News
Slipway security returns in a bid to boost water safety at Freshwater East
MEASURES to limit the launching of personal watercraft at Freshwater East are being put back in place as the area prepares for a busy Bank Holiday weekend and half term holiday.
A security guard was first employed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority on the slipway last summer, following several reports of water safety incidents relating to the vessels.
Use of the slipway will be restricted at peak times on key dates from the end of May until at least the end of August to help ensure people are able to enjoy their visit to the beach safely. People launching boats and other vessels will still be allowed to use the slipway.
National Park Authority Chief Executive, Tegryn Jones said: “We are appealing to everyone who wants to visit the National Park to plan ahead, to tread lightly and respect the land, the community and each other.
“This initiative is just one example of where we are putting additional resources in place to help reinforce these messages so that everyone can enjoy themselves, whether they’re seeking a high-octane activity or peace and tranquillity.
“Following last year’s successful trial, we are confident this scheme will encourage more personal watercraft users to use suitable launching points away from busy beaches such as Freshwater East.
“The security guard will also be able to highlight the designated aquabatics area on the Milford Haven Waterway and provide guidance on how disturbance to wildlife can be minimised.”
The slipway at Freshwater East, which is owned by the National Park Authority, will be manned by a representative from Diogel Security starting from Saturday 29 May.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
-
News3 days ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News3 days ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
News3 days ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Crime4 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
News2 days ago
Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor
-
Business4 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News3 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson
-
News6 days ago
‘Honest’ caravan site owner ran site ‘under the radar’ for 20 years