News
CPS: No prosecutions over Pembroke Dock Commercial Property Grant Scheme
THE CPS has decided to stick by its decision not to prosecute anybody in relation to the Pembroke Dock Commercial Property Grant Scheme.
Pembrokeshire County Council had called on the CPS to review its decision at their meeting in July but a letter from the CPS states; ‘…there is insufficient evidence for there to be a realistic prospect of conviction’.
The letter, sent by Andrea Bradford, also goes on to state because a computer, which contained relevant material, had been destroyed it was not possible to determine what material should have been disclosed.
Therefore, the CPS would be unable to ensure that the defendants would receive a fair trial.
One councillor has also been singled out for publishing articles on his blog as some of the material on it should not have been published in the public domain.
That was also brought up at the Council meeting in July where Cllr Jacob Williams stated that in one meeting, Councillors were asked not to publish a letter for 28 days.
That letter said that prosecutions would be imminent.
It was claimed that Councillors were warned on a number of occasions about putting information online but at the July meeting, Cllr Mike Stoddart revealed that he had not been directly warned about publishing information.
The letter from Mrs Bradford adds that Pembrokeshire County Council did not adhere to its own procedures and practises.
In the original CPS decision, it said that there was a number of inconsistencies in the evidence which would undermine a prosecution.
Mrs Bradford says that admissions were made about the inadequacy of staff training and that an opinion was given that in relation to some of the grant applications, there was no fraud.
The letter adds that because of these factors, the public interest stage could not be considered.
At the July meeting of Council, Cllr Stoddart revealed that he intended to take this to a private prosecution.
Crime
Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident
RHYS GRIFFITHS, a former bin lorry driver, has been banned from driving after injuring a man by colliding with his car door during a road confrontation on St Issels Avenue, Haverfordwest, on 22 February 2023.
Swansea Crown Court heard from Prosecutor Harry Dickens that Griffiths, 32, accelerated towards the victim’s vehicle, stopping bumper-to-bumper. Following a brief verbal exchange, the victim turned back to his car, only to hear Griffiths rev his engine, mount the kerb, and strike the driver-side door, pinning the man against his own car. Though the victim felt pain in his thighs, he did not require medical attention, and only minor damage was reported to the car.
Griffiths left the scene without stopping, and a witness alerted the police. The victim later told officers: “There was no need for this incident at all.”
Griffiths initially pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, later changing his plea to guilty on the day of his trial. His defence lawyer, Emily Bennett, expressed Griffiths’ “deep shame” over the incident, noting he had been redeployed from his job as a bin lorry driver due to the offence.
Judge Paul Thomas KC described Griffiths’ actions as “incredibly stupid” and sentenced him to 10 months, suspended for 18 months. Griffiths must complete 100 hours of unpaid work, 25 rehabilitation days, and pay £1,200 in costs due to the lateness of his plea. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must pass an extended driving test to regain his licence.
Health
Welsh GP committee reject contract offer and hold referendum for members
BMA Cymru Wales’ GP committee has voted unanimously to reject the Welsh Government’s offer for the 2024/2025 GMS (General Medical services) contract, as it fails to provide a credible and sustainable future for general practice.
GPs in Wales will now vote on whether to accept or reject the contract in a referendum which will open later this month.*
Dr Gareth Oelmann, chair of the BMA’s Welsh GP committee said:
“The decision to disregard the serious concerns and valuable contribution of general practice once again in Wales is beyond insulting, it is dangerous, leaving more surgeries and their patients in peril.
“We are deeply concerned that this offer will leave more practices with no option but to close their doors. GP practices are being denied the resources they need to deliver vital services to the population.
“For years, the service has been starved of adequate funding which has led to the closure of 100 surgeries since 2012. This is having a devastating impact on general practice.
“A recent survey** of our members showed that 91% of GPs are routinely unable to meet patient demand due to unsustainably high workloads.
“With 100 fewer surgeries for patients to turn to, GPs are now seeing up to 35% more patients each, causing unsustainably high workloads and burnout with doctors being expected to do more with less, risking patient safety. How long can this continue?”
Dr Oelmann continued: “General Practice is the foundation of a high-quality, cost-effective health system, but successive governments have insisted on ignoring the vital role general practice plays in the national health service.
“Welsh Government had an opportunity to change the current trajectory but has failed to do so. It is now up to GPs to decide what happens next.”
Entertainment
Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience torock Tenby Blues Festival
THE soulful, genre-bending blues act, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, is set to take the main stage on Friday at Tenby Blues Festival, bringing their high-energy mix of blues, rock, and soul.
Ranked #3 on both the Roots Music Report UK and the UK IBBA Most Played chart in September 2024, Pat Fulgoni’s latest album, Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience, has captured the hearts of blues lovers across the UK. Released on September 27, 2024, the album has received praise for its dynamic fusion of blues, funk, and soul. Tracks like “Drifter,” “Keep The Blues Alive,” and “Stickin’ the Knife in Blues” showcase Fulgoni’s powerful vocals, which have been hailed by Billboard magazine, describing him as a singer who “could sing a pearl from its oyster.”
The Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience began as a spontaneous lineup supporting a food bank fundraiser in Huddersfield. Since then, Fulgoni and his band have performed at numerous blues festivals, from Colne Blues to Blues Alive in the Czech Republic, and have built a reputation as a sought-after live act. The band’s lineup features rising guitar talent Jacob Beckwith, alongside the rhythm section of bassist Rory Wells and drummer Zebedee Sylvester, with Sam Bolt on piano. Together, they deliver a distinctive blend of original tracks and classic covers, including “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” and “Midnight Train.”
For fans of soulful, energetic blues, don’t miss Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience this Friday at Tenby Blues Festival. More information and music are available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and other platforms.
Track Listing:
- Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven
- Drifter
- Keep The Blues Alive
- Midnight Train
- Bleeding Heart
- Lady Day & John Coltrane
- Confusion Blues
- The Thrill Is Gone
- Stickin’ the Knife in Blues
For press inquiries, contact Matt at Chocolate Fireguard on 07974 675244 or email [email protected].
For more updates, follow Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience on Facebook @patfulgonibluesexperience or explore their latest releases on Bandcamp.
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