News
Refinery blast: Guilty pleas to health and safety charges
VALERO ENERGY UK Ltd and B&A Contracts Limited have admitted Health and Safety charges in connection with the refinery explosion in 2011 which killed four people in a packed Haverfordwest courtroom filled with family members of those lost in the blast.
Following the admissions at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court there will now be a sentencing hearing at Swansea Crown Court on November 2 at 10am.
Dennis Riley, 52, Robert Broome, 48, Andrew Jenkins, 33, and Julie Jones, 54, died in June 2011 when a storage tank exploded.
A fifth worker, Andrew Phillips, was severely injured.
At the time of the blast the refinery was operated by Chevron Limited, but ownership changed in August 2011.
B&A Contracts Ltd admitted that from October 2010 to June 2011, at Pembroke Refinery, the company failed to ensure the health and safety and welfare at work of all employees, and a similar charge of, on the same dates, failing to ensure the health and safety and welfare at work on non-employees contrary to Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
Valero Energy UK Limited admitted that from February 1999 to June 2011, at Pembroke refinery, the company failed to ensure the health and safety and welfare at work of all employees, and a similar charge of, on the same dates, failing to ensure the health and safety and welfare at work on non-employees contrary to Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Crime
Haverfordwest man denies historic rape charges involving underage girl
Trial listed at Cardiff Crown Court for 2027
A HAVERFORDWEST man has denied a series of historic sexual offences against an underage girl and is due to stand trial at Cardiff Crown Court in 2027.
Lee Mahagan, aged 52, of High Street, Haverfordwest, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.
The charges relate to allegations involving a girl aged between 13 and 15, which are said to have occurred in Cardiff between 2009 and 2010.
The court was told that the case is expected to take around five days when it goes before a jury. A trial date has been set for January 25, 2027.
Mahagan was granted conditional bail by Judge Hywel James following a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.
The defendant is represented by David Pinnell, while Daniel Jones is appearing for the prosecution.
Crime
Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub
Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday
DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an incident reported at Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).
An 18-year-old man was arrested after officers were called to the venue, which is a popular late-night spot in the seaside village. The allegation relates to events said to have taken place during the early hours of the morning.
Joshua Probert, aged 18, has since been charged with one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 18).
The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under law, and no further details about the allegation can be reported at this stage.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Officers are understood to have carried out initial investigative work shortly after the report was made, including speaking to witnesses.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
- Anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, on 0808 500 2222. Calls are free and confidential.
Local Government
Mayor visits Milford Haven Library Christmas event
THE MAYOR of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott, paid a visit to Milford Haven Library on Tuesday morning to attend its festive Mince Pie and a Cuppa event.
The event brought together library staff and local residents, with the Mayor thanking staff for their work supporting the community throughout the year. During the visit, Cllr Elliott also spent time speaking with residents who had come along to the event or were visiting the library to borrow books.
Milford Haven Library is part of the Pembrokeshire Libraries service, which provides access to books, information, and community activities across the county.
The Mayor wished residents a Merry Christmas at the close of his visit.
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