News

Rogers ‘may have told people he killed grandmother’

Published

8 years ago

January 19, 2018

BARRY ROGERS told a jury today (Jan 19) he may have told people he had helped to kill his grandmother Betty Guy.

But he denied actually having anything to do with the death of the 84 year old.

Rogers, of High Street, Fishguard, and his mother Penelope John, 50, of Maes Dre, Union Terrace, St Dogmaels, deny murdering Mrs Guy at her home in Hillcroft, Johnston, in the early hours of November 7, 2011.

At first her death was put down to natural causes and her body was cremated at Narberth four days later.

Rogers this afternoon took the witness stand at Swansea crown court to tell the jury he had no recollection of telling various people that he had smothered Mrs Guy or threatening “to do the same to you” to one woman.

But he accepted he may have done.

“I did not play any part in her death and I don’t remember making any of the comments. I may have said them but I can’t remember.

“I have no recollection of making them.

“I do have a bad memory. I forget things, that’s my only explanation.

“When I was younger I craved attention. I have grown up with that,” he said.

Rogers said he had smoked cannabis on a daily basis at the time which could explain his poor memory.

“I absolutely did not suffocate my Nan.”

Rogers said Mrs Guy had already died by the time he had driven to her home in Johnston from Frome in Somerset, where he had been living at the time.

“My mum opened the door. She was upset. She said ‘you have just missed her.’ I understood that to mean she had just passed away.

“I believed I checked her pulse and I could hear my mother telephoning for the paramedics. I was devastated.”

Rogers said Mrs Guy, who had been unwell, had never asked him to speed the end of her life.

The jury has heard how police secretly bugged John’s home and tape recorded the couple talking about Mrs Guy’s death almost immediately after they had been released on bail following their arrest on suspicion of murder.

They were re-interviewed about the comments that had been recorded.

Rogers told the police he had been aware of the listening device because after their release he had bought a bug detector on EBay.

According to the prosecution, the pair had been released in the early hours of the morning and Rogers had not had time to by a detector before the comments were made.

Rogers said he had since researched his EBay account and realised he had bought the detector almost a year earlier.

Rogers will be cross examined by Paul Lewis QC, who is leading the prosecution, on Monday.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

1 hour 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

2 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

2 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.