Community

Priest who counselled parishioner later breached safeguarding rules before her death

Published

3 months ago

March 18, 2026

Relationship began while woman sought pastoral support over family trauma linked to Caldey abuse scandal

A WEST Wales Catholic priest who formed a personal and sexual relationship with a parishioner he had been counselling was later found to have breached Church safeguarding standards after the woman died following a fall at a hotel where they were staying together.

Susan Gerardine Philippart, aged 61, a primary school teacher from Gorseinon, Swansea, died on March 25, 2020 from catastrophic head injuries sustained in an unwitnessed fall down a staircase at the Norton House Hotel in Mumbles two weeks earlier.

***Susan Philippart: Died in hotel after a fall on the night of her mum’s funeral***

An inquest concluded she died from traumatic brain injury after falling down stairs on March 10, 2020, recording a verdict of accidental death.

However, the woman’s family say they remain troubled by aspects of the case — including the fact that police were not called to the scene on the night of the incident.

The coroner’s office has confirmed that South Wales Police were not involved in the investigation and that the conclusion was reached on the basis of statements gathered during the coroner’s inquiry.

Counselling relationship

According to Susan’s daughter, Rebecca Philippart, the relationship between her mother and Father Mansel Usher began in 2017 when Susan sought pastoral counselling from the priest while he was serving at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Mumbles.

The sessions took place during a period of emotional strain for the family.

Rebecca had previously been a victim of childhood abuse connected to Caldey Island, and the revelations surrounding abuse there had caused renewed trauma.

Susan also sought guidance from the priest regarding a church annulment from her first marriage so she could marry her long-term partner.

Rebecca says her mother was a deeply religious Catholic and a respected teacher who had worked for almost three decades at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Swansea.

“She was not the kind of woman who would have an affair with a priest,” Rebecca said.

“She was in a happy relationship before he became involved.”

Rebecca alleges that during the counselling period the relationship between priest and parishioner developed into a romantic and sexual one.

She says the pair discussed marriage and that Father Usher had indicated he might leave the priesthood.

***Happier times: Sue is pictured with her children; Sarah, Becs, Rachel, Jack and her grandchildren; Lola and Elias***

Move to Tenby

In early 2019 Father Usher was transferred from Mumbles to St Teilo’s Catholic Church in Tenby.

Parishioners were told at the time that the move related to disagreements about modernising the church.

Rebecca believes the transfer came after the relationship became known within church circles, although this has not been confirmed by the Diocese.

The Herald has asked the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia to clarify the circumstances surrounding the transfer.

Final weeks before tragedy

Rebecca says that in the weeks before the incident her mother began expressing doubts about the relationship.

She says Susan confided that she felt something was “not right” and was considering ending it.

On March 10, 2020 Father Usher officiated at the funeral of Susan’s mother at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Mumbles.

Later that evening Susan, her brother and Father Usher stayed at the nearby Norton House Hotel following a family gathering.

The night of the fall

In a statement provided to the inquest, Father Usher said he had consumed no alcohol during the day and described the events leading up to the fall.

He said the group had returned to the hotel and that he later walked upstairs ahead of Susan before turning and finding her lying at the bottom of the staircase with severe head injuries.

He said he had neither heard nor witnessed the fall itself.

Hotel staff called emergency services and Susan was taken to hospital in Cardiff.

She never regained consciousness and died 15 days later.

Inquest findings

The inquest into Susan’s death opened on April 8, 2020 and concluded on September 4, 2020 at Swansea Coroner’s Court.

The coroner recorded that she died from traumatic brain injury sustained after an unwitnessed fall down stairs at the Norton House Hotel in Mumbles.

The official conclusion was accidental death.

Rebecca Philippart says she believes the circumstances surrounding the incident warranted closer scrutiny.

She says she remains concerned that police were not called to the hotel on the night of the incident.

Hospital period

Rebecca also describes events during her mother’s two-week hospital stay that she says caused her distress.

She alleges that Father Usher acted as though he were next-of-kin, obtained a password for medical updates from staff and sent family messages suggesting Susan’s condition was improving.

Rebecca further alleges that he spoke inappropriately to her about his relationship with her mother while at the bedside and said he intended to marry her.

After Susan’s death, Rebecca says Father Usher performed last rites and said “goodbye darling” before leaving.

These accounts are Rebecca Philippart’s allegations and have not been tested in any criminal court.

Safeguarding investigation

Separate from the inquest, the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia later conducted a safeguarding investigation into Father Usher’s conduct.

A multi-agency safeguarding meeting concluded that concerns about inappropriate personal relationships connected to his pastoral ministry and failures to maintain professional boundaries were substantiated.

Father Usher has since retired from ministry.

The Herald understands that canonical proceedings may still be under consideration within the Church.

Church and police contacted

The Pembrokeshire Herald has contacted the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia, South Wales Police and Father Usher seeking comment.

Any responses received will be published when available.

Separate processes

The coroner’s investigation examined only the medical and factual circumstances of the fall and concluded Susan’s death was accidental.

