News

MP backs Bill which will protect emergency service workers

Published

8 years ago

October 11, 2017

STEPHEN CRABB MP has backed the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill with an open letter explaining his reasons.

The Preseli Pembrokeshire MP says that more must be done to protect those who work tirelessly to protect those in his constituency – and around the country as a whole.

Mr Crabb wrote: “Emergency workers such as the ambulance service, the fire brigade and the police do an outstanding job in putting their lives at risk to ensure our safety. They do this under very difficult circumstances. In recent months, their importance has been highlighted through their excellent response to events such as the Grenfell Tower disaster and the terror attacks.

“Pembrokeshire has one of the lowest crime rates in the UK, thanks to an excellent team of local police officers and PCSOs. Personally, I have had the privilege of accompanying the police on Saturday night shifts in my constituency and have seen and experienced first-hand what they go through, increasing my respect for them all the more.

“Yet for all the risks and difficulties that come with the job of being a police officer, being on the receiving end of assaults by members of the public, the very people they work to protect, should not be one of them. Sadly, this seems to be the case.

“The Police Federation of England and Wales estimates that a police officer is assaulted every four minutes. This is worrying and plainly unacceptable.

“As Calum Macleod, PFEW vice-chair notes, ‘Police officers are people too, and can be broken. They are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters and sons, and none of them deserve to go to work and get assaulted’.

“This is why I am proud to co-sponsor Chris Bryant’s private member’s bill – The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill 2017. The Bill has received cross-party support and seeks to introduce new offences including wounding or assault when perpetrated against an emergency worker (or someone assisting them) in the performance of their duties.

“It further seeks to address situations where those suspected of assault may pose a health risk, including spitting. In this regard, they will be compelled to undergo blood tests. It will also be an offence to refuse to undergo such tests and it will lay down tough sentences for those convicted of these new offences.

“I have had a longstanding interest in policing. I have fought for fairer funding for the local police to ensure that they can work effectively across a large rural area. I have also hosted joint surgeries with PCSOs in some of the major towns in my constituency. Supporting this bill is another way of acting on this interest and standing in solidarity with the police who do an excellent job.

“The subject matter of the bill was the highest in response to Chris’s request for suggestions from the public when he came first in the private member’s bill ballot. The Protect the Protectors campaign, launched by the PFEW, highlights the assaults on police and is aimed at tackling this worrying trend of assault of police officers.

“The campaign seeks better protection for the police through a change in legislation, tougher sentences, better training and access to equipment, more accurate data on police assaults and improved welfare support.

“In addition to our recent increase to their pay, supporting this bill further demonstrates to the public and to our very able police forces that we listen to their concerns and act on them.

“The Conservative party is fully committed to protecting the public and the country’s public services, and supporting this bill is consistent with that aim. This is why I hope that many of my colleagues will support the bill so that it becomes law in order to truly protect those who protect us.”

Charity

Donation gives Stackpole Quay book trailer fresh new look

Published

8 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A COMMUNITY donation will help spruce up a popular summer book trailer at Stackpole Quay after members of the Pembrokeshire National Trust Association handed over more than one thousand pounds to support the project.

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association presented a cheque for £1,095 to the National Trust at Stackpole Quay this weekend.

The cheque was formally given to Rhian Sula, General Manager for the charity’s Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Bay portfolio, by association chairman Jane Mason during a National Trust information coffee morning at the Stackpole Centre.

The money will be used to refurbish the well-known second-hand book trailer which operates at the quay during the summer months. The trailer allows visitors to pick up a holiday read while making a donation, with proceeds supporting local conservation and access projects.

Last year alone, the trailer raised more than £1,500.

Jane Mason said the association had originally funded the purchase of the trailer several years ago and wanted to build on its success.

“Our new donation from members’ support will improve the trailer with updated imagery and design,” she said. “This will help the National Trust present a more professional, welcoming and brand-aligned offer, and potentially grow donation income.”

The Pembrokeshire National Trust Association runs a programme of talks, visits and guided walks in support of local Trust properties. Membership of the National Trust is not required to join the association. Annual membership costs £5 for individuals and £8 for couples.

At its AGM in November, the group announced £3,000 in additional donations for local projects, including replacement willow hurdles at Tudor Merchants House, footpath improvements at Little Milford, and a new bench, tree planting and path works at Southwood.

With the latest contribution towards the book trailer, the association’s donations for the current financial year now exceed £4,000.

Photo caption:

Jane Mason presents a cheque for £1,095 to Rhian Sula at Stackpole Centre (Pic: supplied).

Crime

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

9 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

9 hours ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.