News
Former mayor under fire for racist Facebook post
THE FORMER mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Peter Kraus, is under fire for a controversial Facebook posting on his personal social media account – two photographs comparing Black Lives Matters protesters as monkeys.
He has since deleted the controversial images, and today claimed they were posted online by a hacker.
Speaking to the Daily Mail today he said: “That’s a hacker. That’s nothing to do with me whatsoever. I’m getting friend requests all the time, and they double up – it’s that sort of thing.”
“I don’t know how I was hacked. All I know is I had a thing from the town council to say about this picture on there which I never even put on. That’s how it is.
“It must have been posted to my timeline because the town clerk phoned me and said “what the hell is going on?” I’ve got lots and lots and lots of friends who are, black, white, and you name it as well, all over the world.”
The town councillor added: “I was made aware yesterday. I don’t know when it was put on there,’ he said. ‘All of a sudden I had a phone call from the town clerk to say about this picture, so as I said, it’s totally out of my hands.
“The thing is, I do lots for the town, volunteer work for the town. And what it is, I don’t have time to go on the computer very often now.”
He told The Daily Mail that his voluntary work commitments meant he rarely found time to use his computer – despite having made 62 posts to his Facebook in the past two days.
Local Naomi Carolyn Chiffi, outraged, also shared the image and wrote on her facebook page: “Welcome to Pembroke Dock. Where your local town councillors, Peter Kraus and Paul Dowson are not only actively and openly racist, but find glee in their bigotry. This sickens me beyond belief. Who are these people and why are they in positions of power in our otherwise lovely county? They do not deserve one ounce of respect.”
Fellow town councillor Joshua Beynon, who had proposed a recent lighting of County Hall in support of the Black Lives Matter protest, said: “After the past week, I’m sad to see another derogatory post, this time one that compares black people to monkeys, it is the lowest of the low.
“While it seems that there is a lot of hatred and negativity around, this whole event has highlighted the urgent need to fight racism that is clearly evident in our county. I will continue to call it out when I see it.”
Cllr Kraus said: “The point I was making was that we are worse than animals, It is bad enough with this pandemic without all these crazy things that are going on everywhere, It was not meant as an insult to black people.
“We are all humans, I have lots of black friends in London and all over the world who I respect; I am a person who loves peace, that is why I started a charity Over the Rainbow Dream Come True in 1999. I absolutely hate all this violence that is going on.”
Cllr Paul Dowson denied he is a racist. He said: “So, County Hall will be bathed in purple light to show our support for Black Lives Matter.
“Why?
“We all agree that black lives matter. As do white lives.
“Are we supporting the actions of BLM protesters stoning police officers in the UK over something that took place in the USA?
“Are we supporting those activists who are putting our lives at risk by not [caring] about social distancing.
“Who is footing the bill for these purple lights and the power required to run them, particularly given that money is in short supply during this pandemic. It could be better spent propping up our key workers.
“Yes, black lives matter, we do not need to waste money floodlighting County Hall to say this. I do not support this crazy idea and will make my feelings known with those who gave it the go-ahead.”
“As a footnote… who is going to see this light show? We are in lockdown.”
News
Citizen sought to join Pembrokeshire County Council’s Audit Committee
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is inviting applications for a Lay Member to join its Governance and Audit Committee, with the deadline for submissions extended to January 31.
The role of the Governance and Audit Committee is crucial in ensuring the council’s financial and operational integrity. Responsibilities include scrutinising the council’s financial affairs, assessing risk management, performance, and corporate governance, and making recommendations to improve these areas.
The successful applicant will need to demonstrate an understanding of the value of audit functions and a commitment to accountability, openness, fairness, and sound financial management in the public sector.
However, some restrictions apply. Individuals cannot be appointed if they are:
- A member or officer of any local authority.
- A former member or officer of a local authority within the last 12 months.
- A spouse or civil partner of a member or officer of any local authority.
The appointment will be decided by a panel that includes an independent chairman, three council members, and a community council member. An allowance will be paid for attending committee meetings.
The council encourages applications from all sections of the community.
For more details and an application pack, contact Lydia Cheshire on 01437 775356 or email: [email protected].
The closing date for applications is 31 January 2025.
Crime
Carmarthenshire man sentenced for violent altercation ‘to protect girlfriend’
A VIOLENT altercation in Carmarthenshire has led to serious charges for William Rees, 24, of St Clears, who appeared at Swansea Crown Court facing charges of affray and grievous bodily harm.
The incident occurred on Tuesday (May 7, 2024) in Nott Square, Carmarthen. Rees was accused of assaulting a woman, causing a skull fracture and a small bleed on the brain. According to his statement, the altercation began as a verbal dispute between the woman and his girlfriend. Rees explained: “I was out in Carmarthen with my girlfriend. We had a few drinks but I was aware of what I was doing. We were heading towards a taxi, but a girl started shouting. There was a verbal incident, and then she became aggressive towards my girlfriend. I had no intention to hurt the girl; I was just protecting my girlfriend.”
CCTV footage captured a brief but violent exchange, and Rees admitted his actions at the scene. He told police: “I like to apologise,” before being taken into custody.
Rees expressed shame after reviewing the footage, particularly over his actions during the incident, but maintained that he did not instigate the violence. He took full responsibility, reflecting that his actions were motivated by a desire to protect his partner.
The court heard that alcohol played a significant role in Rees’s behaviour. He acknowledged that his conduct was out of character and shared that he had since made substantial lifestyle changes. His defence barrister, Mr Wright, stated: “He has now stopped drinking. He had one drink at Christmas and has not drunk since then.”
Rees was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. While condemning the violent actions, His Honour Judge Huw Rees recognised the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility and efforts to turn his life around.
Crime
New Year’s Day arrests lead to drug dealing confessions
TWO men have confessed to drug dealing after being caught in possession of cocaine and cannabis on New Year’s Day 2023.
Alex John, 21, of Lon Y Prior, St Clears, and Joshua Jenkins, 30, of Station View, Tumble, faced a total of seven drug-related charges, spanning from mid-2022 to January 1, 2023.
The pair were arrested on Queen Street, Carmarthen, on New Year’s Day last year, where both were found with cocaine and accused of possessing the drug with intent to supply.
John also faced charges of possessing cannabis with intent to supply on the same date. In addition, he was charged with being concerned in the supply of both cocaine and cannabis from July 10, 2022, until his arrest. Jenkins faced similar charges, relating to the supply of cocaine and cannabis between September 2, 2022, and January 1, 2023.
The two men had previously entered guilty pleas to all charges on a basis, but these pleas were disputed by prosecutors. When the case returned to Swansea Crown Court on January 15, the court heard that neither basis of plea could be accepted by the Crown.
David Singh, representing John, informed the court that his client had withdrawn his basis of plea and now accepted the prosecution’s case in full. Regan Walters, acting for Jenkins, stated that contentious elements of his client’s basis of plea had been removed.
Prosecutor Brian Simpson highlighted the significant two-year delay in bringing the case to court, a matter noted by Judge Geraint Walters.
The judge adjourned sentencing to allow for pre-sentence reports to be prepared for both defendants. Addressing John and Jenkins, Judge Walters said: “These offences are always serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence, but the final decision will rest with the sentencing judge.”
Both men were re-admitted to bail and will return to court for sentencing on February 13.
The Herald will provide updates on this case as they emerge.
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