News
Organisation ‘devastated’ after centenary tree stolen
AN organisation has been left ‘devastated’ after a tree, planted to celebrate its centenary, was stolen.
The Milford Haven and District Soroptimists planted the Cherry tree at Neyland Vale on September 10.
However, less than two weeks after it was planted, the tree and stakes have been stolen.
The matter has been referred to the police who said enquiries into the theft were ‘ongoing’.
Joint presidents Janet Watson and Heather Phippen said: “Milford Haven and District Soroptimists International planted a flowering cherry tree at Neyland Vale on September 10 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the organisation.
“This was done with the help of the Mayor Simon Hancock who arranged the site for us.
“Unfortunately, when we went to water the tree on Tuesday, September 21, having previously visited the site on the 17th, we found that the tree and stakes had been stolen.
“The matter has been referred to the police. We are all devastated that this has happened as it would have been a great asset to the area.”

Charity
Christmas jumper fundraiser raises £360 for youth counselling
A CHRISTMAS Jumper Day fundraiser held by staff at W.B. Griffiths & Son Ltd has raised £360 for the Megan’s Starr Foundation, helping fund vital mental health support for young people.
The money, presented to the charity by Carla and Liam, will pay for 10 professional counselling sessions for young people who are struggling and in urgent need of support.
The Megan’s Starr Foundation said the sessions provide a safe space for young people to talk, be listened to, and feel supported at a time when it matters most.
In a statement, the charity thanked the firm and its staff for getting involved, adding that access to timely support can be life changing and can help young people realise they are not alone.
The foundation said it was grateful to everyone at W.B. Griffiths & Son Ltd who took part, describing the donation as one that will have a real and lasting impact on local young people and their mental health.
News
Investigation launched after man found dead near Carmarthen railway line
POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose body was found in a field close to the railway track near Carmarthen railway station.
Emergency services were called to the area at just after 8:30am on Saturday (Jan 10). Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended alongside paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service.
Witnesses reported seeing police and ambulance vehicles outside the station’s main entrance, with officers also in an adjacent field near a railway bridge.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
A police spokesperson said enquiries are ongoing and the death is currently being treated as unexplained.
No further details, including the man’s age or identity, have been released.
Crime
Former Gwent detective would have been sacked after off duty assault conviction
Ex officer found guilty of gross misconduct following Devon incident and magistrates court conviction
A FORMER Gwent Police detective sergeant has been found guilty of gross misconduct after being convicted of assaulting a man while off duty in Devon.
Joanne Marston resigned from the force shortly before an accelerated misconduct hearing was due to begin at Cwmbran on Monday. The panel went ahead in her absence.
The hearing was told the incident happened in February 2024 while Marston was off duty in Devon. She was later arrested and charged with common assault, and was convicted at Exeter Magistrates’ Court in March last year.
A professional standards investigation concluded she had breached the police standards of professional behaviour relating to discreditable conduct. The panel upheld the allegation and found it amounted to gross misconduct.
Had she remained a serving officer, the panel ruled she would have been dismissed without notice.
Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend, who chaired the hearing, said the former officer’s actions were “shocking and unacceptable” and warned that such behaviour damages public confidence in policing.
Marston will now be placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing her from serving with any police force in the UK.
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