News

Parent jailed after child’s attendance was just 1.46%

Published

7 years ago

September 3, 2018

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been jailed for failing to ensure his child was regularly attending school.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was produced under a warrant due to not having attended Court on the previous day. He was sentenced to two months imprisonment by Haverfordwest Magistrates after a case was brought before them by Pembrokeshire County Council on Friday (Aug 31).

He was imprisoned under Section 444(1) (A) of the Education Act 1996 for failing to secure regular attendance at school of a registered pupil.

Magistrates heard that for the period of the offence between 8th January and 4th July 2018, the child’s attendance was 1.46%, meaning the child had missed 98% of the education to which he/she was entitled.

Staff from the school and the County Council’s Pupil Support Team attempted to contact the parent on 29 separate occasions by home visits or by telephone to offer multi-agency support during the period of the offence, support which the father failed to accept.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of three months imprisonment and/or a £2,500 fine.

Credit was given for an early guilty plea, although the Court heard from the Probation Service that the defendant had not complied with community sentences for previous, unrelated offences. A sentence of two months imprisonment was imposed, together with costs of £329.81 and a victim surcharge of £115.

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning Councillor David Lloyd said the Authority doesn’t seek to prosecute parents unless absolutely necessary.

“This is an extreme and very sad case but is nevertheless a reminder of the serious consequences for parents of failing to ensure that children attend school regularly.

“Bringing cases to court is a last resort, as we seek to engage with the parents and provide support as is necessary. But in cases where attendance is low and parents refuse to co-operate with us, we have no alternative but to take the matter to court.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 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

4 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

4 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.