News

Chip shop owner claims wife’s death was accident

Published

5 years ago

November 12, 2019

SWANSEA CROWN COURT has heard that a chip shop owner burned his wife to death by scolding her with chip fat following a domestic dispute.

But Geoffrey Bran, 71, says that the death of his wife of 30 years in October 2018 was an accident. The court heard that her injuries were caused when she threw ‘spoilt fish’ at him causing superficial injuries and bruises to his head and forearms, before pulling a deep fat fryer over herself causing 41% burns, from which she later died in hospital.

Geoffrey and Mavis Bran ran the Chipoteria business in Hermon, near the Pembrokeshire Carmarthenshire border. The burger van and wooden shack business had not been open for long – perhaps a year – when the incident happened.

The jury, of five men and seven women was told that Mrs Bran was constantly nagging her husband over trivial or silly matters and that the relationship was ‘argumentative’ and ‘loud’

The court further heard that the relationship had deteriorated further in the months before her death. At the time of the incident, Mr Bran was arrested by police on suspicion of assault but later released.

Chipoteria – the snack shack in Hemon is now closed

After suffering the burns, Mrs Bran was transferred to Morrison hospital in Swansea where she died of her wounds six days later. Bran was re-arrested in November 2018.

But Mr Lewis prosecuting said that the terrible burns were not the result of an accident, but by her husband deliberately pushing or throwing a deep fat fryer which contained boiling oil over her.

He said that people who know the couple knew that they both had short tempers.

On Tuesday, October 23 last year, both the Brans were at work in the Chip shop, while their friend Mr Gareth Davies was in their house.

Mr Davies heard Mrs Bran come into the house, naked from the waist up, shouting ‘I’ve been burned… I’ve had boiling fat all over me.

Mr Davies described Mrs Bran’s upper body as a “crimson colour” and said that her skin was peeling off at the wrists.

Mrs Bran then told Mr Davies, who at that point had a cut above his eye, to fetch more fish for customers – she initially declined an ambulance.

Bran told Mr Davies that his wife had slipped and grabbed the fryer, causing it to come out of the holder and spill onto her.

However, a friend of Mrs Bran, Miss Caroline Morgan, received a call from her at around 1.15pm, she said that Mrs Bran screamed down the phone at her saying: “Geoff has thrown boiling oil over me. Please get here, I need you now, help!”

The court heard that on arrival to the house Miss Morgan found that Mrs Bran in shock, saying: “I was nagging him – and then he flipped”

Bran denies murder and the trial continues.

Accused: Geoff Bran (Pic S4C)

News

Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory

Published

16 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.

The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.

A Day of Victories

The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Goal Scorer: Lola P
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Player: Lilly J

In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.

Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
Players’ Player: Olivia D
Coaches’ Player: Ruby D

After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.

Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B

In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.

Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
Players’ Player: Annabelle G
Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M

Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”

Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.

News

St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge

Published

16 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.

Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.

For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.

The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.

In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.

For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.

The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.

And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

17 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.