News

Jail for Eddie’s toilet attack

Published

10 years ago

February 2, 2016

AFTER being found guilty of two assaults the day previously, Charlotte Whelton appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jan 19) for sentencing.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, told the court that a 17-year-old girl and her sister were in the toilets of Eddie’s Nightclub with their friends on September 12 when they were assaulted by 27-yearold Whelton from Leven Close in Hook.

On the night, Whelton had barged into the complainant’s friend in the toilets and the 17-year-old victim said, “Please don’t push, say excuse me.”

“The defendant took umbrage with this and grabbed the young girl by the throat and pushed her into the wall,” said Ms Morgan.

The older sister tried to get Whelton off the young complainant, but the defendant did not let go of her younger sister’s throat.

The defendant beat off the older victim, who was shouting “Stop, let her go, she’s got asthma” repeatedly, leaving her arms covered in bruises.

Whelton also grabbed at the older victims hair, pulling her forward, but she stayed on her feet.

The younger complainant was described as going purple and red in the face by the older sister and their friends.

When Whelton finally let go of the younger girl’s throat, she slid down the wall.

One of the friends said that the complainant’s eyes rolled into the back of her head. She had lost consciousness.

The victim came around to see bouncers, the police and paramedics, while the defendant was pursued by bouncers.

At her trial on Monday (Jan 18), Whelton denied assaulting both of the girls, but she was found guilty by Magistrates.

Julie Norman of the probation service suggested that Magistrates should sentence Whelton to a high level community order.

She said that Whelton troubles the court very little and explained that the defendant maintains her not guilty plea and denies causing any injury.

Ms Norman told the court that Whelton lives alone as a single parent to two young children.

Mark Layton, defending Whelton, said that he believed that his client should be issued a suspended sentence instead of a community order due to the seriousness of the crime, commenting that it crosses the custody threshold.

“My client is clearly disappointed to be found guilty, but she accepts the courts findings and bears no animosity towards the complainants. We will not be appealing,” said Mr Layton.

Magistrates said that they were looking upon the offence very seriously and sentenced Whelton to an immediate 12 weeks in prison.

She will have to pay £620 in prosecution costs and an £80 victim surcharge. The younger complainant was awarded compensation of £150 and the older victim was awarded £50.

Mr Layton told the court that he and his client would be appealing the sentence and asked for bail pending the appeal.

He said that he was appealing the case due to the rights of Whelton’s children and commented that sending a single mother to prison should be a “last resort.”

Magistrates granted unconditional bail pending Mr Layton’s appeal.

News

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

Published

9 minutes 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

30 minutes 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

42 minutes 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.