News

Milford Haven: Four-year-old ‘had cocaine in his body’

Published

9 years ago

April 19, 2017

A JUDGE has ordered an explanation as to how a four year old Milford Haven boy had cocaine and the sedative diazepam in his body.

His drug-taking mother appeared at Swansea Crown Court to admit cruelty to the child.

Judge Paul Thomas said he was not willing to sentence her until he knew how the boy came to be in that condition.

The barrister representing the mother said she pleaded guilty on the basis of the condition of the house and her condition when police arrived in March last year and took the boy away.

Frank Phillips, prosecuting, said a hair sample from the boy had been examined and revealed ‘a cocktail of drugs’ including cocaine and diazepam.

The mother’s barrister said that, at present, she wanted to suggest that the hair sample had not in fact ‘been plucked from the head of the boy’ but had been given to the police by a relative.

Judge Thomas said he wanted a full explanation from both the prosecution and the defence.

Because, he added, there was a huge difference between the mother feeding her son drugs, her leaving the drugs around the house so that a curious child might get hold of them and her claiming that she was being ‘fitted up’ by a relative.”

Mr Phillips said police had found ‘a large number of drugs lying around the house.’

Judge Thomas said he would be failing in his duty if he did not establish how a four-year-old boy could have cocaine in his body.

“I don’t care how much cocaine he had in his system, he should not have had any at all,” he added.

Judge Thomas warned the mother it was a serious matter even if it turned out she had been careless with her drugs as opposed to deliberately giving them to her child.

But her allegation that the hair sample had not come from her son, and instead had been “planted” by a relative, was also serious.

Judge Thomas said he wanted the prosecution to announce within seven days what the truth of their case was.

The mother will be sentenced on May 4 and was granted bail until then.

Judge Thomas ordered her to co-operate with the probation service in the preparation of a report into her background, which she had failed to do on March 28.

If she failed again, said the judge, only one type of sentence would follow.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.