News
Tragic death of university field trip student at Dale
West Dale Beach
AN INQUEST into the death of a 20-year-old man was held at Milford Haven Town Hall yesterday (Oct 27).
James Thomas Manto, of London, died on May 7 this year; he had been part of a university field trip to Pembrokeshire with Plymouth University. Family members were present at the inquest.
Mr Manto had been staying at Dale Fort; he was found face down and unresponsive on Dale Beach.
In his second year of a geology course, Mr Manto was described as having ‘no concerns and was looking forward to the future’. His mother had been in contact with him on social media while he was in Pembrokeshire; he had told her how he was ‘really enjoying the field trip’.
The night prior to Mr Manto’s death (May 6) marked the final night of the field trip – students and lecturers had arranged to go into the village of Dale for food and drinks.
Statements read by students and lecturers recalled that Mr Manto was ‘highly intoxicated’ on the night leading up to his death the following morning. Members of staff at The Griffin Inn had asked Mr Manto to leave the premises.
Mr Manto was last seen standing outside The Griffin Inn at around 2am (May 7).
By 8.30am that morning, lecturers informed staff at Dale Fort that they had a student missing; the police were also informed.
A search party was launched by police, with the help of RNLI lifeboats and a helicopter search party.
Mr Manto was found by members of the RNLI, with police reporting they had located a missing body at around 11.15am; Mr Manto had suffered severe lacerations.
RNLI crew members attempted to resuscitate Mr Manto for 20 minutes. This was followed by the arrival of a Coastguard vessel carrying a defibrillator, after which crew members attempted a further 10 minutes of CPR. The inquest also heard how ‘attempts were made to inject adrenaline into his groin’.
An Air Ambulance was also called to the scene. A statement by winch man and paramedic Austin Harley was read during the inquest.
Mr Harley recalled how he and other crew members had been ‘instructed to respond’ to the incident following a training exercise; little information had been given other than ‘male with head injury’.
When Mr Harley arrived at the scene, he recalled how several emergency services were already present.
An ambulance had been waiting on the shoreline; however, Mr Harley made the decision that Mr Manto needed to be airlifted to hospital.
He recalled: “On three occasions we were instructed to shock the patient, which we did.”
Mr Manto was later pronounced dead in hospital.
The post mortem report was also read during the inquest, described by Coroner Gareth Lewis as ‘difficult reading’, and therefore only provided relevant details of the report.
The post mortem labelled Mr Manto’s death as ‘unnatural’, adding that he had suffered several injuries included ‘blunt head trauma’ and ‘left rib fractures’, as well as ‘multiple injuries to the head and chest’.
It also suggested that such injuries ‘may have been caused by a fall from height’, and concluded that ‘the cause of death was multiple injuries’.
Mr Matthew Watkinson, a lecturer on the field trip who had known Mr Manto since the start of his course, was called to give a statement during the inquest.
He described Mr Manto as ‘in a group and highly intoxicated’ on the night of May 6.
He recalled: “I saw James leave the pub but didn’t see where he went.”
Coroner Lewis went on to ask Mr Watkinson if the university had learned any lessons for future field trips: “Has the university implemented any procedures?”
Mr Watkinson said how the university had held several meetings between senior staff.
He said: “We looked particularly at how to further encourage students to be responsible regarding alcohol intake.”
Mr Watkinson also added the students would be reminded of their ‘responsibility to one another’.
He added: “I’d specifically briefed the students that afternoon about responsibility and being mindful of the local people.
“In my heart, I wish I’d come across him and was able to bring him home.”
Following his statement, Mr Manto’s mother questioned Mr Watkinson as to why her son had not been escorted home, given his intoxicated state.
Mr Watkinson replied: “My view of James at the time was he was with a large group of students.”
He added: “I didn’t think it was a situation where he’d be a danger to himself.”
Several statements by other students on the field trip were also read. They described Mr Manto as ‘swaying’ and ‘unsteady on his feet’. Commenting on Mr Manto’s character more generally, it was said he was found to be ‘very quiet’ and ‘shy’.
In his concluding statement, Coroner Lewis said: “We can only speculate as to what happened in those last few moments.”
With reference to Mr Manto’s injuries being consistent to those of a heavy fall, Mr Lewis stated the death was ‘accidental’, adding: “James Manto died as a result of an accident.”
Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations
A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.
The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.
The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.
Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.
“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.
“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”
Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.
“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.
“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.
“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.
Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.
Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.
The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.
You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.
Support is also available via the below support services:
Victim Support Dyfed-Powys
Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.
0300 123 2996
Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)
Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.
01267 221194
Live Fear Free Helpline
24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.
0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333
Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli
A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.
Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.
The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.
Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.
The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.
It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”
Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).
“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”
Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.
“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.
“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.
“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.
“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”
SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.
Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.
Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.
Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.
This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.
Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.
‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.
‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’
Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.
‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.
‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’
Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.
To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.
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Fiona Manto
October 30, 2016 at 11:48 am
Please amend your article. Mr Matthew Watkinson was the lead lecturer, and the witness called at the inquest. I would like his name correctly reported here, and permanently linked with James’ death.
Thank you.
amber valdez
October 9, 2025 at 4:00 am
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