News

Tributes pour in for tragic schoolboy

Published

12 years ago

January 3, 2014

Tom Sinclair

THE FATHER and headteacher of a 14-year-old boy found dead in woodland have paid tribute to him.

Investigations are continuing into the death of Derek Brundrett, who was found at a secondary school in Pembroke.

His father, David, wrote on Facebook: “To my boy Derek. Sorry for not being there for you.

“Should of tried harder, you will always be in my thoughts every minute of every day as you have been since the day you were born. I will miss you more than anyone I have ever known.”

He also appeared to blame bullies for Derek’s death, writing in a separate message: “Bullies, I am coming for you. Now my life is not worth living.”

Pembroke School headteacher Frank Ciccotti said staff and pupils were deeply shocked and saddened.

He said: “He was a likeable and popular student with a group of close friends. He had a larger-than-life character and was loyal, gentle and caring. He will be much missed.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends. He is ever present in our thoughts.

“We are trying to help students and staff come to terms with their loss through a series of special assemblies. We also have experienced counsellors and support workers available to talk to those who are most affected.

“The school is co-operating with the coroner and his officers in their investigation into the circumstances of this tragic event. It would not be appropriate for us to make any further comment at this time.”

Mr Ciccotti added: “We are absolutely certain that bullying was not a factor in this tragic incident.

“I spoke to the boy’s friends yesterday afternoon and they were very open about his thoughts and the problems he was facing, but bullying was not one of them.

“Derek also had daily access to the school’s pastoral support system where he confided some of the problems he was going through.

“The school is operating as normal this week, the last week of term as I think it is important for the pupils to have some sort of normality.

“They will however have access to any additional support they need.

“The school is also looking at arrangements to open on Saturday and Sunday afternoon where access to our family internment workers will be available to pupils and their families.”

A Facebook page has also been set up in Derek’s memory.

The death happened at about 2pm last Thursday in a wooded area near the school’s reception.

A police spokeswoman said:

“Police school liaison officers have been working with the school to ensure the well-being of the rest of the pupils.”

County councillor Susan Perkins, who sits on the school’s board of governors, said:

“It goes without saying that whenever something like this happens in the community it is absolutely heartbreaking and my condolences go to the family. It is just incredibly sad.”

Pembroke School has around 1,400 pupils.

Crime

Man who threw corrosive liquid at guest and fled abroad jailed

Published

6 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A BUSINESSMAN who threw a corrosive liquid into a guest’s face during a row at a spiritual retreat before fleeing the country has been jailed for 18 months.

Dean Mayze, aged 38, from Abercrave in Powys, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm following the attack at his Hafan-y-Coed retreat in December 2022.

Swansea Crown Court heard the assault happened after an argument with guest Keifer Price, who had complained about the condition of his accommodation, including a lack of heating and washing facilities.

During the confrontation, Mayze produced a blue container and threw its contents upwards into the victim’s face.

The liquid — described as smelling like ammonia — entered Mr Price’s eyes, nose and mouth, leaving him in severe pain and struggling to breathe.

Medical evidence confirmed injuries consistent with a chemical burn to both eyes. He suffered abrasions, a corneal defect and the loss of the outer corneal layer in one eye, requiring significant treatment to prevent permanent sight loss. He has since recovered without lasting injury.

Fled across Europe

Following the attack, Mayze fled the UK, triggering an international search.

The court heard he travelled across several European countries, including Ireland, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece, before eventually being arrested in Romania in 2025.

Despite being on the run, he remained in regular contact with police by text and email, at one point telling officers he would not be returning to Wales.

His partner initially claimed responsibility for the assault and later received a suspended prison sentence after admitting perverting the course of justice.

Previous conviction

The court was told Mayze has a previous conviction for wounding involving a corrosive substance in Kent in 2013.

Defence barrister Andrew Taylor said his client had experienced harsh conditions while detained in Romania, including contracting scabies without treatment, and described him as remorseful.

However, Judge Geraint Walters said it was “pure luck” the victim had not suffered permanent injuries, describing the attack as a “particularly wicked way of inflicting violence”.

Sentence and order

Mayze, who appeared via video link from prison, had previously denied a more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and made subject to a three-year restraining order.

Crime

Police appeal after man injured in St Davids incident

Published

11 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in St Davids which left one man injured.

The incident happened in Nun Street at around 11:10am on Tuesday, December 30. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Police are now asking anyone with information, dash cam footage, or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Alternatively, email [email protected], send a direct message via social media, or call 101 quoting reference DP20251230094.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

12 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.