Defence firm fined £800,000 over ‘devastating’ safety failure

A CIVILIAN weapons expert was left paralysed from the neck down after being shot in the neck during a live firing trial at the Ministry of Defence range in Pendine, Carmarthenshire.

The incident happened on the morning of March 25, 2021, while the 42-year-old man was working for QinetiQ – the defence technology company responsible for running the site on behalf of the MoD.

He had been checking the impact of rounds on a target when a 5.56mm bullet, fired from 570 metres away, struck him. An air ambulance took him to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. He survived but sustained life-changing injuries, leaving him paralysed below the shoulders.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that QinetiQ had failed to properly assess the risks involved in the weapons test. The court heard that no adequate procedures were in place to ensure nobody was near the target area when rounds were fired.

Speaking after sentencing, HSE’s principal specialist inspector Stuart Charles said: “This incident has devastated the life of a man and his family. It could have been avoided through simple, low-cost safety measures. This case underlines how vital it is for employers to keep assessing how work is done and not to rely on outdated methods.”

QinetiQ, which is based in Hampshire, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (March 3) where it was fined £800,000 for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was also ordered to pay £8,365.40 in costs and a £190 victim surcharge, bringing the total penalty to £808,555.40.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We are deeply saddened by the impact this incident has had on our colleague and his family, who we continue to support. We have accepted full responsibility and carried out a full internal review. Safety is our highest priority and we have taken steps to improve procedures to prevent anything like this happening again.”

The Pendine range is located near Llanmiloe, around eight miles from Saundersfoot. It covers over 20 square kilometres and is used for testing various types of military equipment.

HYWEL DDA University Health Board has today announced the appointment of Sharon Daniel as its new Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Care.

Sharon has held the role of Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at the health board on an interim basis since January 2024, pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Executive Officer.

A well-known and well-respected leader within the organisation, Sharon brings a wealth of experience to the role, having dedicated her entire professional career to healthcare in the Hywel Dda region. Her journey spans clinical, academic and managerial roles — from her early days as an adult nurse to positions in site management, lecturing, infection prevention and control, clinical governance, and general management.

Since 2015, Sharon has served as Assistant Director of Nursing, working across areas including infection prevention and control, professional standards and regulation. She stepped into the role of Deputy Director of Nursing in May 2023 and was appointed interim Director of Nursing in early 2024. Her appointment to the permanent position recognises her leadership and deep commitment to the local population and workforce.

Professor Phil Kloer, Hywel Dda University Health Board Chief Executive, commented:

“Sharon has demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership throughout her career with Hywel Dda. Her passion for nursing, deep knowledge of our services, and genuine connection to the people we serve make her an exceptional choice for this role. I am delighted to announce her appointment, following a competitive and open process, and look forward to continuing to work alongside her as we drive forward our ambitions for high-quality, compassionate care.”

Speaking on her appointment, Sharon said: “Hywel Dda is home to me. My family and I are part of the population, and I have worked within healthcare here since I finished my formal training.

“I’m incredibly proud to lead such a dedicated and passionate nursing workforce and I’m excited to work with colleagues to celebrate our achievements and build on them as we look to the future. Together, we’ll explore opportunities for interprofessional team working to help deliver our clinical strategy and the very best care for our communities.”

Sharon’s appointment marks a significant step forward in the Health Board’s ongoing commitment to strengthening professional leadership and improving outcomes for patients and communities across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire.

Swyddfa’r Cyfryngau | Media Office
Cyfathrebu | Communications 
Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Hywel Dda | Hywel Dda University Health Board
mediaoffice.hyweldda@wales.nhs.uk

THE WELSH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have pledged to make childcare a central pillar of their platform ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections, with a bold new commitment to offer 30 hours of free childcare per week for all children aged nine months to four years old.

During a visit to Meithrinfa Y Pelican nursery in Cardiff on Thursday (Apr 4), party leader Jane Dodds MS set out the plans ahead of the party’s Spring Conference. She said tackling high childcare costs was essential not only to ease the cost-of-living crisis for families, but also to support the Welsh economy.

“The extortionate cost of childcare is one of the biggest challenges families face,” Dodds said. “It’s not only impacting child poverty rates, but it’s also dragging down our economy and preventing parents – especially women – from pursuing the careers they want.”

Dodds highlighted the party’s recent success in securing £30 million through budget negotiations to expand the Flying Start programme. This funding will provide childcare for all two-year-olds in Wales and increase the hourly rate to support providers. However, she said this was just the beginning.

“If we are in a position to shape government policy after the next election, we will go much further,” she added.

During the visit, nursery staff outlined the challenges facing childcare providers, including rising National Insurance contributions, increased energy and water bills, and general inflation. Many nurseries have had to raise their fees simply to maintain minimum staffing levels.

Dodds emphasised that a vote for the Welsh Liberal Democrats next year would be a vote to reduce childcare costs, help families through the cost-of-living crisis, and stimulate the Welsh economy.

“Every child deserves the best possible start in life, no matter their background,” she said.