News

Premier Inn arson: Gina Tranter enters guilty plea

Published

9 years ago

July 9, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Remanded in custody: Tina Tranter has admitted arson

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

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

2 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

2 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.