News
Paul’s pledge to end violent crime
ON WEDNESDAY (Feb 11), ‘Paul’s Pledge’ was launched at the Lecture Theatre in Pembrokeshire College at 12.30pm. It is a campaign against violent crime in the Dyfed Powys Police Force area.
‘Paul’s Pledge’ is centred on Paul Pugh, who was a victim of alcohol-fuelled violent crime nearly eight years ago, and the story of his struggle. Paul agreed to have a short film made in order to tell his story to young people around Pembrokeshire. It aims to show the consequences of violent crime in regards to victims and offenders. People are able to show their pledge by wearing wristbands, using the hashtag #paulspledge on Twitter and signing an online pledge.
Paul Pugh suffered a near-fatal brain injury as a result of an alcohol-fuelled violent crime, which dramatically changed his life. Paul used to train once or twice a week, go running and swimming, but now three quarters of his time is taken up by private rehabilitation. The crime turned not just Paul’s, but his family’s life upside down too. Paul used to take his life for granted, he says in the video, but now he feels that he has a second chance. It would be a dream come true for him to be able to talk about his experience for a living as so many people have helped him, he would love to give something back.
Paul talks about the fact that he thinks violence stems from the individual but he feels that violent films influence people to behave violently in the video that will be shown around schools in Pembrokeshire. He also comments that alcohol plays a big part :”In the video, Ammonford’s Police Inspector Richard Oliver thanks Sergeant Theresa Ross for her hard work and bringing the idea for the DVD forward.”
He also says: “Paul is one of the most inspiring people and he is an example to us all on how to tackle adversary through determination and positive thinking.”
He talks about the police’s zero tolerance approach to violent crime. The video will make people aware of what can happen to the victim and their family, as well as the offender, as a result of violent crime. He urges the audience to know their limits when it comes to alcohol, and asks them to stop before it’s too late. It is important to walk away from conflict when you can.
News
Teenage girl dies after medical emergency at Welsh rugby club
A TEENGAGE girl has tragically died following a medical emergency at Amman United Rugby Football Club in Ammanford on Friday evening (Nov 15).
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were called to the scene, where the teenager became unwell. She was taken to hospital but, despite advanced medical efforts, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A police spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family at this difficult time.” The death is currently being treated as unexplained, and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.
The Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed their attendance, stating that emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:55pm.
A spokesperson said: “We sent an emergency ambulance, supported by a Community First Responder and Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedics. Advanced critical care was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, with support from the Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.”
As a mark of respect, Amman United Rugby Football Club postponed all games over the weekend. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the club said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the club will be closed, and all games are postponed, out of respect.”
News
Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death
MEGAN EVANS, 14, was found dead at her Milford Haven home on February 7, 2017, after what her family described as relentless online bullying. The inquest, held today, heard how Megan had attended a school meeting about a trip to France earlier that evening and appeared in good spirits.
Later that night, her parents left for Cardiff with her four youngest siblings while the four older siblings stayed at home. At 9:59pm, Megan’s brother called their parents, unable to find her in the house. His father told him to continue searching, and Megan was discovered in a locked upstairs bathroom. Despite the efforts of her family, paramedics, and hospital staff, Megan could not be saved.
A statement from her family described Megan as an intelligent, kind, and vibrant teenager. “She had a big heart and would do anything to help anyone,” the statement read. “She bought love and laughter into our home and was always full of energy. Her friends adored her, and she always stood up for what she believed in.”
The inquest was told Megan was a talented artist and hockey player who had been looking forward to attending a Justin Bieber concert. She was deeply loved by her family, who said she “poured so much love into everything and everyone around her.”
Megan’s mother, Nicola Harteveld, has previously spoken openly about the struggles her daughter faced in silence.
Nicola admitted she hadn’t recognised the signs of Megan’s distress at the time, including disrupted sleep and a secretive attachment to her phone.
In the years following Megan’s death, Nicola has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and the dangers of social media bullying. She founded the Megan’s Starr Foundation, which provides free professional counseling and peer support to vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire.
Nicola reflected: “I see things now that I didn’t understand back then. I thought mental health struggles were always visible, but I was wrong. Megan was the life and soul of the house, and I never imagined the pain she was in.”
Through campaigns like “Step into January,” Nicola has turned her grief into action, creating a legacy for Megan that focuses on kindness and support for others.
The inquest continues.
News
Teen’s tragic death linked to online bullying
MEGAN EVANS, 14, a talented and kind-hearted teenager from Milford Haven, was found dead at home on February 7, 2017, following what her family believes were bullying messages on social media, an inquest has heard.
Described as intelligent, capable, and full of energy, Megan was a passionate artist, county hockey player, and beloved by her six siblings and parents.
On the night of her death, she had been in good spirits after attending a school meeting about a trip to France.
Later, she was tragically discovered in a locked bathroom at home.
Her family remembered Megan as brave, thoughtful, and endlessly loving, someone who brought joy and positivity to everyone she met. They vowed to honor her memory by promoting kindness and love.
The inquest continues.
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