News

Compensation after life-changing injuries

Published

10 years ago

May 3, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Popular Milford venue: Circles Nightclub (Now The Basement)

MARK TIERNEY has been awarded what he and lawyers see as fair compensation eight years on from a near-lethal assault, which left him severely brain damaged.

On the evening of December 2 2007 Mark Tierney was in Circles Nightclub, Milford Haven, and later that night he was involved in an incident with Christopher John Freeman, formerly from the town, who was said to have assaulted him using a vodka bottle, which caused the lifechanging injuries.

During court proceedings which followed, Freeman denied that he had used the bottle as a weapon and also pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent and causing GBH without intending to do so. However, he admitted to having offered the Circles nightclub manager £5,000 to delete video recordings of him coming and going from the premises.

THE EVIDENCE

Freeman claimed that the attack had taken place while he was walking home to his flat in the centre of the town, and said that he was first attacked by Mr Tierney, a point that was greatly contested by the prosecution.

The manager of Circles, Chris Thomas, told the court that, after the attack, a bouncer followed Freeman into the gents, where he saw two men with mobile phones in a cubicle and overheard a man saying that he needed to leave Wales that night as he thought he had killed Tierney.

The other man who was in the stall with Freeman, Mr Julian Walker, was also in court being accused of arranging for Freeman’s clothes to be washed in order to remove any forensic evidence. He denied a charge of undertaking an act tending to pervert the course of justice.

The prosecution said that, although Walker was not involved in the attack, he knew that Freeman had unlawfully assaulted someone.

During the attack Tierney sustained a severe, traumatic brain injury which means that he requires lifelong care.

Represented by law firm Hugh James, Mark was involved in an arduous eight year battle before he was finally awarded compensation for the ‘serious nature’ of his injuries and significant loss of earnings.

Mark Tierney, was formerly a pipe fitter from Barry, and had been working in Milford Haven. He was out socialising with friends and colleagues before the brutal assault took place during the early hours of the morning.

NO RECOLLECTION

The injuries Mark sustained were ‘so severe’ that he has no recollection of the incident.

He was found lying unconscious on his back by a passer-by in the street after the incident.

After being rushed to hospital he was treated at the Intensive Care Unit at Withybush Hospital for two weeks, and remained in a coma for a further four.

His level of consciousness was recorded as being 3/15 on the Glasgow coma scale (indicating deep unconsciousness) and CT scans revealed a left side scalp haematoma, nasal fracture and swelling of the brain.

Since then, Mark has suffered ongoing cognitive problems, intellectual deficit, behavioural problems, poor balance, speech and language difficulties.

As a result, his 25 year relationship with his partner completely broke down; he is unable to return to work and now requires care and support, which is provided by his three daughters.

Speaking about the incident, Mark said: “The attack has had a huge effect on my family. My youngest daughter, who was only ten years old at the time of the assault, was really affected by what happened to me and then also had to deal with the break-up of my marriage to her mum.

“On a personal level the attack has completely changed how I live my life. Before the attack I was very active, not only in my job but I regularly enjoyed having a kick around playing football which I will never be able to do again. Financially the attack has affected the whole family as I am no longer able to work and support my family.”

CARDIFF LAW FIRM

In 2008, Cardiff-based law firm Hugh James were appointed to represent Mark and his lawyers immediately made an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). In 2010 Hugh James challenged the CICA when they stated that Mark was not eligible to receive an award on the basis that they considered that he had provoked the assault.

However after his lawyers obtained evidence to challenge this, Mark was deemed eligible to receive an award in principle. Hugh James also obtained two interim payments to ease the financial stress on Mark and his family whilst the case was ongoing.

INITIAL OFFER REJECTED

Screen Shot 2016-04-28 at 12.19.48 In 2014, the CICA made a monetary offer to settle the claim but due to the seriousness of his injuries and lifelong loss of earnings, specialist solicitors Hugh James advised Mark to reject the offer on the basis that his claim was worth significantly more.

Cari Sowden-Taylor, a Senior Associate from Hugh James’ Neurolaw team, explained: “Having pursued many CICA brain injury cases and assessing the true value of the claim we were able to advise Mark that we felt that the first offer from the CICA was low in light of the injuries he’d sustained and the financial losses he’d incurred as was likely to incur in the future.

“We therefore advised Mark to request a review of the decision but the CICA remained of the opinion that their offer was reasonable.

“Comprehensive evidence was therefore obtained and submitted to CICA in accordance with the appeal process and the matter was then referred to an independent tribunal panel who agreed with our arguments and as a result Mark was awarded nearly three times the amount that CICA offered him.

“We are delighted with the outcome for Mark and his family and feel that they have finally received some justice since the assault eight years ago.”

CRIMINAL CASE

Christopher Freeman, 37 at the time in May 2008, was cleared of more serious, alternative charges of attempted murder and inflicting GBH with intent.

Freeman, who had previous convictions for violence, was jailed for five years, of which he must serve a minimum of three and a half years behind bars.

The jury at Swansea Crown Court cleared fellow LNG worker Julian Walker, 36, of Rectory Avenue, Hakin, of doing an act tending to pervert the course of justice.

He was accused of arranging for Freeman’s clothes to be washed in order to remove any forensic evidence, knowing that Freeman had assaulted someone.

A third man, Peter Harll, 21, of St Ann’s Road, Milford Haven, had already pleaded guilty to carrying out an act tending to pervert the course of justice by washing Freeman’s clothes. He was jailed for eight months.

For legal reasons the amount of the compensation settlement cannot be revealed.

News

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

Published

4 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister, MP, MS and teaching unions call for safety and support for staff

POLITICAL leaders and teaching unions across Wales have spoken out following Thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven School, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

***Police at Milford Haven School on May 5 (Pic: Herald)***

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

Teaching unions also responded.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

6 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

10 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.