The safeguarding investigation was a separate process relating to pastoral conduct before the incident.

Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact Safe Spaces, an independent support service for people abused in religious settings.

TIMELINE: KEY EVENTS

2017
Susan Philippart begins pastoral counselling sessions with Father Mansel Usher at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Mumbles.

2018
According to family, the relationship between priest and parishioner becomes personal and romantic.

February 2019
Father Usher moves from Mumbles to St Teilo’s Catholic Church in Tenby.

Early 2020
Susan reportedly expresses doubts about the relationship.

March 10, 2020
Father Usher officiates at Susan’s mother’s funeral.
Later that evening Susan suffers a catastrophic fall down stairs at the Norton House Hotel in Mumbles.

March 25, 2020
Susan dies at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

September 4, 2020
Inquest records verdict of accidental death following an unwitnessed fall.

Later investigation
A Church safeguarding investigation substantiates concerns about the priest’s conduct.

EXPLAINER: WHAT IS A SAFEGUARDING INVESTIGATION?

Catholic dioceses are required to investigate concerns about clergy behaviour under safeguarding rules designed to protect vulnerable people.

These investigations examine whether priests:

Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
Avoid personal or sexual relationships arising from pastoral counselling
Act in a way that preserves trust placed in them by parishioners

Safeguarding investigations are separate from criminal investigations and use the civil standard of proof — the balance of probabilities.

Where concerns are substantiated, disciplinary measures may follow within Church law, including restrictions on ministry or possible removal from the priesthood.

Community

Government hails rural 4G boost as Tenby signal concerns continue

Published

13 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MINISTERS have hailed the rollout of dozens of 4G mast upgrades across rural Wales, but recent concerns in Tenby show mobile coverage remains a live issue in Pembrokeshire.

The UK Government says a further 11 mast upgrades have been switched on in Wales this year through the Shared Rural Network, bringing the Welsh total to 55.

The scheme is aimed at improving mobile coverage in hard-to-reach rural areas, helping residents, businesses and visitors stay connected and access help more quickly in an emergency.

Areas benefiting from the latest upgrades include Nant Gwynant in Snowdonia, Capel y Ffin near Abergavenny, Manafon near Welshpool, and several locations across Powys.

Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said the programme was helping bring “every part of the UK into the digital age”, while Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said reliable coverage was vital for rural communities and economic growth.

However, the announcement comes amid continuing concern about mobile phone coverage in Tenby, where residents and businesses have raised concerns about poor signal and mast-related issues.

Although the latest UK Government upgrades focus mainly on remote rural areas, the problems reported in Tenby highlight that connectivity remains a pressing issue in Pembrokeshire, particularly in coastal communities which see huge seasonal increases in visitor numbers.

Reliable mobile coverage is increasingly seen as essential for tourism businesses, delivery drivers, emergency services, residents and visitors who rely on phones for payments, bookings, navigation and safety.

The Shared Rural Network is a partnership between the UK Government and mobile network operators. Across Great Britain, more than 140 publicly funded 4G masts have now been activated.

The programme is due to continue until January 2027.

Community

Police officer hailed hero after midnight sea rescue in Milford Haven

Published

15 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PC swam 100 metres offshore to save distressed woman heard calling for help in darkness

A DYFED-POWYS POLICE officer has been praised for his bravery after entering the sea at midnight to rescue a distressed woman heard calling for help off the coast of Milford Haven.

PC Spencer Rourke swam around 100 metres offshore in darkness after locating the woman in the water off Milford beach during the early hours of Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Police were first alerted at 12:31am after a distressed woman on Hamilton Terrace called emergency services and said she intended to enter the sea. Described as highly emotional and panicked, her call prompted an immediate police response.

Officers searched the area but were initially unable to find her. A further update from the control room suggested she had moved towards Foam beach, prompting officers to widen their search.

PC Rourke, alongside PS Anthony, parked at the rear of Foam and began checking the area on foot. In the stillness of the early morning, the officers heard a faint sound coming from the slipway.

As they moved closer, they heard a woman shouting from out at sea.

Using torchlight, the officers eventually spotted her around 100 metres from shore, clearly in distress.

Without hesitation, PC Rourke removed his police kit, grabbed a lifesaving float and entered the water.

As he swam towards her, the woman attempted to move further away, but he caught up with her and managed to take hold. Despite difficult conditions and the woman’s distress, he remained with her and guided her safely back towards shore.

Fellow officers waiting at the water’s edge helped bring both to safety.

The woman survived thanks to what colleagues described as PC Rourke’s “swift, selfless and decisive actions.”

Above and beyond

PS Anthony later praised his colleague, saying there was little doubt that PC Rourke had saved the woman’s life.

He described the officer’s actions as “far above and beyond what would be expected” and praised his judgement, courage and willingness to place himself at considerable personal risk to protect a vulnerable member of the public.

Chief Constable Ifan Charles said: “I am immensely proud of PC Rourke, whose actions on 24 May 2025 exemplify the very best of policing.

