News

Paedophile report to remain private

Published

8 years ago

March 10, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Mik Smith: The paedophile was nearly allowed to become a foster carer

ANOTHER vote on whether or not a confidential report into how the council dealt with convicted paedophile Mik Smith was defeated by the casting vote of the chairman at a meeting today (Mar 10).

The matter will now be sent to Cabinet for their final decision on the matter.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the matter after it was defeated on the chairman’s vote after a tied vote in the council chamber the previous Thursday (Mar 2).

The report has already been leaked to the press and the committee considered whether or not it should be published to the wider public.

Chief Executive, Mr Ian Westley stated that it was his ‘personal preference’ that the report shouldn’t be published due to an agreement he had with the report’s author.

Other councillors argued that the report contained information which could lead to certain adults and children involved in criminal proceedings to be named.

Cllr Ken Rowlands said it could open up ‘huge wounds’ for the families concerned if the council were to publish the report.

The notice of motion came from Cllr Mike Stoddart who said that Mr Smith had only been prevented from becoming a foster parent by ‘pure luck’.

He went on to say that he was happy for the report to be redacted to protect certain individuals and other councillors supported that statement.

Chief Executive Ian Westley said: “My preference for not releasing this report is nothing whatsoever to do with the content of it and it is nothing whatsoever to do with a cover-up which is terminology I’ve recently seen in the press because I believe that it contains very little, if any, new information that members haven’t already had access to.

“There are a dozen or so officers and others who are referred to by title, my concern there is that some of those titles are individual and not generic and it is quite clear to tell who we are talking about even though they are not named by names.

“The author wrote the report on a confidential basis and has clearly recorded that the report contains sensitive personal information which in accordance with the Data Protection Act, should not be published without the consent of the person concerned.

“The author is identifiable and has expressed opinion within the report that they did not expect would be put into the public domain. From my point of view and my professional dealings with the author, it is my view that the arrangement should be honoured.”

Cllr Stoddart stated that the document was commissioned by a public body and therefore it should be published.

Cllr David Pugh said he had spoken to someone who was closely involved who had told him that people could be identified in the report but when asked if he had read the report, Cllr Pugh said he hadn’t.

Cllr Michael Williams said he was amazed that Cllr Pugh hadn’t read the report before going to the meeting.

Cllr Paul Miller added: “Confidence of the public is critical and I don’t believe it’s ever fully returned following these issues being brought to a head at the start of this council term. We clearly have a responsibility to the children and parents involved in this appalling episode but as we’ve already heard, I don’t feel any children can possibly be identified by reading this report, individual officers, potentially, but I for one don’t feel that we owe anything to individual professionals who failed in their duty to protect the children of this county.”

The matter was put to a recorded vote with Cllrs Mike Stoddart, Paul Miller, Jacob Williams, Michael Williams, Peter Stock and David Howlett voting for it to be published.

Cllrs Owen James, Rob Summons, David Pugh, David Rees, Tom Richards and Ken Rowlands voted against it being published.

With six voting in favour and six against it was left to the chairman, Cllr Tom Richards, who voted against the report being published.

Charity

Sue Ryder calls on public to donate unwanted Christmas gifts

Published

5 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATIONAL palliative care and bereavement charity Sue Ryder is urging the public to support its end-of-life care and grief services by donating unwanted Christmas gifts.

Whether it’s a scarf that’s not your colour, a gadget you don’t need, or a novelty item gathering dust, Sue Ryder hopes people will consider donating these items to their local charity shop.

Not only will this help declutter homes after the festive season, but it will also ensure those facing bereavement or a terminal illness in the New Year can access vital support.

To donate, people can drop goods off at their nearest Sue Ryder shop. For larger items such as furniture, free collections can be arranged through the charity’s website.

Sue Ryder operates almost 400 shops across the UK in high streets, retail parks, and shopping centres, with proceeds funding hospices, palliative care hubs, and bereavement services.

Anthony Barlow, Senior Regional Manager at Sue Ryder, said: “Christmas is a wonderful time for exchanging gifts, but the reality is that many of us end up with items we don’t need. If you’re still in the gift-giving spirit and want to declutter, you can regift unwanted presents to Sue Ryder.

“By donating, you’ll not only help the environment but also support people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives—all while creating space for a fresh start in 2025.

“This New Year, we’re welcoming quality clothes, household goods, electricals, books, toys, accessories, and collectibles.”

Donations can be made at local Sue Ryder shops or via sueryder.org/shop.

