News

Badger and the pay-off

Published

10 years ago

February 26, 2015

WELL, readers, what do you think of that? The Investigatory Committee into Bryn has met to no great effect and now it emerges that all along Jamie Adams has been beavering away in the background to settle up with Bryn. We can safely assume that Cllr Peter Morgan’s brief engagement with the truth is not likely to be repeated; after all, it wasn’t before the Investigatory Committee. Peter didn’t even have the good grace to knife David Simpson in the back: He did so in the front, knowing that the terms of his betrayal could not be fully reported. David Simpson laid down his cabinet position for Peter Morgan.

When it came down to the test of friendship, Peter Morgan laid down his honor. That is not to say that the line of questioning that led to that point was at all relevant to the committee’s terms of reference. The Committee had to determine whether allegations particularised were worthy of investigation by a designated independent person (a Q.C., in this case). They did not have to express an opinion, only assess whether the information they had was sufficient to shuffle it off to a third party to decide. The question the committee had to resolve was not whether pressure was applied to Peter Morgan – we already have enough evidence to suggest it was – but whether the tirade directed against him and Mark Edwards reported exclusively in this newspaper were sufficient to be investigated by a third party.

Any lawyer knows that it is not only enough to ask only questions to which you know the answer, but to ask them only when you have a very good idea about the answer you will get. Unless you are certain that a witness will approximately respond as you expect, asking questions is a very risky business. But even then, Peter Morgan’s macho words to the committee about ‘not doing pressure’ amount to nothing. They neither add nor subtract from the strength of his testimony in relation to Bryn Parry-Jones. Let’s boil it down to the essential elements, readers. It was confi rmed that Bryn had sworn at two councillors because of the way they voted. It is implicit in Bryn’s action that he expected ‘loyalty’ to him from them and that they should do and vote in accordance with his wishes.

Arguments within the committee that the above was not enough – ON ITS OWN – to refer the matter are self evidently cods wallop. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Equally too many people who have more than one agenda spouting irrelevancies and asking too many of the wrong questions produces a mess. Keep it simple, stupid, is a good method to adopt when approaching a diffi cult decision. Then the committee were faced with Bryn’s refusal to attend for questioning. He claimed he had not had enough time to consider the allegations. The amount of irrefutable material in the public domain – largely placed there by this newspaper, Jacob Williams and Old Grumpy – has apparently escaped Bryn’s attention since his long vacation began.

The key allegation was in this paper on the day he ‘took a period of absence’ in mid-August. It is now October. Either Mr Parry-Jones is a very slow reader indeed, or he was counting on the committee backing down. To Badger, the committee seems to have taken a pragmatic course of action. It is better to reach a position in which the effect of suspension can be achieved without confrontation than to engage in grandstanding for other purposes. Just because he is unpopular, divisive, overpaid, over-powerful, overbearing and the worst manifestation of the culture of secrecy and self-interest that has consumed Pembrokeshire’s local government, does not mean that Bryn Parry-Jones has no contractual rights and a complex statutory regime underpinning his appointment.

In light of that, readers, anyone with any ounce of common sense must know that it is far more likely than not that this matter will be resolved by some form of agreement between the parties. That is not to say that Badger agrees that an agreement is the best route, but it is simply the most likely to be cost-effective in the short and medium term. With the cameras probably off when any settlement is discussed at next week’s full council, Badger suspects that, denied an audience, those inclined to spout most effusively when the public is present and the camera is on will restrain themselves and keep it brief.

You can have all the principles you want, as long as you are prepared to pay the price of pursuing them, readers. Q.C.’s ain’t cheap: Look at the bill from the barrister engaged to defend the council’s unlawful payments to Bryn Parry-Jones. One Kerr by name, he was, and his bill was a very tasty five figure sum. Is it worth spending the same again, readers, in order to drag on the uncertainty and back-biting about the Chief Executive’s role? The only other ground that occurs to Badger upon which the chief could be removed is following a finding that an irredeemable breakdown in mutual trust and confidence had taken place between Bryn Parry-Jones and his employer, or vice versa. In those circumstances, he could be dismissed on notice.

