News
Premier Inn arson: Gina Tranter enters guilty plea
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
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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