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Potentially lethal stinger arrives in UK waters

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jellyTHE MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY (MCS) have received reports of several Portuguese Men-of-War washing up on beaches in Cornwall and Scilly Isles, just weeks after authorities in Ireland warned local beach goers about a spate of recent strandings of this potentially dangerous floating sea creature. Now the society are warning they could turn up in Wales.

Stings can be exceptionally painful and in extreme cases fatal.

MCS says the Portuguese Man-of-War (Physalia physalis) are only occasionally reported in UK waters with the last significant UK strandings of the species occurring in 2009 and 2012.

“We don’t receive reports of Portuguese Man-of-War every year, but when we do they can turn up in big numbers, usually around about this time of year”, said Dr Peter Richardson, Head of the MCS Biodiversity Programme, “In the last couple of weeks we’ve received several confirmed reports of Portuguese Man of War stranded on beaches around Cornwall and the Scilly Isles. With the earlier strandings in Ireland, these recent sightings could herald the arrival of more of the creatures as they get blown in from the Atlantic.”

The Portuguese Man-of-War isn’t a jellyfish but is closely related, and consists of a floating colony of hydrozoans – lots of really tiny marine organisms living together and behaving collectively as one animal. A  Cornish pasty-shaped, transparent purple float is visible on the water’s surface whilst the blue, tentacle-like ‘fishing polyps’ that hang below the float can be tens of meters in length.

“It’s the tentacle-like polyps that can give an agonising and potentially lethal sting,” said Dr Richardson, “Because a stranded Portuguese Man of War looks a bit like a deflating purple balloon with blue ribbons attached, children will find it fascinating. So, if you’re visiting a Cornish beach this weekend it’s well worth making sure you know what these animals look like and that no one picks them up. We’d like people to report any sightings of Portuguese Man Of War to our website so we get a better idea of the extent of the strandings.“

One of the animals was found this weekend at Portheras Cove, near Morvah, Cornwall by volunteers of the Friends of Portheras Cove environmental group.  Delia Webb from the group says it was found during a beach clean, lying among the plastic debris that had blown in on the high tide; “We find all sorts of strange and unusual items at our tiny Cornish cove, and we have had strandings of Portuguese Man of War before. They look amazingly beautiful, with hints of pink and blue, but thankfully we were aware of the potential danger lying beneath, and knew not to poke or prod it, just report the sighting to the MCS.”

If you spot a Portuguese Man-of-War then report the sighting immediately, ideally with a picture, to www.mcsuk.org, where a Jellyfish ID Guide, which  includes the Portuguese Man O War, can also be downloaded.

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Crime

Parents urged to consider legal risks before buying e-scooters this Christmas

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PARENTS are being urged to reconsider purchasing e-scooters as Christmas gifts due to legal restrictions and potential risks. While the devices might appear to be a fun and exciting present, Dyfed-Powys Police caution that they could lead to significant legal and financial consequences.

In the UK, privately owned e-scooters are only legal to use on private land with the landowner’s permission. Riding them on public roads, pavements, parks, or cycle paths is prohibited and considered an offence. Parents should be aware that they could face prosecution if their child uses an e-scooter illegally.

E-scooters are classified as Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), meaning riders can be charged with several offences. These may result in fines of up to £300, six penalty points on a driving licence, and confiscation of the e-scooter. Drivers who passed their test within the last two years risk disqualification and may need to retake their theory and practical tests.

“Understand the rules and risks”

Sergeant Dave Mallin of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We understand that e-scooters may seem like a fun and exciting gift idea, but it’s important to understand the rules and risks that come with them. Privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use on public roads, pavements, or cycle paths. Their speed and silence can pose a significant danger to other road users and pedestrian safety, especially vulnerable pedestrians.

“Many people are unaware of the restrictions on e-scooters, and while retailers may be happy to sell one to you, it could be seized the moment you attempt to use it in a public place.”

Riders must also be over 16 and hold a full or provisional licence for a car, motorbike, or moped. While some parts of the UK operate rental e-scooter trials under strict conditions, these schemes are not available in the Dyfed-Powys area.

“Zero tolerance this Christmas”

Sgt Mallin added: “Dyfed-Powys Police operates a zero-tolerance approach to e-scooters, and we would urge parents to think twice about buying e-scooters as presents this Christmas. Consider a safer and more appropriate gift.”

For more information about e-scooter regulations and safe usage, visit Dyfed-Powys Police’s advice page.

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Business

Haverfordwest butcher wins best banger in Wales

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PRENDERGAST BUTCHERS in Haverfordwest has taken the top prize for the best sausage in Wales, at the prestigious ‘Put Your Best Sausage Forward 2024’ competition.

