News
Infection contributed to student’s fatal fall


Patrick Dear: Fell from a height at Dale Fort
AN INQUEST into the death of a 16–year–old schoolboy who was found at the foot of Dale Point was held at Milford Town Hall today (March 3).
Patrick Dear, of Essex, had been on a geography field trip to Dale Fort in March last year.
He was described by Coroner’s Officer Jeremy Davies as a ‘keen sportsman’ with ‘no concerns’.
The A–Level student, who had hoped to pursue a career in construction, would later be found at the base of the 120–foot cliffs that surround the former Victorian Fort.
A pathologist’s report described Paddy’s injuries as ‘severe’ and ‘in keeping with a fall from height’.
It also revealed that Paddy had been suffering from group A streptococcal septicemia, a ‘systemic infection’, which could cause ‘disorientation, confusion, unsteadiness and an inability to comprehend dangerous situations’.
The report concluded that this ‘infection contributed to his fall’.
Some of Paddy’s classmates from Campion school in Hornchurch, Essex, had said he ‘appeared restless’ and had experienced difficulty sleeping during his time at the Fort.
On March 17 at around 5.30pm, Paddy asked to be excused from a lesson to go to the toilet; however, he did not return.
When teachers became aware of Paddy’s disappearance, they alerted staff at the Fort, and after an initial search proved unsuccessful, police were informed at 7.05pm.
The search would continue into the early hours of the following day, with teams from Dyfed–Powys Police, which included a helicopter, and the Coastguard eventually finding Paddy’s body at around 1am.
While Paddy’s whereabouts prior to his death were unknown to staff at the Fort, Judith Curry, who lives on the seafront in Dale, was able to shed some light on his final hours.
Ms Curry recalled how she had been out in her front garden at around 6pm on March 17 when she saw a ‘young man’, who she would later identify as Paddy, standing near the seafront wall.
The Dale resident said she had been concerned about the student’s demeanour, adding that he had been ‘pacing up and down’ and ‘looking out to sea an awful lot’.
Ms Curry stated: “I would not say he was in control – he looked agitated.”
When she returned to her garden at around 8pm to find that Paddy had gone, Ms Curie said: “If he had still been there I would have gone over to him.”
A staff member at the Fort, Elizabeth Western recalled how she had ‘never had any issues with Paddy’, describing him as ‘quiet’.
The field trip had seen the pupils travel to several parts of Pembrokeshire, including Newgale, Tenby and Milford Haven; although Ms Western stated that whilst students are in the Fort, ‘the village is definitely out of bounds’.
She added that the Fort is occupied by at least one member of staff at all times and students have to sign in and out should they leave the premises.
At this point, Paddy’s mother, Patricia Dear, took the opportunity to ask Ms Western if the Fort had ‘someone standing on the gate’ during the search, to which Ms Western said they did not.
Head of Field Studies Council Pembrokeshire, Christine Milligan, who oversees Dale Fort and a similar centre at Orielton, said how the students would have been ‘warned of the dangers of the cliffs around the site’ on arrival, and that the Fort operates strict protocols in the event of a missing student.
She added that the search for Paddy had been ‘comprehensive’, with staff members having ‘searched systematically’.
Ms Milligan also said how deputy head teachers of Campion school, along with Paddy’s mother and other family members had began making the journey to Pembrokeshire in the hours after he was announced missing.
Speaking to Ms Milligan, Mrs Dear said: “Nothing we do today will bring Paddy back.”
She went on to raise questions over whether there had been any changes implemented since Paddy’s death, and in particular, if the Fort would now position someone on the gate if a similar event was to take place.
Raising concerns over the safety of future students visiting the site, Mrs Dear added: “In terms of security […] there is nothing stopping access to the public.”
Ms Milligan, who said that locking the gates in this instance would have likely not made a difference, responded: “We will certainly consider all issues raised here and look at what we can do if this awful situation was to happen again.”
Coroner Mark Layton recorded a narrative conclusion, saying that Paddy had died as a result of a fall from height whilst suffering from the systemic infection.
Mr Layton expressed his sincere condolences to Mr and Mrs Dear.
News
Debate over 20mph speed limit continues in Pembrokeshire

CONCERNS over road safety and public backlash have led Wrexham Council to take a cautious approach to increasing speed limits on dozens of roads—but will Pembrokeshire follow suit?
Following widespread opposition to the Welsh Government’s blanket 20mph policy, councils across Wales, including Pembrokeshire, have been reviewing the limits. In Wrexham, a public consultation revealed overwhelming support for restoring 30mph limits on 52 roads, but councillors are proceeding with caution, citing safety concerns.
Pembrokeshire residents voice frustration
While Wrexham moves toward changes, Pembrokeshire County Council has yet to announce a firm decision on altering its 20mph zones, despite strong opposition in key areas such as Johnston, Haverfordwest, and Milford Haven.
A public consultation in Pembrokeshire allowed residents to request changes up until October 2024, and many raised concerns about longer journey times, impact on businesses, and emergency response delays. A petition was even submitted calling for the A4076 in Johnston to be exempt from the lower limit, arguing that the road is a major route with suitable pedestrian infrastructure.
One local business owner in Haverfordwest told The Herald: “It’s just not practical on some of these roads. We need sensible speed limits, not a blanket approach.”