If the designated person is appointed, conducts an investigation, and concludes that the necessary relationship between employer and employee has irretrievably broken down, then poor Bryn will have to wait for his pension pay out and be paid off with three months’ salary in lieu of notice. Having opted out of the Local Government Pension Scheme, Bryn would not be able to draw down his pension straight away. He would need the council’s permission. Oh the irony, readers! Let’s hope that the council’s negotiators have that card in mind, when it comes to working out the risks of simply proceeding with the investigatory process. T h e calculation of risk is what is important h e r e , readers. There are risks on both sides, and for the soon to be former Chief Executive, whatever happens, the economic and reputational risks for him should cause the council to drive a hard bargain. Otherwise, it is time for Bryn to take his chances.

Crime

Police issue warning following protests over baby abuse case

Published

9 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE have issued a warning after two nights of protests outside a property in Burton, where demonstrators gathered in response to a court decision granting bail to a man accused of serious child abuse offences.

Officers were called to the address at around 7:00pm on Tuesday (Jan 28) following reports of a crowd forming outside the property. A second gathering took place the following night (Jan 29), prompting further police presence.

During the second protest, officers arrested two men—one aged 47 on suspicion of affray and another aged 58 on suspicion of aggravated trespass. Both have since been released on bail with conditions while investigations continue.

Police confirmed that body-worn footage from both incidents is being reviewed, warning that any individuals found to have committed offences will face further action.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We will always seek to facilitate peaceful protest while balancing it with the rights of others, keeping the public safe, and preventing crime and disorder.

“We encourage anyone organising a protest to contact us so we can work together to ensure any demonstrations are conducted safely and with respect for the wider community.”

The demonstrations follow public outrage over the case of Christopher Phillips, 33, who has been charged with the sexual penetration of a seven-week-old baby, as well as assault, ill-treatment, neglect, and abandonment causing serious physical harm. His co-accused, Bryony O’Rourke, faces related charges of allowing a child to suffer serious harm.

On Friday (Jan 25), Phillips was re-granted bail, sparking fury among locals, with around 40 people gathering outside the Burton property on Tuesday to voice their anger. The Herald understands that police at the scene informed protesters that Phillips was not present at the address.

One demonstrator told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We’re here for the baby. It’s not right that people accused of such horrific crimes are allowed to walk free in the community.”

While initial reports described the protest as peaceful, police have now intervened following the second night of demonstrations, urging the public to express their concerns through legal means and avoid any actions that could lead to criminal charges.

The investigation into the case is ongoing.

News

Fewer road casualties recorded in first year of Wales’ 20mph speed limit

Published

10 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST year of Wales’ controversial 20mph speed limit saw around 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured on roads previously subject to 30mph restrictions, according to government figures.

New data on road casualties was cautiously welcomed by the Welsh Government, while former transport minister Lee Waters, who led the policy, described it as “the most successful road safety intervention in modern times.”

Statistics indicate that road casualties on 20mph and 30mph roads fell by 26% compared to the previous year, with ten fewer fatalities recorded. The period from July to September 2024 saw the lowest number of casualties on these roads since records began in 1979.

Policy controversy and review

The default speed limit on most urban roads was lowered from 30mph to 20mph on 17 September 2023, with certain exemptions in place. Introduced under former First Minister Mark Drakeford, the policy has been one of the most divisive initiatives since Welsh devolution, with nearly half a million people signing a petition demanding its repeal.

Public backlash prompted a review, and councils are now considering whether some roads should revert to 30mph. The Welsh Government has also commissioned a five-year study assessing the economic costs and benefits of the scheme, with findings expected in 2029.

Cautious optimism over casualty reduction

Government officials have urged caution in directly linking casualty reductions to the 20mph limit, noting that road collisions have been steadily declining over the past decade. The Welsh Government’s chief statistician has stated that at least three years of data are needed for a meaningful analysis of the policy’s long-term impact.

