News

Teen’s pre-inquest told of alleged assault by teacher and cyber bullying

Published

8 years ago

February 27, 2018

A PRE-INQUEST hearing into the death of 14-year-old Megan Evans, from Milford Haven, heard of an alleged assault by a teacher at her school and cyber bullying on Snapchat.

Megan Evans died on February 7, 2017, and the pre-inquest hearing was told that her parents, Nicola Harteveld and Shaun Evans, are still awaiting files from the school.

It was also revealed that the family was made aware that Megan was offered counselling and was provided with a ‘time out’ pass which she could use when she was finding it hard to cope in school.

Barrister Kirsten Heaven said that Megan’s parents were still waiting for her school file, despite requesting it several times, and suggested that CCTV footage which could show an alleged assault on Megan by a teacher at Milford Haven School ‘seems to have disappeared’.

The teacher, a male member of staff, is alleged to have assaulted her at the gates of Milford Haven School, where Megan was a pupil.

Just four days before her death, Megan’s family had contacted a solicitor about the situation with the teacher.

In addition to this, the pre-inquest hearing was told that Megan was subjected to cyber bullying, most commonly on the social media app Snapchat.

Mrs Heaven said that the family wished to have access to the forensic analysis of Megan’s phone – which could be made available by Dyfed-Powys Police – as well as data from Snapchat which would not have been visible to police.

However, the family were warned that is unlikely that Snapchat would hand over such data for the inquest.

Charity

Christmas jumper fundraiser raises £360 for youth counselling

Published

17 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CHRISTMAS Jumper Day fundraiser held by staff at W.B. Griffiths & Son Ltd has raised £360 for the Megan’s Starr Foundation, helping fund vital mental health support for young people.

The money, presented to the charity by Carla and Liam, will pay for 10 professional counselling sessions for young people who are struggling and in urgent need of support.

The Megan’s Starr Foundation said the sessions provide a safe space for young people to talk, be listened to, and feel supported at a time when it matters most.

In a statement, the charity thanked the firm and its staff for getting involved, adding that access to timely support can be life changing and can help young people realise they are not alone.

The foundation said it was grateful to everyone at W.B. Griffiths & Son Ltd who took part, describing the donation as one that will have a real and lasting impact on local young people and their mental health.

News

Investigation launched after man found dead near Carmarthen railway line

Published

18 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose body was found in a field close to the railway track near Carmarthen railway station.

Emergency services were called to the area at just after 8:30am on Saturday (Jan 10). Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended alongside paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Witnesses reported seeing police and ambulance vehicles outside the station’s main entrance, with officers also in an adjacent field near a railway bridge.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

A police spokesperson said enquiries are ongoing and the death is currently being treated as unexplained.

No further details, including the man’s age or identity, have been released.

Crime

Former Gwent detective would have been sacked after off duty assault conviction

Published

18 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Ex officer found guilty of gross misconduct following Devon incident and magistrates court conviction

A FORMER Gwent Police detective sergeant has been found guilty of gross misconduct after being convicted of assaulting a man while off duty in Devon.

Joanne Marston resigned from the force shortly before an accelerated misconduct hearing was due to begin at Cwmbran on Monday. The panel went ahead in her absence.

The hearing was told the incident happened in February 2024 while Marston was off duty in Devon. She was later arrested and charged with common assault, and was convicted at Exeter Magistrates’ Court in March last year.

A professional standards investigation concluded she had breached the police standards of professional behaviour relating to discreditable conduct. The panel upheld the allegation and found it amounted to gross misconduct.

Had she remained a serving officer, the panel ruled she would have been dismissed without notice.

Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend, who chaired the hearing, said the former officer’s actions were “shocking and unacceptable” and warned that such behaviour damages public confidence in policing.

Marston will now be placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing her from serving with any police force in the UK.