News

Terrier’s death sentence reprieve

Published

10 years ago

March 7, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Swansea Crown Court

DELLA the Brindle terrier of Goodwick has been reprieved to bark another day…but one bite and it’s all over.

Della, owned by Teresa Carlisle, had been the source of several court actions and one of the most recent ended in a death sentence.

But last Friday, Carlisle appealed to Swansea Crown Court and persuaded a judge to suspend the sentence.

Carlisle, aged 64, was warned by Judge Patrick Curran, “This is a very last chance.”

Della’s offending began in 2013 after she bit a man living close to Carlisle’s home at Tresissilt, St Nicholas, which led to a conviction for being responsible for a dog dangerously out of control and the issuing of an order for Carlisle to maintain control.

In 2014 David and Elizabeth Ackers rented a cottage close to Tresissilt and used a public right of way to reach a beach. On their return, dressed only in shorts and wearing flip-flops, they were confronted by a “barking and snarling” Della who frightened Mrs Ackers so much she cried.

Carlisle came from her home and quietened the dog.

That resulted in a court case before magistrates in Haverfordwest where Carlisle was convicted of failing to comply with the order issued in 2013 and there followed a fine and a destruction order for Della, a seven year old rescue dog.

At today’s appealing hearing, Patrick Llewellyn, the barrister representing Carlisle, played a video made by an expert in dogs.

He described Della as being “no more dangerous than the average family pet dog.”

Mr Llewellyn said the incident with the Ackers was a “repetition but not an escalation” in Della’s behaviour.

And, he added, Carlisle was negotiating with the National Trust to have the right of way diverted so that walkers would not come across Della.

Judge Curran said he was wiling to reduce the destruction order to the status of a “contingent” order, which he explained, was the equivalent of a suspended order.

This, he stressed, was a very last chance for Della and Carlisle was required to keep her under control.

News

Flood warnings issued across Wales as heavy rain raises river levels

Published

22 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FLOOD warnings and alerts have been issued across large parts of Wales as persistent heavy rain causes river levels to rise, with parts of the country facing an increased risk of flooding on Thursday (Dec 18).

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that four flood warnings are currently in place, meaning immediate action is required, while a further 16 flood alerts have been issued where flooding is possible.

A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office, covering much of Wales from 10:00am on Thursday until 7:00pm, with disruption expected in some areas.

NRW said the warnings follow prolonged wet weather, with further heavy rainfall forecast to move across the country during the day.

The Met Office said: “An area of heavy rain will move northeast across the warning area during Thursday morning and afternoon before clearing to the east through the evening.

“Given recent very wet weather, there is potential for some disruption to travel and possible flooding.

“Much of the warning area will see 15–25mm of rain but some places could see 40–50mm, with the highest totals falling over high ground of south Wales.”

Forecasters have also warned that strong winds could worsen conditions, particularly along the coast.

“There is a chance of 60–70mph gusts along the exposed south coast, and perhaps 40–50mph some way inland,” the Met Office added.

Flood warnings in force

NRW has confirmed flood warnings are currently active at the following locations:

River Towy at Carmarthen Quay, Carmarthen
River Ritec at Tenby
River Towy affecting isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili
River Rhyd Hir at Riverside Terrace, Pwllheli

Residents in these areas are being urged to take immediate action to protect property and personal safety.

Flood alerts issued

In addition, flood alerts — meaning flooding is possible — have been issued for the Lower Severn catchment in Powys, along with other areas shown on NRW’s live flood monitoring maps.

NRW is advising people to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and footpaths, and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.

The Herald understands that river levels will continue to be closely monitored throughout the day as rainfall moves through Wales.

Members of the public can check the latest flood warnings and alerts on the Natural Resources Wales website or by signing up for flood alerts direct to their phone.

Flood alerts and warnings across Wales on Thursday (Pic: NRW).

Crime

Jury discharged after failing to reach verdict in historic abuse trial

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CPS have a week do decide if they wish to pursue a re-trial, judge confirms

THE JURY has been discharged in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after telling the court it was unable to reach a verdict, even by majority.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is charged with the oral rape and sexual assault of a child, with the offences alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen. He denies the charges.

On Thursday (Dec 18), the jury returned to Swansea Crown Court and was asked whether it had reached a verdict on either count upon which at least ten jurors were agreed.

The foreman replied: “No.”

Judge Paul Thomas KC then asked whether there was any realistic likelihood that further deliberations would lead to a verdict being reached.

The foreman replied: “No, your honour.”

Judge Thomas KC said that in those circumstances he would discharge the jury and give the prosecution seven days to decide whether it would seek a retrial.

Addressing the jurors, the judge said they should not think they had failed or let anyone down.

“These things happen,” he said. “It’s one of the strengths of the jury system that people hold different views.”

He thanked the jury for their service and wished them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The court heard that the prosecution will now consider its position, with a further hearing expected next week to determine whether a retrial will take place.