News
Sageston: Police remove convicted sex offender as Welsh Warriors protest
POLICE have removed a convicted sex offender from a sleepy Sageston street during a protest organised by the Welsh Warriors on Sunday (Aug 9)
Jonathan Harris, aged 25, was jailed last year after admitting sexual offences against five boys.
He was released on Friday (Aug 7) to his parents’ address in Bartletts Well Road after serving 13 and a half months of his 27-month sentence.
A small group of around 10 protesters, led by The Welsh Warriors, arrived in the street outside Harris’ home shouting “We’re here to get you out Jonathan”.
The shouting led neighbours from almost every house on the street to come out to their front lawns to see what the fuss was about.
Some of the residents were supportive of the protest but some others were critical of the protesters telling them to mind their own business and go home.
As this was happening a group of around fifteen additional people turned up and is was feared by residents that more would arrive.
A female protester said: “We are here to make sure this paedophile is removed from the street. There is a school 100 yards away and children playing here, and we are not going until that man has been removed.”
Another told a resident of the street who was telling the protesters to disburse: “We have done these before and we were waiting five days for the police to remove a paedophile and we can do the same again. We have our sleeping gear.”
The whole affair was streamed live on the Welsh Warriors Facebook page. Many comments were made online at what seemed to be a few vocal residents in the street supporting Mr Harris following his release from jail.
“They are my neighbours and friends, and they should be allowed to get on with their lives quietly” a woman from the house opposite said.
“Why don’t you just run off back to where you came from – you don’t even know the full facts, do you, we don’t want a protest here.”
Within minutes the police arrived in three vehicles and Harris was quickly whisked into a police van and driven away.
Police asked some of the protesters to contact them in the first instance with concerns about sex offenders in the neighbourhood rather than turning up to protest unannounced.
The protest was then over, and police waited for protesters to disperse and said it was their duty ‘to ensure everyone’s safety’.
No arrests were made during the hour-long demonstration.
At the first hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in March last year, Harris entered no pleas to three charges of causing a child aged 13 to 15 to look at an image of sexual activity, for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification; and also a further charge of attempting to possess an indecent photo of a child. However, at Swansea Crown Court he pleaded guilty to the offences. At a hearing on April 18, 2019, he admitted inciting the under 16-year-olds to engage in sexual activity and to causing three of them to view indecent images. All the offending took place during 2017.
His barrister, Jim Davis, said Harris appreciated that the crimes passed the custody threshold and that a prison sentence could be the outcome.
At that hearing Judge Walters said that it was possible that the defendant could avoid jail. However, following reports from a psychologist and the probation service he was given a custodial sentence.
Dyfed-Powys Police has been approached for a comment
Community
Miracle pup finds her forever home after heart-wrenching journey
AERIAL, a remarkable six-legged spaniel, has captured hearts worldwide, culminating in her adoption this week. Found abandoned in a Pembrokeshire car park and famously nicknamed after Disney’s Little Mermaid due to her unique condition, Ariel’s journey from despair to joy is nothing short of miraculous.
In September 2023, the then 11-week-old puppy was discovered outside a B&M store in a neglected state. Suffering from severe physical anomalies including two extra hind limbs and an additional vulva, Ariel faced daunting challenges. A subsequent medical examination revealed a more complicated internal scenario: a missing kidney and a malformed pelvis that jeopardised her mobility.
Despite the grim prognosis, Ariel’s plight touched many, leading to a worldwide fundraising campaign that raised approximately £15,000. These funds enabled her to undergo critical surgeries at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital, Somerset, where surgeons successfully removed the surplus limbs and preserved her four functional ones.
“Both procedures went well, and remarkably, Ariel was walking and eating by the next day,” explained Mikey Lawlor, founder of Greenacres Rescue, where Ariel was rehabilitated. “It was crucial that we avoided any post-operative infections, but she’s been in the best hands,” he added, reflecting on the complexities of her care.
Ariel’s recovery was supported by numerous vet visits, specialised surgeries, and extensive physiotherapy. Her resilience and endearing character garnered media attention globally, from radio and television appearances to newspaper features, highlighting her inspirational battle for a normal life.
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Ariel has been officially adopted,” announced a recent post by Greenacres Rescue. “Her journey of transformation from a discarded pup to a beloved family pet has been extraordinary.”
The post also extended a heartfelt thank you to June, Ariel’s dedicated foster mother, whose relentless support was pivotal during the rehabilitation process. “June’s care and energy have been instrumental in Ariel’s recovery,” the rescue centre noted.
Surgeon Aaron Lutchman, who led Ariel’s medical team, remarked on her progress, “She’s bounced back and is a happy little dog. We hope she goes on to lead a fabulous life.”
As Ariel embarks on this new chapter with her adoptive family, her story remains a profound testament to the power of community support and the unwavering spirit of animals overcoming adversity. Greenacres Rescue encapsulates this sentiment in their message, “Ariel is symbolic of everything we stand for—love, hope, and the chance for a new beginning.”
For further updates on Ariel and other rescue stories, follow Greenacres Rescue on their social media platforms.
