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Milford Haven: Inquest opens into the death of tragic teen Seren

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Tragic: Seren Bernard

Tragic: Seren Bernard

A MILFORD HAVEN teenager was “willingly exposed to harm by the agencies which were involved in her case” an inquest heard on Monday (Jun 1).

Fourteen-year-old Seren Bernard was found dead near Hakin Point in April 2012.

Now up to twelve witnesses will be called, and ten days have been set aside for this contentious and highly emotional case, which is one of the most complex coroner’s inquests ever to be heard in Pembrokeshire.

Seren’s mother, Sarah Pollock, has argued that Seren should not have been in the care of the local authority.

The inquest at Milford Haven Town Hall, administered by Swansea coroner Paul Bennett, was told that she had suffered with hallucinations and that an imaginary friend had told her to ‘do things’.

Seren Bernard’s mother, Sarah Pollock, who broke down in tears at the inquest, claimed that her daughter had not received the therapy or care that she so badly needed. She told the coroner: “In my view they have willingly and knowingly exposes Seren to harm.”

But Mr Bennett said at a pre-inquest in December that the scope of the inquest was not about examining “systemic failures” of the council’s care or duplicating what had been investigated by the serious case review.

The inquest has been looking into the events from September 2011, when the teenager went missing for ten days, to when she was found dead seven months later.

The barrister representing Child Adolescent Mental Health Support, which was responsible for Seren’s therapy, said she discussed her imaginary friend Jane with her support worker on two occasions. The inquest heard how during a psychiatric assessment, Seren revealed that she suffered from suicidal thoughts present since childhood.

Ten day hearing: Milford Haven Town Hall

Ten day hearing: Milford Haven Town Hall

Seren’s aunt, Tracy Norton said that her niece had displayed strange behaviour including sleeping on the floor and attempting to pierce her lips with a school compass. She told the hearing: “Social services told me that this was normal behaviour for a 14-year-old girl.”

The council’s lawyer said that the Authority had a “difficult balancing act” because Seren did not want to live with her family or have any information to be passed on to them.

A serious case review which took place last year found Seren’s death under the care of Pembrokeshire County Council’s social services department might not have been preventable and Dyfed-Powys Police ruled out a criminal investigation.

The inquest continues.

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Crime

Haverfordwest man sentenced for offensive online messages

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A HAVERFORDWEST man has been handed a community order after admitting to sending offensive messages via social media.

Steven Butler, aged 39, of Douglas James Way, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to a charge under the Communications Act 2003.

The court was told that between October 23 and October 29, 2024, Butler sent a series of grossly offensive and menacing messages intended to cause distress to the recipient, a female we have chosen not to name

He was sentenced to a 17-month community order, including 25 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months.

A restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Butler from contacting the woman or referring to her online, except via legal representation in relation to any proceedings.

The restraining order remains in force until November 14, 2026.

He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

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Crime

Teenager faces Crown Court trial for knife threat in private home

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A TEENAGER from Haverfordwest is facing trial at Swansea Crown Court after being accused of threatening a man with a kitchen knife in a private property.

KIAN KELLY, aged 20, of Milford Road, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with threatening a person with a bladed article in a private place.

The court heard that on March 8, 2025, Kelly allegedly threatened Benjamin Kelly with a kitchen knife at 22A Hill Street, Haverfordwest, in a way that posed an immediate risk of serious physical harm.

He also faces a separate charge of possessing a bladed article in a public place without good reason, and another charge of criminal damage to household items belonging to Margaret Kelly.

He pleaded not guilty to the knife charges and guilty to the criminal damage offence during a previous hearing on April 11.

Kelly was remanded on conditional bail with strict terms, including a nightly electronically monitored curfew from 8:00pm to 8:00am, and a prohibition from entering Hill Street or contacting any prosecution witnesses.

He is next due to appear at Swansea Crown Court for trial on September 18, 2025.

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Entertainment

Musicians unite for climate concert in Cardigan

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TWO local musicians are joining forces to raise awareness of the climate and nature crisis through a special concert at Cardigan Guildhall on Saturday, May 31.

The event, titled Singing for Life, will begin at 7:00pm and will feature original compositions by singer-songwriter and classical pianist Rosalind Powell, alongside music from Matthew Douglas, who performs under the name Drift.

Powell, well-known in the area for her piano recitals and songwriting, said she felt a strong desire to do something meaningful in response to environmental concerns. “Music can bring people together in powerful ways,” she said. “This event is about raising our voices — quite literally — for a cause that affects us all.”

Douglas, who shares Powell’s passion for protecting the natural world, was quick to support the idea. His performances under the moniker Drift combine reflective lyrics with a contemporary sound, offering a contrast to Powell’s classical influences.

The evening is being held in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion (XR), with all proceeds going to support their local campaigning work. Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested donation of £8. Refreshments will be served during the interval between the two acts.

Organisers say everyone is welcome, regardless of political affiliation. “This is about raising awareness, sharing music, and connecting with one another,” Powell added.

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