Violent football player jailed

Published

9 years ago

August 26, 2016

A MONKTON SWIFTS football player who attacked an opponent so violently he broke three bones with a single blow to the face has been jailed today.

Jadey Hearn, aged 31, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm to West Dragons player Kern Cunningham during a match in Division Five of the Pembrokeshire Football League on October 17 last year.

Kevin Jones, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that during the game Hearn was verbally aggressive towards other players, even to his own team mates.

About 35 minutes before the assault Mr Cunningham appealed to the referee for a penalty and Hearn called him a “cheating c***.”

Later in the game the two players clashed as Mr Cunningham, a swimming instructor, attacked the Monkton goal but according to the referee only minimal contact had been involved.

But as Mr Cunningham got to his feet Hearn knocked him out.

Hearn left the pitch even before the referee showed him a red card and later that day walked into a police station to admit what he had done.

Mr Cunningham was taken to Withybush hospital and then to a specialist unit at Swansea’s Morriston hospital where doctors diagnosed fractures to his eye socket, right cheek and nose.

14021679_10153891253368963_4353292448166543020_n

There was a danger, said Mr Jones, that he could have lost his eyesight, although surgeons managed to save it.

Metal plates were used to rebuild the eye socket but Mr Cunningham still suffered the effects six months later.

Mr Jones said Hearn, of Catshole Quarry, Long Mains, Monkton, already had three convictions for violence and a further three cautions.

Hearn’s barrister, Aubrey Sampson, said he had delivered a single blow “in a moment of madness, in the heat of the moment.”

The Judge, Mr Recorder Peter Rouch, said it had been a disgraceful attack committed on a sports field.

Hearn, he added, had not learned anything from his previous convictions for violence.

Hearn, a scaffolder, was jailed for 15 months.

Kern Cunningham told The Herald today: “I am over the moon that justice has been served.”

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

11 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.