Crime

Motorist, 27, bailed after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run collision

Published

5 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

OFFICERS are continuing to investigate a fatal road traffic collision that occurred in Llanpumsaint on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision. He has since been released on bail with conditions while serious collision investigation and CSI teams continue their enquiries.

The collision happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police believe the vehicle involved was travelling northbound through the village at the time.

Specially trained officers continue to support Aaron’s family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Our investigation into this tragic incident remains ongoing, and we are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have dashcam footage, CCTV, or doorbell camera recordings from the area around the time of the collision to come forward.”

The road has since reopened, but police presence in the area remains while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police using the details provided in the comments.

Charity

Over 1,100 festive bathers enjoy Tenby’s famous Boxing Day Swim

Published

1 day ago

December 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A RECORD-BREAKING number of 1,150 festive bathers have had a splashing time in the Tenby Boxing Day Swim this morning.

The fancy dress theme of Superheroes – in tribute to the RNLI in its 200th anniversary year – saw Batman, The Incredibles, Wonderwoman and a whole crew of emergency services dashing into the chilly water of Tenby’s North Beach.

RNLI mascot Stormy Stan was there amongst the huge crowds to cheer the brave bathers on their way.
The swim will be one to remember forever for one duo of dippers as they got engaged following a surprise proposal on the sand.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Philip Frith, 34, made one of his best-ever moves when he popped the question to his girlfriend, former professional dancer Victoria Tansey, 34, who is originally from Hakin.

Said swim chairman Sam Skyrme-Blackhall: “”Well, we said ‘come to the Tenby Boxing Day Swim and take the plunge’ but we weren’t expecting that! Congratulations to the happy couple”.
The swim has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities and good causes in its 52-year history, and this yeae’s event will see Tenby RNLI as the main beneficiary.

Town mayor Dai Morgan said: ”It’s great to see so many people from here, and for such a good cause. I just love it down on the beach on Boxing Day. The swim is such a fantastic tradition.”
The mayor’s daughter, 18-year-old Erin Morgan, who is Tenby’s town crier, gave a special ‘cry’ to welcome the swim.

Swim chairman Sam supervised 10-year-old Sam Fecci as he fired the swim’s starting pistol – a duty usually carried out by his dad, Stuart, who was not well enough to attend.

Festive tunes and a lively commentary from DJ Steve Briers ramped up the atmosphere on the beach and swimmers emerged from the sea to be presented with commemorative medals and warm up with hot soup donated by the Giltar Hotel and served up by Tenby and District Lions.

‘Taking the plunge’ at a festive swim in Wales this morning meant more than just a dip in the sea for one happy couple.

As hundreds of Boxing Day bathers at the legendary event in Tenby dashed for the water, a magical moment was happening between Victoria Tansey and Philip Frith.
Philip, 34, went down on one knee on the sand and asked Victoria, 37, to marry him.

Fortunately, she said an ecstatic ‘yes’ to the carefully-planned proposal, which saw the couple’s special song Ocean Eyes y Billie Eilish sound out over the beach as the newly-engaged couple celebrated with a splash in the sea.

As a former Royal Marine Philip – who is now a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach – has faced some scary situations in his life but the Boxing Day proposal was up there with the most nail-biting.
“I’ve been so nervous/special moment.

Victoria, originally from Hakin, Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, worked as a professional dancer – appearing on the X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and Pineapple Dance Studio: Survival of the Fittest -and before setting up her own entertainment agency.

Although now living in Guildford with Philip, she has always loved returning to her Pembrokeshire roots

“When we first met, Victoria couldn’t wait to show me all around Pembrokeshire and we have made the trip as often as work would allow us, to visit her family, go beach hopping and take in the breathtaking scenery,” said Philip.

“I absolutely love sea swimming, I believe that it is so worthwhile for your body and mind, however Victoria has never been one to enjoy the cold!

“So, on our first Christmas together as a couple, Victoria surprised me by taking me to Tenby for the Boxing Day Swim – it’s honestly one of my most fond memories from the start of our relationship!

“I wanted to return her the favour of surprising her by proposing to her at this year’s swim.”

Victoria’s mum and her childhood best friend , Sean Griffiths – who she set up Milford Haven’s Unison Dance Group with in 2004 –were on the beach to watch the proposal, with Sean bringing along the engagement ring in his pocket to fellow swimmers crowded round to congratulate Victoria and Philip, and swim chairman Sam Skyrme-Blackhall laughed: “Well, we said ‘come to the Tenby Boxing Day Swim and take the plunge’ but we weren’t expecting that! Congratulations to the happy couple”.

Images: Gareth Davies Photography Tenby