News

Haverfordwest: Premier Inn arsonist Gina Tranter jailed for 32 months

Published

9 years ago

July 24, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Jailed: Tina Tranter admitted arson

A WOMAN who set fire to the Premier Inn at Haverfordwest after being jilted by her boyfriend has been jailed for 32 months today (Jul 24).

Georgina Tranter, aged 26, admitted pouring petrol over a fire exit door and setting it alight while there were more than 100 guests inside.

The flames got inside the building and onto a floor where people were sleeping. But a fire officer happened to be staying there and he put out the fire.

Tranter, of Redstone Court, Narberth, had admitted arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

Nicola Powell, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown court this afternoon that on January 17 Tranter—a chemistry graduate whose work involved testing petroleum spirits—went to a Hunt Ball in Haverfordwest with her boyfriend, William Harman.

During the evening he found her to be “clingy” and told her their relationship was over and advised her to go home.

He saw het get onto a minibus and thought she had left. But when he arrived at the Premier Inn for more drinks with friends he was surprised to find her there.

Miss Powell said Tranter started “ranting and raving” and a receptionist became so concerned she called the police, who drove Tranter home.

However, Tranter changed out of her ball gown and high heeled shoes, took a can of petrol from the garage of the house and drove her mother’s car back to Haverfordwest, where she tried to torch the hotel.

Miss Powell said during the early hours Tranter began sending text messages to a friend, William Evans. The first message complained that Mr Harman had not paid her enough attention.

There were then more messages reading, “I need you, I have done something stupid,” followed by “I’m not going home. I’m going to jump off a bridge,” “I’m on the run. I love you.” And finally “I’ve poured petrol over the Premier Inn. I’m in deep trouble. I will have to go on the run.”

Police spotted her pulling into a petrol station and arrested her.

James Jenkins, representing Tranter, said she thought the best thing that had ever happened to her was spending the last seven months on remand at Eastwood Park women’s prison near Bristol, where she had been teaching other inmates to read and write.

Judge Peter Heywood said Tranter had been in several “hurtful” relations and the way Mr Harman had dealt with her had been “brutal and callous.”

But arson was an extremely serious offence, he added. Once a fire had been set no-one could predict the outcome, which could be “hugely distressing.”

“You told William Evans you had done something stupid, there is no doubt about that.

“You were not thinking rationally. You were unhinged that evening, through being jilted and alcohol.

”The Inn had been full that night. Fortunately, there was a trained fie officer staying there in a position to react and douse the flames,” added the judge.

Tranter also admitted taking her mother’s car without consent, failing to provide a specimen for analysis and driving without insurance, for which no separate penalties were imposed.

fire

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

20 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

21 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.