News
Grant scandal: Judge for yourself who’s telling the truth, says Stoddart
JUST BEFORE Christmas, the Herald reported that Cllr David Pugh, Cabinet member for economic development, had been forced to issue an “unreserved apology” to Hakin councillor Mike Stoddart for comments he made at the council meeting on December 12.
The offending remarks came during a debate on Cllr Stoddart’s notice of motion calling for information on property grants in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock to be made available to all elected members on a confidential basis.
Mike Stoddart has posted several articles casting doubt on the probity of some of these grants on his website oldgrumpy.co.uk.
One issue was the apparent discrepancy between the amount of external render (125 sq metres) and painting (300 sq metres) in the tender for No 25 Dimond Street Pembroke Dock compared to the 50 square meters shown on the drawings.
During the December meeting, Cllr Pugh launched into a savage personal attack on Cllr Stoddart who, he claimed had failed to take into account “a third side elevation” at No 25, which, when included, brought the tender into line with the area on site.
Not content with pointing out this alleged error, Cllr Pugh then asked members to decide “Whether this was a deliberate untruth, or sheer incompetence on his behalf by not checking the facts?”
However, Mike Stoddart posted pictures on his website that proved that this “third side elevation” didn’t exist outside of Cllr Pugh’s imagination and the cabinet member had no option but to apologise.
Although the apology was said to be “unreserved”, there was a sting in the tail because Cllr Pugh insisted that Cllr Stoddart should withdraw all his other allegations regarding these grants.
The Hakin councillor was having none of that, however, because he had issues with other claims Cllr Pugh had made, particularly with regard to No 29 Dimond Street which is currently occupied by the Paul Sartori charity shop.
According to the final account for this project £53,000 had been spent on refurbishing the retail space, but on visiting the premises Cllr Stoddart, an experienced former building contractor, could see nothing that would justify this level of expenditure.
The walls of the shop were still covered in the original wood-chip wallpaper and the ceilings still sported the Artex that had obviously been there for years.
And the lighting, which was supposed to have been renewed, comprised three ancient, blackened fluorescent fittings.
However, Cllr Pugh told the December meeting that, had he bothered to look more carefully, Cllr Stoddart would have seen that “most” of the retail space was given over to storage and cleaning clothes and it was here that the £53.000 had been spent.
Mike Stoddart wrote to Cllr Pugh pointing out that what he described as “most” was a partitioned-off area to the back left rear of the shop measuring roughly 2.5 meters square, or 7 sq metres in all.
As the total floor area was 50 sq metres this made up less than 15% of the whole.
He asked the Cabinet member for an explanation, but Cllr Pugh has replied that he doesn’t wish to continue with the “dialogue”.Mike Stoddart told the Herald: “I can understand why Cllr Pugh would want to keep his head down over this.
Having already been forced to issue one apology, to have to issue a second would destroy what little is left of his credibility.
He had plenty to say for himself at full council when he though he had the upper hand, but now the boot is on the other foot he has taken a vow of silence.
During his speech at full council he said of me: “But then getting at the truth is not on his agenda. Your readers can judge for themselves who is being cavalier with the truth.”
Crime
Pembrokeshire child killer stabbed to death in prison cell, murder trial hears
Kyle Bevan, jailed for the murder of Haverfordwest toddler Lola James, was allegedly stabbed 25 times and left ‘as if asleep’ in a maximum-security prison cell attack
KYLE BEVAN, the man jailed for murdering two-year-old Lola James in Haverfordwest, was stabbed 25 times during an attack in his prison cell, a murder trial has heard.
Bevan, 33, was serving a life sentence at HMP Wakefield after being convicted of killing his partner’s daughter, Lola, whose death shocked Pembrokeshire and led to major questions about child protection failings.
Leeds Crown Court heard that Bevan was attacked on November 5 last year by three fellow prisoners, Lee Newell, 57, Mark Fellows, 45, and David Taylor, 63.
All three deny murder.
‘Left to bleed to death’
Prosecutor Jason Pitter KC told the jury the attack lasted four minutes and 39 seconds after Bevan entered his cell on A Wing.
He said the defendants followed him in “with real purpose” before allegedly carrying out a joint attack intended to kill him.
The court heard Bevan suffered at least 30 injuries, including 25 stab wounds from a sharp weapon. His heart and major blood vessels were damaged.