Figures released on Wednesday show that between July and September 2024, 410 road casualties were recorded on 20mph and 30mph roads. These included three fatalities, 90 serious injuries, and 317 minor injuries—a 35% reduction compared to the same period in 2023 and the lowest figures on record.

Over the full 12 months from October 2023 to September 2024, road casualties on these roads were 28% lower than the previous year.

Political reaction

Current Transport Secretary Ken Skates said the trend was “encouraging” and reiterated that the full effects of the policy would take time to assess.

“We know there is a way to go, and we’ve always said it will take a number of years to see the full impact of the policy,” he said. “But to see the figures for this quarter at their lowest level is positive.”

Former minister Lee Waters, now a Labour backbencher, told Herald.Wales: “We can now say with confidence that in its first year, the speed limit reduction represents the most successful road safety intervention in modern times.”

However, the policy has divided opinion both within the Labour Party and among the wider public. First Minister Eluned Morgan has acknowledged that there were issues with its implementation.

The Welsh Conservatives remain critical of the rollout. Shadow Transport Secretary Peter Fox said: “While we welcome any decrease in road casualties, these figures don’t tell the whole story. Our concern remains the way the 20mph speed limit has been implemented.

“The Welsh Labour Government’s default approach has created confusion and frustration for drivers. Their current review must address these implementation issues and ensure a more sensible and effective approach.”

News

Carmarthenshire man found guilty of murder of Sophie Evans, 30,

Published

10 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Court Reporter

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been convicted of murdering his son’s partner after falsely claiming she was scamming him out of his mother’s house deeds.

Richard Jones, 50, of Burry Port, was found guilty at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Jan 30) after a jury took less than three hours to reject his defence of diminished responsibility. He will be sentenced on Monday (Mar 3), when the court will determine the minimum term he must serve before being eligible for parole.

Harrowing details revealed

The court heard that Sophie Evans, 30, a mother of two, was found dead in her home on Bigyn Road, Llanelli, on Friday (Jul 5 2024). She had been strangled and left lying face down on the kitchen floor, covered only by a bath towel. A post-mortem confirmed she died from compression to the neck, with defensive wounds indicating she had fought for her life.

Jones, a regular visitor to Ms Evans’ home, was arrested later that day after making multiple calls and messages to family and friends. During police interviews, he admitted to killing her but claimed he had “lost his head” when she failed to acknowledge an alleged scam.

The jury was shown messages exchanged between Jones and his ex-partner, Tracey Thompson, in which he called his son, Jamie Davies, and Ms Evans “scamming thieves” and stated he had “taken care of the problem.”

Prosecution: ‘Callous indifference’

During the trial, consultant psychiatrist Dr Dilum Jayawickrama told the court that Jones was “100% certain in his beliefs” that he had been tricked into signing over his mother’s property. However, prosecutor Mike Jones argued that Jones “was not experiencing significant emotional distress” at the time of the killing and had shown “callous indifference” to his actions.

He highlighted Jones’ behaviour in the aftermath of the murder, including CCTV footage capturing him leaving the crime scene in a hurry before stopping at a bakery to buy food. Later, he returned home to Burry Port, where he was arrested.

‘Scumbag’ shouts in court

As Jones was led to the cells following the verdict, shouts of “scumbag” erupted from the public gallery. Jurors received applause from members of the public as they exited the courtroom.

Judge Geraint Walters told the court that the only sentence available for murder is life imprisonment. He will decide on Monday (Mar 3) the minimum number of years Jones must serve before being considered for release.

Until then, Jones remains in custody.

Speaking to The Herald after the case, Detective Superintendent Gareth Roberts, said: “The guilty verdict of the court is welcomed. Our thoughts at this time are with Sophie and the family and friends who loved her. Sophie was a young mother, beloved family member and friend. Richard Jones has been found guilty of what was a senseless, cowardly act triggered by anger and temper. Sophie was within her own home and not in a position to defend herself from Richard Jones’ cruel act of violence. The family will take some comfort that he’s now removed from society and cannot harm any others.”