabilitation activity as directed by probation.

Richards was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £500 compensation to the victim, £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court made a restraining order lasting until September 8, 2027.

Under the order, Richards must not contact the victim directly or indirectly and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material on social media or the internet referring to her directly or indirectly.

The court heard a victim personal statement from the complainant, which was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The case was prosecuted by Dennis Davies, with Richards represented by Mike Kelleher.

The hearing was before magistrates Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.

 

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Crime

Man, 80, sentenced for stalking after campaign of unwanted emails and posters

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Restraining order imposed after Haverfordwest case

A MAN has been sentenced for stalking after admitting a campaign of unwanted contact and harassment in Haverfordwest.

Michael Lockheart, 80, of Daisy Lane, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday (Mar 9).

The court had previously heard that between July 27 and September 10, 2025, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to stalking.

The offence involved sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop making contact, putting up defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to the complainant’s GP and local authority.

Lockheart had entered a guilty plea to stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to section 2A(1) and (4) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, on January 27, 2026.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until March 8, 2028.

As part of that order, Lockheart must undergo non-residential mental health treatment for 12 months under Dr Cormac Duffy, as directed by probation.

He must also complete up to 25 days of rehabilitation activity.

Lockheart was ordered to pay £1,000 compensation, a £600 fine, £85 costs and a £114 surcharge.

The court also made a restraining order lasting until March 8, 2028.

Under that order, he must not seek, approach or communicate with the complainant by any means, directly or indirectly. He must not knowingly enter any address where she is living, and must not post, or cause to be posted, any material online or on social media referring to her directly or by implication.

A victim personal statement was read to the court by the prosecutor.

The case was heard by Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman.

 

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Crime

Man cleared of sexual assault allegation after magistrates rule no case to answer

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Case dismissed following hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court

A MAN from Milford Haven has been cleared of a sexual assault allegation after magistrates ruled there was no case to answer.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 9).

He had been charged with sexual assault on a woman aged sixteen or over, contrary to section three of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The court heard the allegation related to an incident said to have taken place in Johnston, Pembrokeshire, on March 16, 2025.

Due to legal reporting restrictions, the complainant’s identity cannot be published under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

During the hearing, the prosecution was represented by Dennis Davies, while Fletcher was represented by David Wheel of Welch & Co Solicitors.

After hearing the evidence presented by the prosecution, the magistrates ruled that there was no case to answer.

The bench, comprising Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman, formally found Fletcher not guilty.

The case was dismissed and Fletcher was discharged.

 

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