News

£23,500 ‘disappeared’

Published

10 years ago

December 16, 2016

A FORMER racing driver, who was made bankrupt over an insurance payout she received following an accident, appeared before Magistrates in Haverfordwest on Tuesday (Dec 13), charged with concealing more than £20,000 from creditors.

Sarah Louise Johnston, 37, of Heol Preseli, Fishguard, pleaded guilty to a charge of concealing £23,500 from the sale of a house after an unsatisfied judgement of £49,376 was obtained against her by the National Autograss Sports Association (NASA).

The court heard that Johnston was previously an autograss racer, and a member of NASA, who, as part of this membership, had an insurance policy.

In 2010, she was involved in an accident which resulted in her right hand being crushed. As a result, she was given an interim insurance payment of £5,000.

At a medical examination, she told the doctor that she was unable to compete as a driver as a result of this injury, even with a modified vehicle, and, as a result of this and the examination, the prognosis was made that a ny stiffness and loss of strength and mobility in her dominant hand was likely to be permanent.

As a result of this, Johnston received a further £45,000 insurance payout. However, it subsequently came to light that she had been racing in 2012. The doctor who examined her then said that if he had known this, he would not have described the injury as permanent.

After she was sued by NASA for the recovery of the money, Johnston was declared bankrupt.

It then emerged that, in 2014, she received £30,000 following the sale of a house, which she transferred through different bank accounts until it ‘disappeared’.

In February of this year, Johnston was invited to attend an interview with the investigating officer, but responded saying that she had nothing to say, and didn’t understand what was happening. The officer replied that he would be happy to explain this over the phone, but received no further communication, and Johnston was charged with the offence.

Johnston’s solicitor Mike Kelleher described the case as ‘very complicated’. He pointed out that NASA must have been aware that she was driving in 2012, given that they had issued her with a licence to do this.

However, the court heard that Johnston had been involved in a subsequent crash which had left her with ‘far more severe injuries’, including serious damage to her spine and arm. Following this, she had been in a wheelchair for 12 months and had spent five months in a spinal injury rehabilitation unit.

Mr Kelleher explained that when she was allowed home, her current house was ‘unsuitable for her needs’. Alternative accommodation was found, but it was largely unfurnished, so when Johnston received the money from the sale of a property connected to a previous relationship, she viewed it as a ‘Godsend’, and spent it on adapting and furnishing the new house.

Regarding the initial judgement, Mr Kelleher remarked that considering the extent of Johnston’s disabilities, it was ‘perhaps not surprising that she didn’t turn up’.

“She has pleaded guilty for putting her head in the sand and not dealing with these problems,” he added.

“She was not dishonest – she was simply desperate – and she needed this money to make her life liveable.”

Magistrates told Johnston that, while the offence passed the custody threshold, they were willing to suspend the 26-week sentence for a year. She was also ordered to pay £2,900 in prosecution costs and a surcharge of £80.

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

6 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.