News
Ex-Narberth Mayor admits football theft
A MAN who became the mayor of Narberth five times has admitted stealing £400 from the town’s football club on Wednesday (Feb 18).
Colin David Williams, aged 73, of The Stables, Coxhill, will be sentenced next month.
His daughter, Wendy Williams, aged 50, of the same address, denied an identical charge. Her plea was accepted and she was found not guilty on the direction of a judge at Swansea Crown Court.
The pair were due to go on trial today but after discussions between barristers for the defence and the prosecution Colin Williams changed his plea.
His barrister, Stephen Thomas, said he was willing to admit stealing £400 in cash between October 3, 2011 and November 1, 2012, but not the £6,000 alleged by the club.
Huw Rees, prosecuting, said the amount was not important, and was, anyway, difficult to establish. What was important was the admission to theft.
“This is a case not without difficulties,” he added.
Mr Thomas said Williams had indicated during interviews with the police that there would be an admission of guilt.
He asked for a probation officer to prepare a report into Williams’ background before sentence was passed.
Judge Peter Heywood said he was willing to order a report, but was surprised to find that one had already been prepared.
Mr Thomas said that had been ordered on the understanding that Williams would admit theft.
But as probation officer Julie Norman interviewed Williams he began to deny stealing anything.
The real dispute, explained Mr Thomas, was about the theft of £6,000 as alleged by the football club. That had led to the club having to disclose “all financial documents” and then to the appointment of a forensic accountant.
The outcome was, he added, an admission to the theft of £400.
Judge Heywood said there was a “huge difference” between £6,000 and £400 but, nevertheless, the offending still represented a breach of trust and he would not bind the hands of the sentencing judge by ruling that a non custodial sentence would be the eventual outcome.
Judge Heywood asked Julie Norman to update her pre-sentence report.
Williams was granted bail until March 18, when he will be sentenced and full details of the offending will be explained by the prosecution.
The stolen money related to a lottery style promotion run by Williams on behalf of the club.
After the hearing, officials of Narberth Football Club refused to comment, but not before one of them had said, “I’m very happy, I’ll tell you that.”
Last year the football club confirmed to The Herald: “Narberth AFC can confirm that they have made an official complaint to Dyfed-Powys Police in relation to theft of monies from the club. They have also terminated the services of two committee members. The matter is now in the hands of the police.”
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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