News

Pembrokeshire pays tribute to our Paralympics hero

Published

6 years ago

August 17, 2020

OVER the weekend Pembrokeshire faced sad news as local Paralympics hero, Jacob Thomas, sadly passed away at the age of 25.

Jacob was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic condition which meant he would need support from a wheelchair within life. As he was growing up he was introduced to the sport Boccia and his sporting success began.

The talented sports star let nothing get in his way, becoming a huge name within Boccia. Jacob gained many medals in the sport before his retirement in 2016, including the gold medal at the World Student Games in Brazil, and bronze and silver at the World Championships in Beijing.

Through all his achievements the most highlighted was representing Great Britain in Boccia at the London 2012 Paralympics games. Jacob was only 17 years old when competing and was the youngest team member in the GB Boccia team. Within his time at the Paralympics he received recognition for years of hard work and dedication to the sport.

Scott McCowan, a fellow GB Boccia teammate and friend to Jacob, expressed his condolences on social media;

“I have so many great memories with him and his Dad whether it be the incredible experience of London 2012, winning our first British major medal in so many years in Portugal, or winning the pairs silver medal together at the World Championships and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to share it with! Although he will obviously be remembered for his incredible sporting achievements, more than that he was a great friend and wonderful person and I will miss him a great deal. I will always have terrific memories of him and his loving family of Michael, Caroline, Polly and Wayne who my thoughts are with at such a difficult time. Stay strong guys.”

Pembrokeshire Herald would like to express their thoughts and condolences to Jacobs friends and family at this difficult time.

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

8 minutes 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

2 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.

The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

News

Major incident declared after bus crash in Carmarthenshire

Published

4 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Emergency services at scene as A484 closed near Parc y Bocs

A MAJOR incident has been declared in Kidwelly following a collision involving a bus.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were dealing with the incident on the A484 near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

The road has been closed between the Kidwelly roundabout and Llandyfaelog, and motorists are being urged to find alternative routes.

Emergency services are at the scene, and members of the public have been asked to stay away from the area until further notice.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Officers are dealing with a major incident in Kidwelly, following a report of a collision involving a bus on the A484 near the Kidwelly roundabout.

“The road is closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog, and motorists are asked to find alternative routes.

“Emergency services are on scene and members of the public are asked to stay away from the area until further notice.”

More information is expected to follow.