News
Premier Inn arson: Gina Tranter enters guilty plea


Remanded in custody: Gina Tranter is accused of arson
THE WOMAN who set fire to the Premier Inn at Haverfordwest will not have to stand trial accused of arson with intent to endanger life.
The CPS yesterday accepted (Jul 9) Georgina Tranter’s plea of guilty to a lesser charge of arson while being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.
The change of attitude came as Tranter, of Redstone Court, Narberth, was due to go on trial at Swansea crown court.
Judge Peter Heywood said the sentencing powers of the court were already adequate.
Nicola Powell, the barrister leading the prosecution, then held talks with the police officers in the case and with a senior CPS lawyer, and later announced that Tranter’s plea to the lesser charge was acceptable.
She said no evidence would be offered to the charge of arson with intent.
Tranter, aged 26, will be sentenced on July 23 if a probation officer has had time to prepare a report into her background. If the report is not ready by then she is likely to be sentenced via a video link to Caernarfon crown court, where Judge Heywood will be sitting during the last week of July and the first in August.
Tranter will also be sentenced for taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, failing to provide a specimen for analysis and driving without insurance.
Her barrister, James Jenkins, said she had already entered pleas of guilty to those offences.
Judge Heywood told Tranter she was bound to receive a jail sentence for the arson offence, the only question was how long it would be for.
He said the arson offence was serious but he thought it was a pity that Tranter’s plea of guilty to the lesser charge had not been accepted earlier.
Tranter, a chemistry graduate, continues to be held at Eastwood Park women’s prison near Bristol, where she has been since January.
An earlier court hearing was told that on January 17 Tranter had attended the Hunt Ball with her boyfriend and a friend. While there she had got drunk and snorted a gram of what she believed to be cocaine.
After the ball the couple went back to the Premier Inn where she was locked her out of her room. The hotel receptionist eventually called the police who drove Tranter to her mother’s address in Narberth.
They assumed that she would stay there; however, she then took the keys to her mother’s Peugeot and drove back to the Premier Inn.
More than 100 guests were evacuated from the hotel at around 6.30am on a Sunday morning after a fire on the exterior of a fire door was extinguished by a resident.
News
Future of Wales’ last Greyhound track uncertain amid ban proposal

THE VALLEY Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, the last remaining greyhound racing track in Wales, faces an uncertain future following the Welsh Government’s proposal to outlaw the sport.
Greyhound racing has been a part of Welsh sporting history for nearly a century, with the first races taking place on April 7, 1928. At its peak, the sport drew tens of thousands of spectators, with the Welsh White City Stadium in Cardiff once attracting crowds of 25,000. The Valley Greyhound Stadium itself opened in 1976 and has undergone significant renovations over the years, including the addition of an indoor lounge and licensed bar in 2011. The stadium was granted a licence by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) in August 2023, ensuring compliance with modern animal welfare and racing standards.

Welsh Government pushes for ban
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced on February 18, 2025, that the government intends to implement a ban on greyhound racing “as soon as practically possible.” He stated: “I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales. We are proud to be the first nation in the UK to do this.”
The proposed ban follows increasing pressure from animal welfare groups and a government consultation that received 35,000 signatures supporting the end of the sport. Welfare concerns, including the risks of injury and post-racing care for retired dogs, have been key drivers behind the move.
Divided opinions on the proposal
The announcement has sparked widespread debate. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the decision, arguing that it aligns with evidence-based policy on animal welfare. BVA President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux commented: “It is crucial that all animals in sporting activities are protected under the highest welfare standards.”
However, industry representatives and racing enthusiasts argue that the decision is not grounded in sufficient evidence. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has strongly opposed the move, with Chairman Jeremy Cooper stating: “This decision has been heavily influenced by animal rights activists. Our industry has made significant strides in ensuring the welfare of greyhounds.”
Essex businessman Dave Barclay, who has owned the Valley Greyhound Stadium since November 2021, is understood to be seeking legal advice in light of the government’s plans.
Impact on local economy and sport
If the ban is enacted, Wales would become the first UK nation to outlaw greyhound racing, leaving only 18 tracks operational in the rest of the country following the closure of Crayford Stadium in January. The closure of the Valley Greyhound Stadium is expected to result in the loss of approximately 30 jobs and leave a void in the local sporting community.
Former England and British and Irish Lions rugby player Mike Burton, now a greyhound trainer, expressed disappointment: “I come to Wales because they are good people, they are all grafters and love the sport. This is a huge loss.”
Uncertain future for greyhound racing in Wales
Despite the outcry from the industry, the Welsh Government remains committed to phasing out the sport. The exact timeline for implementation is unclear, but with the next Senedd election set for May 2026, the ban could be in place before then.
As the debate continues, stakeholders on both sides await further details on the government’s plan, including support measures for affected workers and provisions for the welfare of retired racing greyhounds. For now, the final bend looms for Wales’ last greyhound track, and its future remains uncertain.
Education
Former Ysgol y Preseli headmaster passes following battle with cancer

