News

On trial for wedding violence

Published

9 years ago

December 14, 2015

swansea TWO wedding guests from Llandysul are on trial accused of attacking the bridegroom’s sister.

Lindsey Sandra Rose Evans, 28, and her sister Amie Victoria Gutteridge, 32, both of Heol y Bedw, Henllan, Llandysul, have denied assaulting Samantha Robbins causing her grievous bodily harm.

A jury at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Dec 14) how violence flared at the wedding reception of Miss Robbins’ brother, Ben, held at the Ceridwen centre near Drefach Felindre on September 1, 2012.

Dean Pulling, prosecuting, said the wedding had been a “resounding success” until Evans saw Miss Robbins, then a student nurse, at a dance being held in a tepee style tent.

Evans, he said, claimed that her boyfriend, and now husband, Neil Evans, had had a relationship with Miss Robbins.

“It wasn’t true, but it might explain why, in drink, she became so aggressive towards Miss Robbins,” said Mr Pulling.

Outside the tepee, it was alleged, Gutteridge began pointing her finger at Miss Robbins and Evans swore at her.

Miss Robbins told them they were attending her brother’s wedding and they should have some respect.

Mr Pulling said Evans pushed her to her chest and then hit her in the face. Both women then grabbed her hair and pulled her to the ground.

Miss Robbins fell down a grass bank and Evans followed, still punching her, he added.

Gutteride then kicked Miss Robbins “a number of times” while Evans held her down.

Guests and relatives intervened and the women were separated.

Mr Pulling said Miss Robbins suffered a fractured wrist, cuts, bruising and a damaged tooth, and months later still required surgery to damaged ligaments in her arm.

Mr Pulling said both sides of the dispute made complaints to the police, each blaming the others for the violence, and he told the jury he expected Evans and Gutteridge to claim that had acted in self defence.

“They were not defending themselves,” he added. “Evans was heard to say ‘get off me, I‘m going to kill the bitch.’”

Miss Robbins told the court the attack had been traumatic and she still suffered the effects more than three years later.

Cross examined by defence barristers representing Evans and Gutteridge, she denied having started the violence or that she and her family had “put your heads together to come up with an account of what had happened.”

The trial is expected to end later this week.

Community

Leisure centres open until 9:00pm to support those affected by Storm Darragh

Published

14 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE’S Leisure Centres are stepping in to provide essential services for those left without electricity or utilities following Storm Darragh. All centres, except Fishguard, will remain open until 9:00pm on Sunday, December 8, offering warm spaces and more to residents in need.

Facilities available include:

Warm spaces with free hot drinks.
Charging stations for electric devices.
Hot water, with visitors encouraged to bring flasks for filling.
Shower facilities for public use.

Locations and availability Leisure centres in the following areas will remain open:

Crymych
Haverfordwest
Milford Haven
Pembroke
St Davids
Tenby

Fishguard Leisure Centre remains closed due to storm damage. As an alternative, Letterston Memorial Hall will offer limited facilities until 9:00pm.

Normal service resumes tomorrow

From Monday, December 9, all centres will resume their usual opening hours, with the exception of Fishguard, which will remain closed until repairs are completed.

For further updates, visit the Pembrokeshire Leisure website.

(Cover image: Martin Cavaney)

Community

Police advise to check on any vulnerable neighbours and family without power

Published

17 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE is facing widespread power outages tonight as Storm Darragh wreaks havoc across the region, leaving approximately 7,000 customers without electricity.

Dyfed-Powys Police have issued an urgent appeal for assistance, encouraging communities to check on vulnerable neighbours and family members, particularly the elderly and those with medical needs, if weather conditions allow.

The police have taken the unusual step of asking those in immediate need due to the power outages to contact them directly via 101 or through their social media channels.

In a statement, Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are aware there are significant numbers of people across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys without power. We are asking anyone requiring urgent support to reach out to us. Your welfare is our priority.”

A yellow weather warning remains in place for much of Mid and West Wales, with gusts of wind and heavy rain complicating recovery efforts.

Local authorities are working to address storm damage, including fallen trees and debris blocking roads. Residents are urged to report power cuts by calling 105 and fallen trees through their local council contacts:

Pembrokeshire County Council: 0345 6015522
Carmarthenshire County Council: via their website
Ceredigion County Council: via their website

For updates on travel, weather, and flooding, the following resources are recommended:

Travel: Traffic Wales North & Mid / South
Weather: Met Office
Flood alerts: Natural Resources Wales at 0345 988 1188

As the storm continues, authorities are urging the public to use caution, stay indoors where possible, and only travel if absolutely necessary.

For life-threatening emergencies, always dial 999. For less urgent health concerns, NHS Wales advises using the 111 Wales online symptom checker.

Stay tuned to The Herald for further updates as the situation unfolds.

Community

Councillor visits fire station for electric blanket safety event

Published

17 hours ago

December 8, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CASTLE WARD County Councillor Thomas Tudor visited Haverfordwest Fire Station on Thursday (Dec 4) to witness a vital safety initiative in action. The fire service hosted a free electric blanket testing event for residents, providing advice on fire protection and prevention.

The initiative aimed to highlight potential fire hazards posed by faulty electric blankets, helping ensure residents stay safe during the colder months. Fire officers also educated attendees on other safety measures, including the importance of carbon monoxide detectors to guard against the dangers of the “silent killer.”

Councillor Tudor described the event as an eye-opening experience, praising the fire service’s commitment to promoting safety and raising awareness within the community.

For those who missed the event, fire safety tips and advice on carbon monoxide monitoring are available on the fire service’s website and through local outreach programs.