Mr Pitter said Bevan was then placed in bed “as if asleep” and left to bleed to death. His body was not discovered by prison staff until roll call the following morning.
Weapons found
Jurors were told a makeshift weapon, described as a folded piece of metal, was later found hidden behind a television and had Bevan’s blood on it.
Other weapons were allegedly found hidden in a container of chilli sauce in Taylor’s cell.
The court also heard that Taylor was allegedly heard saying: “Nice working with you and the Ice Man,” with “Ice Man” said to be a nickname for Fellows.
Pembrokeshire case
Bevan was jailed in 2023 for the murder of Lola James, who died after suffering catastrophic head injuries at her home in Haverfordwest.
Her mother, Sinead James, was also jailed for causing or allowing her death.
The case caused widespread anger in Pembrokeshire and led to serious questions about how Lola had been left in danger despite concerns being known before her death.
The trial continues.
News
Alarm over brown sea around Fishguard cruise ship as harbour gives explanation
Residents feared pollution after muddy water appeared around the Oceania Marina, but officials say sediment was churned up by the ship’s propulsion system.
BROWN discolouration seen in the sea around a cruise ship visiting Fishguard sparked concern among residents this week, after some feared it could indicate pollution in the harbour.
The large cruise vessel Oceania Marina arrived in Fishguard on Monday (Jun 8), bringing more than 1,200 passengers and hundreds of crew to Pembrokeshire as part of this summer’s growing cruise season.
But as the ship remained offshore, locals noticed muddy-looking water surrounding the vessel and took to social media to question whether waste had entered the bay.
The Herald understands concerns were raised with Fishguard Harbour, prompting enquiries with the ship’s operators.
According to an explanation passed to local county councillor Billy Shaw, the discolouration was not pollution but sediment disturbed from the seabed.
Harbour officials were told the ship had been using its propulsion system to hold position in strong winds and currents while tender boats ferried passengers to and from shore.
A statement from the vessel said the “brownish sea” seen around the ship had been caused by propulsion bringing mud to the surface.
The operators also stressed that no waste discharge takes place near land, saying all ship discharges stop before entering UK territorial waters and that the vessel complies with international maritime pollution rules.
The Oceania Marina, operated by Oceania Cruises, was making her first visit to Fishguard. Excursions took passengers to locations including St Davids and Cardigan, while many visitors spent time in Fishguard itself.
The call marks one of around two dozen cruise ship visits expected in Fishguard and Goodwick this season, with further vessels scheduled throughout the summer.
Charity
More than £5,000 raised for rescue animals at Greenacres Fun Day
A FUN Day and Dog Show in St Clears has raised more than £5,000 to help vulnerable and abandoned animals.
The event, held in aid of Greenacres Animal Rescue on Sunday, May 10, brought together supporters, local businesses and members of the community to raise vital funds for the charity’s rescue and rehabilitation work.
A total of £2,584.84 was raised on the day, with the amount then matched by the Benefact Group through the support of Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, bringing the final total to £5,169.68.

The money will help Greenacres meet the growing costs of caring for animals in need, including veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and other essential welfare expenses.
Greenacres Animal Rescue provides refuge and care for animals that have been abandoned, neglected or need rehoming. The charity relies heavily on donations, fundraising and volunteer support to continue its work.
A spokesperson for Greenacres Animal Rescue said: “We’re honestly blown away by your generosity and support.”
Among those supporting the event were representatives from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking, which has backed Greenacres Animal Rescue for several years as its chosen charity partner.
Colleagues Stephen Vale, Yvette Llewellyn and Lauren Davies attended the event, helping to support the fundraising and celebrate the work carried out by the charity.
Stephen Vale, from Lloyd & Whyte Community Broking said: “Greenacres Animal Rescue has been our chosen charity for several years and we’re incredibly proud to support the vital work they do for vulnerable animals in our community.
“The dedication of the Greenacres team is inspiring, and it’s fantastic to see local people come together to help raise funds that will directly support the charity’s ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work.
“As part of the Benefact Group, giving back is central to who we are, so being able to support Greenacres through fundraising and matched funding initiatives is something we’re passionate about.”
The success of the event highlights the strength of community support for Greenacres Animal Rescue and the difference local fundraising can make for animals in need.
For more information, call 01994 231548 or visit lloydwhytecommunity.com.
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