“Without hesitation he entered the sea to rescue a woman in distress, saving her life. His courage, selflessness and decisive action under extreme circumstances are truly commendable and bring great credit to the service.”

Dyfed-Powys Police Federation Branch Chair Delme Rees also praised the officer, noting the dangers of the water in Milford Haven.

He said: “PC Rourke absolutely deserves the recognition and admiration for his life-saving actions on 24 May 2025.

“The waters in that area are extremely dangerous as it’s a tidal estuary and a busy shipping lane. You have oil tankers moving through the water and the Pembroke Dock to Rosslare ferry route nearby.

“PC Rourke was the right officer at the right time because he had the physical ability to do what was needed, but it still took a bold and selfless decision to commit to entering the water that night.”

Pic caption:

Hero officer: PC Spencer Rourke swam into the sea at Milford Haven to rescue a distressed woman in the early hours of May 24 (Pic: Police Mutual).

Community

Eleventh hour call to save Manorbier school ends, final closure backed

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

THE FINAL decision to close fire-ravaged Manorbier school has been given the go-ahead, despite a heartfelt last-minute plea by local councillor Phil Kidney to keep it open.

Back in March, Pembrokeshire County Council members backed a recommendation that the Director of Education at Pembrokeshire County Council be authorised to publish a statutory notice to discontinue Manorbier Church in Wales voluntary controlled school.

Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and its adjoining schoolhouse was severely damaged by a fire in October 2022, which broke out in the school roof space.

After that, a ‘school from school’ was set up in Jameston Village Hall.

It had been hoped the school would be rebuilt, but last year councillors backed a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which, amongst other recommendations, included a statutory consultation on proposals to discontinue Manorbier Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School.

The decision attracted strong local opposition, with more than 1,500 people signing a petition on the council’s own website calling for the school to be rebuilt.

The formal consultation for the discontinuation of Manorbier closed last December.

However, many of the council’s figures, especially on the level of surplus places at the school, have been strongly disputed.

At a special extraordinary council meeting held on June 15, members were asked to consider a report on a summary of 62 objections received in respect of the proposal to discontinue Manorbier VC school, which included options to end that discontinuation or to launch a fresh consultation.

However, it was recommended, in a report present by deputy leader Cllr Paul Miller, who now also has responsibility for education, for the discontinuation be proceeded with.

At the meeting, local councillor Phil Kidney, who has been a staunch supporter of the keeping the school open, thanked the campaigners who fought for it and the dedication of the staff, including headteacher Sharon Davies.

Cllr Kidney said: “The way this authority has treated her and the staff is quite frankly amazing; we have all let these good people down.

“We’ve all let these people down, the way this council has handled this situation is appalling; from day one not one of the executives came up to see these children, no-one came out; if that was Haverfordwest or Tenby they’d be all over the place.”

He said the wording of the consultation had seen more mentions of St Florence [ the alternative school for pupils in the event of a discontinuation] than Manorbier, describing it as “like a brochure for St Florence”.

He also warned the Diocese of St Davids, which had always pressed for the school to be rebuilt, would not allow the council to “walk away from our liabilities lightly”.

“We’ve been promised by two leaders and the chief executive: ‘Don’t worry we’ll rebuild,’ sometimes you’ve got to be big enough an honour your promises; do the right thing today, vote for Manorbier and keep it open.”

Members later heard the diocese had, in a letter received by councillors, made “damning accusations the council is being biased against voluntary controlled schools,” with Cllr Jamie Adams saying the council administration should be “ashamed of this debacle”.

Cllr Miller said his only consideration was “the future welfare of the children,” adding: “I do not think 20 children educated in a welfare centre in Jameston is the best for them.”

He said that no pupils would have to travel more than 2.1 miles for their education as a result of a closure, Cllr Kidney disputing that figure more like 3.5 miles.

Cllr Miller said the wording in from the letter from the diocese “which had a dog in the fight” was a one-sided legal argument, adding the council had actually opened VC schools.

Cllr Aled Thomas, chair of the working group which had presented the proposals in the first place, said: “The whole thing is an omnishambles, a total mess of how it’s been handled, but we are where we are.

“The important thing to remember is the future for these children, there will be kids in that school that have never been taught in a classroom setting. Tough decisions are never going to be easy; not a single one of us got elected wanting to be in this position.

“I’m no friend of the administration but we need to look at it holistically.”

Members, by 30 votes to 23, with four abstentions, supported the final steps to close the school.

Posting after the decision, the Friends of Manorbier School said: “Today is a difficult day, as the final decision to close Manorbier Primary School has now been made.

“There were some heartfelt comments and statements during the council meeting. The children, staff, parents and wider community have been waiting far too long for a decision. While this outcome was not unexpected, it is still hard to hear those final words spoken aloud.”

It added: “There are still questions that need to be asked, but the fight to keep the school open has come to an end. Our focus must now be on supporting the children and their families as they prepare for the transition ahead. The staff, too, finally have an answer.”