THE FORMER headmaster of Ysgol y Preseli, Martin Lloyd, has passed away following a battle with cancer.
Mr. Lloyd dedicated nearly 50 years to the school in Crymych, shaping the lives of countless students and playing a pivotal role in the development of Welsh-medium education in Pembrokeshire.
He joined Ysgol y Preseli in 1960, just two years after it was founded, starting as a French teacher before being promoted to deputy headmaster in 1974. In 1990, he became headmaster, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 2009.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Lloyd was a strong advocate for bilingual education and was instrumental in strengthening the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Under his leadership, Ysgol y Preseli became a centre of learning and cultural preservation, nurturing generations of Welsh-speaking students.
Speaking at the time of his retirement, Mr. Lloyd reflected on his years of service with pride and gratitude, highlighting the collective achievements of staff and students in maintaining the school’s high standards.
His passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from former colleagues, students, and the wider community, remembering him as a dedicated educator, mentor, and leader whose contributions left an enduring impact on Welsh education.
Mr. Lloyd’s legacy will live on in the generations he taught and in the continued success of Ysgol y Preseli.

Entertainment
Milford Haven set to celebrate Founding Day 2025 in June

Annual Event Promises Community Fun and Festivities on June 8
MILFORD HAVEN is gearing up for its annual Founding Day celebration, scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2025. Organized by the Milford Haven Business Circle, this event aims to bring together residents and visitors for a day filled with entertainment, local business showcases, and family-friendly activities.
Event highlights:
- Family-Friendly Activities: Attendees can look forward to various attractions suitable for all ages, including bouncy castles, slides, face painting, and small rides.
- Local Business Participation: Local businesses and organizations are expected to host indoor stalls, pop-up shops, and provide engaging games and demonstrations, offering unique products and services to visitors.
- Live Performances: Live music and performances will provide a vibrant backdrop to the day’s festivities, showcasing local talent and adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
The Milford Haven Business Circle is actively seeking support from local businesses to ensure the event’s success. Sponsorship packages are available, offering various promotional opportunities, and businesses can also contribute by donating raffle prizes or assisting with event logistics.
How to get involved:
- Sponsorship and Donations: Businesses interested in sponsoring the event or donating prizes can contact the organizers for more information on available packages and benefits.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Community members wishing to volunteer their time and skills to assist with event preparations and on-the-day activities are encouraged to reach out.
For more details or to offer support, please contact the organizers through the Milford Haven Business Circle Facebook page or via email at secretary.mhbc24@gmail.com.
The community’s collaborative spirit has been instrumental in the event’s past successes, and Milford Haven’s Founding Day 2025 promises to be another memorable celebration of the town’s rich heritage and vibrant community life.

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Paul
July 9, 2015 at 4:54 pm
Gina Tranter, Tina Tranter or Georgina Tranter? Which is it?
Frank
July 10, 2015 at 6:31 am
@ Paul:
Read the article ..
“Georgina Tranter’s plea of guilty to a lesser charge of arson”
John
July 20, 2015 at 3:12 am
She deserves a decent stretch. Stupid girl.
Adam John
July 21, 2015 at 10:31 am
She’s going to get some lez action inside.