News

Paul’s pledge to end violent crime

Published

11 years ago

February 23, 2015

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.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

9 hours 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

10 hours 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

10 hours 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.