News
Editor vows to fight to get case dropped
THE EDITOR of The Pembrokeshire Herald is continuing his fight to get prosecution against him for naming a 17-year-old dropped. Thomas Sinclair, 37, of Hamilton Terrace, Miford Haven, is charged of one offence, contrary to Section 49 (1) and (3A) of the Children’s and Young Persons Act 1933, which is punishable by way of a fine.
In his latest representations to the CPS, the Editor affirmed that he considers the prosecution of this case conspicuously unfair and constitutes an “abuse of the Court’s process.”
Mr Sinclair says: “The agency which prosecuted the teenager in the original proceedings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court have themselves released sufficient material to identify the defendant, but face no action from the Court or CPS.”
In the four page document, Mr Sinclair has again written to the CPS requesting they review the case against him, in particular to satisfy themselves whether or not the public interest test was satisfied.
The latest court hearing, reported in last week’s Herald, was adjourned on September 8 so that the prosecution could consider their position.
District Judge Simon Morgan commented that the CPS “should decide whether they were going to take a sensible and pragmatic approach to the case.”
Representations to the CPS were prepared by top Cardiff barrister Matthew Paul of Civitas Law.
Mr Sinclair has again pointed out that Milford Haven Port Authority, which prosecuted the youth in the Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, ‘committed a clear and unambiguous breach of the law when it published details which led to the youth’s inevitable identification in any event.
“To be clear, Mr Sinclair does not consider that it would be in any way in the public interest to prosecute the Port. However, it is in these circumstances impossible to make a meaningful distinction between the public interest in prosecuting the Port Authority, and taking action against the Herald.
“What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, and the CPS should conclude that both offenders should be prosecuted, or neither.
“In Mr Sinclair’s submission, it is conspicuously unfair and an abuse of executive power to prosecute him for an offence which appears also to have been committed, with impunity, by the agency that prosecuted the youth in the first place.”
Speaking today (Sep 15) Mr Sinclair told The Herald that he emailed Alec Don, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, to reaffirm that, contrary to the impression fostered in a competitor, he did not wish to see the Port prosecuted.
The issue remains one of consistent application of the rules and procedural fairness.
ONCE synonymous with oil and gas, Milford Haven is now poised to lead Wales into a cleaner, greener future—powered by hydrogen.
Green energy pioneer Haush Ltd has chosen Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a hub for hydrogen innovation. The company’s ambitious plans aim to decarbonise land, sea, and air transport, while also exporting green hydrogen to Europe.
Backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR), Haush’s initiative will kick off immediately. The HyPR project supports trials to accelerate hydrogen production and create refuelling solutions for both onshore and offshore vessels. A key part of this effort is designing a permanent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at the Port of Milford Haven, unlocking its potential as a green energy leader.
For over 65 years, Milford Haven has been a cornerstone of the UK’s oil and gas sector, processing 20% of the nation’s oil and gas. Now, this latest investment signals the beginning of a transformative shift toward renewable energy.
Welsh Government Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the move, saying:
“Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted that Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK headquarters. The company’s ambitious growth plans align perfectly with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy generation.”
Milford Haven’s journey from oil and gas to hydrogen innovation could set a blueprint for green energy transformation in the UK and beyond.
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.
Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.
Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”
Details of the premium
The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:
- Pembrokeshire County Council
- Police and Crime Commissioner
- Town and Community Councils
Exemptions and discounts
Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.
If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.
Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.
National Empty Homes Grant Scheme
Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.
For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Post: Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP
THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.
When:
- Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
- Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.
Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.
Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, a special Mass at 9:30am will celebrate the Second Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.
Come along and experience this beautiful event – “Come and See.”
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Ben McAndo
September 15, 2016 at 9:54 pm
The Editor should face the music and stop whining. It is a basic error of judgement to “take a punt” and ignore reporting restrictions; it is a foolish gamble. He gambled; he surely knew it was a gamble (god help us if he didn’t realise that); he lost. He makes himself look even more inexperienced by trying to squirm away from the results of his own recklessness.