Organised by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, the award celebrates the artisan Welsh pork industry, which is defined by smaller scale and specialised farms and producers.

The award-winning family butchers is run by Chris and Rachel Wolsey, along with their two sons Tom and Mark.

The family have been farming in Pembrokeshire for almost 50 years, and took over the shop some seven years ago. In that time, the business has been transformed and consistently wins awards for the quality of its offering, including being named the best butcher in Wales at the UK-wide Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards.

Announced at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair Show, not only was their Prendergast Gold sausage named the best banger in Wales, but their Merry Cherry entry also reigned supreme in the newly introduced Best Christmas Sausage category.

Speaking of his pride at winning both awards, Chris Wolsey said, “Having made the shortlist for the two previous years and just missing out on the top prize, it’s fantastic to have finally taken the crown. To win the best Christmas sausage as well is just the icing on top.

“Everyone in the shop is over the moon. Both entries are a combination of the family doing a lot of trialling and tasting, and getting the sausages to the point where we feel they would be appealing to our customers. My preference is for a sausage with very high pork content, and which just has the bare minimum of seasoning, hand mixed and with a natural casing. When you have an amazing product, like locally reared pork in Wales, then you want that to be the star of the show and the main flavour.

“In my opinion, pork from Wales is superior. The flavour, husbandry and smaller scale farms sets us apart from the larger, more industrial method of farming. At Prendergast Butchers, we know exactly where all our meat comes from, it’s fully traceable and we work closely with our customers and farmers to get the product exactly as they want it.”

Philippa Gill, Brand Engagement Lead at Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, commented, “We are thrilled that Prendergast Butchers took not just one, but both awards at this year’s competition.

“The standards continue to be high, and highlight some of the quality, artisan products that are available locally to people in Wales.

“Our small-scale producers offer unique, hand-reared products, often available directly or from local shops like Prendergast Butchers. With fewer food miles, it’s often a more sustainable choice, in addition to helping keep money in the local economy. We would strongly encourage people to seek out their local pork producer and give them a try.”

For more information on pork produced in Wales, and where you can buy it, visit porcblasus.cymru.

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Crime

Murder accused tells jury: ‘I expect to die in prison’

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A MAN accused of murdering a retired riding instructor in Swansea has told a jury he believes he will die behind bars.

Wendy Buckney, 71, was discovered battered and stabbed at her home in Clydach in August 2022. The court heard she had been attacked with a table leg and shelving before being repeatedly stabbed. Her injuries were so severe that a pathologist could not determine the exact number of stab wounds.

The defendant, Brian Whitelock, 57, admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but denied murder. Representing himself at Swansea Crown Court, Mr. Whitelock said he had no memory of the events, citing brain injuries and hearing voices.

Wendy Buckney, 71, had been attacked with a table leg and stabbed multiple times

Victim found covered in furniture

CCTV and audio recordings were shown in court, capturing Mr. Whitelock outside Ms. Buckney’s flat, covered in blood, telling a neighbour he had killed her. Inside, Ms. Buckney’s naked body was discovered concealed under furniture.

The prosecution, led by Chris Rees KC, said Mr. Whitelock used “extreme violence,” drawing parallels to a 2000 case in which he killed two men, including his brother.

Past convictions resurface

In 2001, Mr. Whitelock was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Nicky Morgan and the manslaughter of his brother, Glenn Whitelock, who was asleep upstairs during the incident.

When questioned about the previous killings, Mr. Whitelock walked out of the witness box, declaring: “I’m not answering any more questions. You can go on the medical evidence. I can’t defend myself.”

He described his attack on Ms. Buckney as “out of character,” blaming head injuries from two falls shortly before her death. He claimed the injuries caused memory loss, confusion, and erratic behaviour.

‘She was one of the kindest people I knew’

Mr. Whitelock described Ms. Buckney as a kind and generous person who had helped him often. “She was really lovely, one of the most genuine people I know,” he said. “She helped me a lot. It’s difficult to talk about. She would do anything to help me.”

The court also heard that Mr. Whitelock had been prescribed strong sleeping tablets and had gone days without food or sleep in the lead-up to the attack.

Accused denies lying

Prosecutor Chris Rees accused Mr. Whitelock of lying to avoid another life sentence, asserting that he had also lied during his 2001 trial. Mr. Whitelock denied the allegations, saying: “I served my time, this has no relevance in this case whatsoever. You’re just trying to tie me in knots.”

An officer who arrested Mr. Whitelock overheard him saying, “I’m not doing another life sentence for murder,” during questioning at Swansea Central Police Station.

The case continues.

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