Government admits mistakes
The Welsh Government introduced the 20mph speed limit in September 2023, claiming it would reduce accidents and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Initial data suggests there were 100 fewer deaths or serious injuries on affected roads.
However, in December 2024, government officials admitted that mistakes had been made in rolling out the policy, following widespread backlash across Wales. Pembrokeshire councillors, including Paul Miller, cabinet member for economy and transport, have acknowledged public frustration but stress the need to balance safety with practicality.
Will Pembrokeshire follow Wrexham’s lead?
In Wrexham, Councillor Dave Bithell has urged caution, warning that increasing speed limits could heighten accident risks. Wrexham aims to finalize its review by May, working alongside North Wales Police to manage any changes.
With strong opposition from some Pembrokeshire communities, it remains to be seen whether the county council will reverse course on certain roads or maintain the lower speed limits.
The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has acknowledged that while some communities back the 20mph policy, others remain strongly against it. The question now is whether Pembrokeshire’s roads will see similar changes to those being considered in Wrexham.
Should Pembrokeshire reconsider its 20mph limits? The Herald wants to hear your views.
Education
Excluding pupils for knives ‘too simple’, says Estyn chief

A SCHOOL should understand why a pupil brings a knife in rather than relying on blanket exclusions, the chief inspector of Welsh education watchdog Estyn has said.
Owen Evans said the “easy answer” was to exclude pupils, but insisted the issue needed a more nuanced approach.
He argued there were multiple reasons why a child might bring a weapon to school and that a one-size-fits-all policy would not work.
However, Neil Butler, national officer for Wales at the NASUWT union, called the suggestion “most unhelpful” and said immediate exclusions should be the priority to protect pupils and staff.
School attack in Ammanford
Mr Evans’ comments follow the conviction of a 14-year-old girl for the attempted murder of three people during a stabbing at a school in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

“You may have a child that has every potential for redemption but they have fallen into bad practice, and we cannot exclude those people from society,” he told the BBC’s Walescast.
“A lot of children who bring knives to school feel threatened themselves or believe others are carrying weapons.
“We need to tackle the root causes behind these decisions,” he added.
While knife crime in Welsh schools is rare, Mr Evans said lessons needed to be learned.
Bridgend council has announced an inquiry after police were called to Bryntirion Comprehensive last week when a knife was reportedly found in a pupil’s bag.
Union backs tough action
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Mr Butler acknowledged the importance of understanding why children bring weapons to school but said the approach could not be “nuanced”.
He described Mr Evans’ concerns about exclusion pushing pupils out of society as “nonsense” and insisted that removing offenders from schools was necessary for safety.
“If a child who has carried a knife into school remains there while psychologists assess them, they continue to pose a danger to others,” he said.
“Exclusion doesn’t mean the end of education—it means education in a more suitable setting outside of mainstream schools.”
He added: “We must be clear: carrying a knife has consequences. That means immediate exclusion.
“It’s as simple as that—we have to nip this in the bud before it escalates further.”
Rising behavioural issues
Estyn is preparing to release its annual report on the state of education and training in Wales, with concerns over increasing behavioural problems.
Mr Evans said: “Since the pandemic, we are seeing young children coming into school unable to communicate or even potty trained.”
He called for more support for pupils and teachers but acknowledged a lack of resources.
“Strong leadership, clear and consistently applied behaviour policies, and good family support can make a real difference,” he said.
Wales’ Education Secretary, Lynne Neagle, has announced a behavioural summit next year to tackle the “complex” issues facing schools.
News
Former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Elis-Thomas dies aged 78

Tributes pour in for ‘Senedd’s founding father’
FORMER Plaid Cymru leader and Senedd Presiding Officer Lord Elis-Thomas has died at the age of 78, his family has announced.
Dafydd Elis-Thomas led Plaid Cymru between 1984 and 1991 and served as MP for Meirionydd and later Meirionydd Nant Conwy from 1974 until 1992, when he was appointed to the House of Lords.
He made history in 1999 as the first Presiding Officer of the newly established Welsh Assembly, now the Senedd, a role in which he helped shape Wales’ modern political landscape. Flags will fly at half-mast outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay as a mark of respect.
A POLITICAL MAVERICK
Known for his independent streak, Lord Elis-Thomas often clashed with Plaid Cymru’s leadership and left the party in 2016. He later served as a minister in both Carwyn Jones and Mark Drakeford’s Welsh Labour governments, despite remaining unaffiliated with the party.
He stepped away from frontline politics in 2021, retiring after decades of service to Welsh public life.
A FAMILY’S LOSS
In a statement, his family said he died “peacefully at his home” on Friday morning after a short illness. “The family request privacy at this difficult time.”
POLITICAL TRIBUTES
First Minister Eluned Morgan led tributes, calling Lord Elis-Thomas “one of Wales’ greatest political figures.”
“Dafydd was a true giant of Welsh politics and a passionate champion of our nation, our language, and our culture,” she said.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth described his passing as “a huge loss to Welsh politics and civic life.”
“Dafydd made a priceless contribution in laying the foundations of devolution. He was a ground-breaking MP and led Plaid Cymru with passion and distinction,” he said.
Senedd Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: “It is hard to imagine Welsh political life without him. Dafydd was always at the heart of our democracy, shaping and challenging it in equal measure.”
Liz Saville-Roberts, Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said: “He was a tremendous figure in Welsh public life whose passion for our democracy inspired so many.”
Former Welsh Labour minister Lee Waters described him as “an amazing character” who played a pivotal role in modern Welsh politics. “I liked him a lot, even though he could be maddening. Very sad news.”
Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar MS said: “Lord Elis-Thomas was a titan of Welsh politics. His deep love for Wales and its people was undeniable.”
Andrew RT Davies, his predecessor, added: “He was always forthright and robust when expressing his views, and for that, I admired him strongly.”
A LASTING LEGACY
Lord Elis-Thomas’ influence on Welsh politics is undeniable, from his leadership of Plaid Cymru to his role in establishing the Senedd. His passing marks the end of an era for Welsh political life, but his legacy will endure for generations to come.
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