News
Withyhedge Landfill faces political allegations and regulatory enforcement
STEPHEN CRABB MP has vociferously criticised the Welsh Labour Government for its management of the Withyhedge Landfill in Pembrokeshire, claiming it has turned the area into a “dumping ground” for waste from across Wales. Mr. Crabb, supported by Paul Davies MS, alleges that substantial lorries deliver waste daily to the site, causing significant distress to local residents. The MP has repeatedly written to the First Minister, demanding immediate intervention, yet claims to have received no response.
Compounding the controversy, Mr. Crabb highlighted a substantial £200,000 donation to Vaughan Gething’s recent election campaign from the landfill’s owner, questioning the impartiality of regulatory practices. Despite ongoing political efforts, Mr. Crabb asserts that resolution lies solely with the Welsh Government, which has the ultimate authority to address these grievances.
Meanwhile, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has escalated its enforcement actions against the site’s operators, Resources Management UK Ltd (RML), amid persistent community complaints about odour and gas emissions. A recent Regulation 36 Enforcement Notice demands a series of remedial actions by RML, with deadlines stretching into May 2024. These measures focus on improving the site’s gas management infrastructure and capping exposed areas to mitigate odour issues.
Huwel Manley, Head of South West Operations at NRW, expressed understanding of the community’s frustration, emphasizing the urgency of the required actions. “We are committed to ensuring RML Ltd. deliver these actions rapidly and effectively. Continued non-compliance will lead to further measures, potentially including a suspension of the environmental permit,” stated Mr. Manley.
Pembrokeshire County Council, represented by Chief Executive Will Bramble, also voiced disappointment over the ongoing issues, affirming full support for NRW’s stringent enforcement steps. The Council and NRW are working closely to monitor the situation and have encouraged the public to report any odour incidents promptly to aid in effective resolution.
As the deadline approaches, all parties involved are under increasing pressure to demonstrate tangible improvements and ensure the health and well-being of Pembrokeshire residents are prioritised.
News
Police issue update on the search for Luke, missing from Pembroke Dock
POLICE have made the difficult decision to end the search for Luke, following a joint decision by all the agencies involved.
The police said: “After careful consideration of all the information and expert advice that has been made available to us, a joint decision has been made by all agencies involved that the search for Luke will now conclude and will consist of intelligence led enquiries in the coming days.
“Whilst this is an extremely difficult decision to make, we are satisfied that we have done absolutely everything we possibly can to try and locate Luke. His family have been informed of this decision and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.
“I would also like to reassure the public that in addition to the searches that have taken place at the estuary, a team of Police Officers have been conducting extensive enquiries in Pembroke Dock since Luke was reported missing.”
Meanwhile the family has made a heartfelt plea for any information that might help trace his last known movements.
Emma Dewhurst has issued an urgent appeal for information that could help track her nephew Luke’s whereabouts, last seen in the early hours of Saturday morning. Describing Luke as “jovial, kind, soft, and timid,” she reflects on his vibrant personality and gentle nature, noting his resilience and determination to push forward in life. “He is strong. He didn’t give up easily and kept going in his life,” she affirmed.
The family is reeling from the shock of Luke’s sudden disappearance. “We are all so shocked and upset,” Emma stated. “It’s profoundly distressing.”
In an effort to find Luke, his father has made the long journey from the north of England to Pembrokeshire. The emotional toll is evident, as Emma revealed, “His dad is devastated, and my mum [his grandmother] is in pieces.”
Luke was last recorded by CCTV at 6am, four hours after he left his accommodation. Emma is desperately calling on residents to review their CCTV or doorbell footage, hoping for any clue that might explain his movements during those critical missing hours. “Where has he been in that four hours?” Emma implored. “We need to fill these gaps to piece together the facts.”
She recalls Luke’s last day before he vanished, spent with his mother, ending with future plans unfulfilled. “It isn’t in his nature to just disappear,” she said. “We can’t give up. We all love him, miss him, and want him back safely.”
Emma also expressed a poignant message for Luke, should he be out there, feeling unable to come home: “If you don’t want to come home, at least reach out to someone. Let us know you are okay. That’s what my brother would want.”
If you have any information on Luke’s last known whereabouts, please contact Dyfed-Powys Police at 101, email [email protected], or reach out online at https://orlo.uk/RlB5o. For those wishing to remain anonymous, you can contact the charity Missing People at www.missingpeople.org.uk.
-
Business4 days ago
Bluestone National Park Resort payments expected to end
-
Community6 days ago
The Harbourmaster: Special rail excursion draws crowds to Milford Haven
-
News5 days ago
Dragon LNG ‘monitoring’ scrap car blaze in Waterston
-
News6 days ago
Search for Luke, 19, reported missing in the Pembroke Dock area, continuing
-
News3 days ago
Search for missing teenager Luke continues at Pembroke Dock
-
Crime4 days ago
Estate agents admit health and safety failings following fatal market incident
-
News3 days ago
Man jailed after scarring police officer in Narberth altercation
-
News24 hours ago
Police issue update on the search for Luke, missing from Pembroke Dock