News

‘Appropriate’ action taken against AM

Published

12 years ago

February 6, 2014

KIRSTY Williams has said the Welsh Lib Dems took appropriate action after allegations about one of their AMs.

The Welsh Lib Dem leader was speaking at a Cardiff Bay news briefing this week. It emerged at the weekend that Mid and West Wales AM William Powell was given a formal written warning about his behaviour towards a young activist.

The woman alleged that he gave her and two other women the strong alcoholic drink Absinthe, touched her leg and put his hands round their waists in 2011 .

Ms Williams said she was assured that the victim had been told by a local party chairman that Mr Powell had been warned and had apologised.

She told journalists: “There has been a formal process. There is a balancing act to be had because, at the same time as wanting to be open and transparent, there are issues around confidentiality and women coming forward”

She added: “He has been issued with a written warning and he has apologised for his behaviour. As far as we are concerned that matter has now been dealt with.”

Ms Williams said the party’s disciplinary procedure had to “strike a balance” between protecting confidentiality and being transparent. She said she wanted a culture where complainants “can come forward in a confidential manner”.

“We felt that it was appropriate to take forward the (disciplinary) process, as we have outlined in the statement (released by the party on Saturday) and to issue that warning. There is a balancing act to be had because, at the same time as wanting to be open and transparent, there are issues around confidentiality and women coming forward and not wanting to have their concerns splashed all over the media.”

Mr Powell made an unreserved apology to a female activist, now 21, after the incident and he was given a formal written warning last year. A party statement on Saturday said Mr Powell was told that any future misdemeanour could result in more serious sanctions being imposed.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

10 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

10 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.