News

Bully tried to ‘shove’ bacon in vegan pupil’s mouth in attack, mum claims

Published

7 years ago

January 27, 2019

A 14-YEAR-OLD pupil at Milford Haven School has been left with symptoms of ‘post-concussion syndrome’ after being bullied for being a vegan, his mother has claimed.

Dante, who joined the school in October, has since suffered ‘weeks of meat being thrown at him’, physical assaults, and in one instance a bully tried to force feed him bacon, the concerned parent claims.

The allegations follow a serious incident at Milford Haven School earlier this month in which a video of a pupil being assaulted was circulated on social media.

In the first incident in November, Dante was allegedly punched in the throat.

Dante: Attacked for being vegan, his mum claims (pic. Mirror)

Talking in the national press, the boy’s mum, Rachel, described the first incident which happened in November: “Some boy just turned around and punched my boy in the throat.

“I’ve never been told the full story because the school don’t talk to you.”

Then, earlier this month, she says Dante was repeatedly punched as a boy attempted to shove bacon in his mouth.

Rachel continued: “They tried to force my son to eat bacon.

“There’s a group but one boy did the damage while the others watched. Dante got hold of the boy’s wrists to stop him putting meat in his mouth.

“But he headbutted my son then started repeatedly punching him on the side of the head on the temple.

“I got a phone call from the school to say Dante has had a head injury. They said there’s been an incident with a boy.

“I rushed to the school. His face was all red – he looked like a tomato. He had been headbutted.

“He came home and went to bed. He has never been in trouble in his life. He is not a violent child. It was an unprovoked attack.

“He is in bed now but he has got to go back to the school and to the same classes on Monday.

“It seems bullies are protected. Dante is really upset and so stressed out. He has become so reclusive.”

A medical report from Hywel Dda University Health Board, also published in the national press, describes Dante’s condition as: “Consistent with post-concussion syndrome, which is a well recognised feature following a head injury.

“Symptoms include impairment of daily function, persistent headaches, dizziness and memory problems.

“Symptoms may persist for several weeks before improving.”

Rachel also claims that the incident has negatively impacted her health: “This is making me physically sick and unable to sleep.”

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson said: “The school has investigated the alleged incidents internally and the matter has been dealt with in accordance with the Governing Body’s approved policies and procedures.

“The school wishes to make clear that it takes the safeguarding of pupils and their school community as their prime consideration.”

Rachel now says that she has involved police in the matter. Dyfed-Powys Police has been contacted for comment.

News

Fatal crash appeal after driver dies on A44 near Aberystwyth

Published

44 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a driver died in a crash on the A44.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the collision happened at around 6:10pm on Tuesday (May 5) on the A44 between Capel Bangor and Goginan, near Aberystwyth

The crash involved a single vehicle, a white Volkswagen Golf, which was travelling eastbound towards Goginan when it left the carriageway.

Sadly, the driver died at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Police confirmed there were no other passengers in the vehicle.

Officers are now asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Charity

Pembroke Dock charity shop expands to support hospice care

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SHOP NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AFTER EXPANSION INTO ADJOINING UNIT

A CHARITY shop in Pembroke Dock has expanded into a neighbouring unit to help raise more money for local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home has completed a knock-through at its shop in Bierspool, London Road, creating a larger retail space and allowing the charity to offer a wider range of items, including furniture.

The expanded shop was officially opened on Friday (May 1) by the outgoing Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michelle Wiggins.

The shop team, led by Kelly Elliot and supported by volunteers, worked for several weeks to prepare the new-look store for customers.

Head of Retail Julia Brady welcomed guests at the opening, while the charity also thanked staff, volunteers and supporters who helped decorate and prepare the premises.

Special thanks were given to Gill at Pembroke Dock Tesco for donating treats for customers and staff on the day.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home operates nine retail shops and an eBay department. Income from donations and sales helps fund the charity’s clinical teams, who provide free specialist palliative care to patients and families across Pembrokeshire.

The charity says it costs £3,600 every day to deliver its free clinical services. Around 30% of that cost is funded through Hywel Dda Health Board, with the remainder raised through retail income, fundraising and community support.

The Pembroke Dock shop is now open seven days a week, giving people more opportunities to shop, donate and support local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The charity provides care for people with any life-limiting condition, not only cancer, and supports patients of all faiths and none. It operates an open referral system, with referrals accepted from patients, families, friends and healthcare professionals.

Paul Sartori Foundation Ltd operates under the name Paul Sartori Hospice at Home. The charity was registered in 1982 and will celebrate its 45th anniversary during 2027/2028.