News

Haverfordwest: Premier Inn arsonist Gina Tranter jailed for 32 months

Published

11 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

News

Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England

Published

8 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Herald Sport

A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.

Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.

Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.

They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.

The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.

Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.

Photo caption:

Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).

Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

Published

8 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

Education

Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days

Published

9 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates

CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.

Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.

No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.

Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.

A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.

The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.

While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.

Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.

Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.

There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.

The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.

Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.

Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.