News

Labour Party accuses Cllr Dowson of encouraging ‘homophobic racists’

Published

6 years ago

June 16, 2020

THE CARMARTHEN West and South Pembrokeshire Constituency Labour Party has released a statement drawing attention to what they call the ‘appalling abuse’ that Cllr Josh Beynon has suffered at the hands of ‘homophobic racists’ in the town he represents Pembroke Dock.

The statement explains that Cllr Beynon suggested to Pembrokeshire County Council to project a purple light onto Council Hall to demonstrate Pembrokeshire County Councils support for the Black Lives Matter Movement.

This prompted, say the party, a small number of vocal Facebook users to subject Josh to a torrent of vile abuse which has included racist and homophobic insults and threats.

The statement goes on to say: “It was obvious from the posts that Josh’s abusers were not really concerned about whatever he had or had not done but rather that Josh supported the Black
Lives Matter Movement.

“Several of the posts sent to Josh were so extreme that Dyfed Powys Police are now investigating them as Hate Crimes.

“The attacks on Josh were led by Pembrokeshire County Councillor Paul Dowson.

“Cllr Dowson made the statement that “White Lives Matter” and posted several other racist and homophobic posts on his Facebook page.

“Cllr Dowson has taken his Facebook Page down since several complaints were made about his behaviour to both the Public Services Ombudsman and Pembrokeshire County Council.

“The slogan “White Lives Matter” is, according to the Southern Poverty law Centre an explicitly racist statement which has been used by violent neo-Nazis and racists to counter the Black Lives Matter Movement.

“It is to be assumed that as Cllr Dowson is a politician he knew, or should have known, exactly what that inflammatory statement meant and the reaction it would provoke.

“The shifting nature of his arguments would seem to suggest that Cllr Dowson’s objection has always been to people expressing their support for Black Lives Matter and not whatever Cllr Joshua Beynon may or may not have done.

“Cllr Dowson’s supporters have taken it as a call to action. A call to action to which they responded by harassing and abusing Cllr Beynon.”

Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald on Tuesday by telephone Cllr Paul Dowson said: “I immediately took down any comments aimed at Cllr Beynon, and sent him a message saying that I don’t condone any of it, and he replied thank you.”

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

3 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.