Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Verdict of accidental death recorded following tragic telehandler accident

Published

on

JONATHAN HUW HOWELLS was a man who took great pride in his work.

His machinery was immaculately maintained, and he always carried out his mechanical and agricultural duties to a high standard.

But on the afternoon of November 8, 2020, Mr Howells touched a control on his Merlo Telehandler causing the boom to rise towards an 11,000-volt electric cable.  Even though the boom didn’t touch the cable, its tremendous voltage caused an arcing effect which electrocuted Mr Howells to death.  The intensity of the charge blackened the step leading up to the Merlo, which was where Mr Howells had been standing, together with another piece of ground alongside the vehicle; both the front and back wheels of the Marlo had caught fire.

This week a jury inquest at County Hall, Haverfordwest, recorded a verdict of accidental death after considering the tragic circumstances.

“Everyone was proud of the work that Huw did and the care that he took,” his wife, Catherine Howells, told this week’s inquest at Pembrokeshire Coroners Court. “Two days earlier he’d been trimming some trees and had worked closely with Western Power Distribution concerning the electric cables overhead.  This was not something he took lightly.  I can’t understand why this has happened.”

A family friend, Emrys Davies, had asked Mr Howells to trim some trees on his farm at Dan y Coed, Llawhaden, as he wanted to install a care-line telephone.  Mr Howells left his home at Gellyrenwyn, Gilfach Hill, Lampeter Velfrey, at around 9.30am and spent the day cutting back branches assisted by another close friend, Brian Twoose, a mechanic, Brian’s wife, Linda, and her sister.

At around 4.20 pm they finished their work, however Mr Davies mentioned that some more trees on his farmyard needed trimming.  Mr Howells positioned his Merlo near to the trees and extended the boom to within two feet of the 11,000-volt cable. 

But in his statement to the inquest, Health and Safety electricity expert Mr Stephen Reeves said this was dangerously close.  “It’s likely that anyone who comes into close proximity to a cable with that magnitude of voltage would be electrocuted.”

He went on to say that Western Power Distribution guidelines advise people to carry out work within a three-metre exclusion zone from 11,000-volt cables such as the one at Dan y Coed.  To draw a comparison, Mr Reeves said the voltage in commercial and domestic buildings is a mere 230 volts.

“Western Power guidance doesn’t seem to have been followed in this very tragic case,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, in his written statement to the inquest, Mr Twose said that Mr Howells was happy with the height of the boom.  “We were watching, to make sure it wasn’t touching and when it was about two feet from the cables, we all agreed not to go any higher.”

After stepping down to check whether it would be possible to cut the branches, Mr Twose saw Mr Howells return to the Telehandler “He looked into the cab from outside and reached in.  I don’t know what he did, but the boom moved upwards towards

the power line.  I screamed at him to stop but by now he was standing completely still, holding onto the machine bolt upright.”

Eventually Mr Howells was seen to loosen his grip and collapse to the ground.  A postmortem confirmed that he had died from cardiac arrest and electrocution.

After considering the evidence, Acting Senior Coroner Mr Paul Bennett said that given Mr Howells’ long-standing experience in operating equipment such as the Merlo and in cutting down branches, he would have been aware of Western Powers’ guidelines.  “It’s highly likely that he had used the guidance in the past but on this particular occasion, it might well have been a lapse of concentration where he forgot about where he was in relation to the boom.  Something occurred which caused the electric to come within that exclusion area.”

Why The Herald covers inquests

We understand that the death of a loved-one is an incredibly painful time for their friends and relatives. As journalists, we have all suffered loss and the grief that goes with it so we can understand how traumatic it can be if that death is unexpected. Covering inquests is not a job any journalist relishes. But it is a vital part of our job and one that can uncover wrongdoing, can expose flaws in systems and can ultimately help families discover the reasons behind the death of their loved-ones.

What are inquests and why are they held?

An inquest is a formal investigation overseen by a coroner to establish how someone died. Inquests are held where a death was sudden and the cause is unknown, where someone has died an unnatural or violent death, or where someone has died in a place or circumstance where there is legal requirement to hold an inquest, for example in prison custody or while sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

The purpose of an inquest is to find out the identity of the deceased as well as where, when and how they died. It does not apportion blame.

Why do journalists go to inquests?

Anyone can attend an inquest. Since the start of the pandemic, some inquests are available on videolink so you may not have to attend in person and you may not notice that a journalist is attending via videolink. But all inquests are held in public and therefore all the information you hear at an inquest is already in the public domain.

We understand that there may be details heard at inquests that are very private, but nevertheless contributed to the reasons behind the death. We will do our very best to ensure that these details are reported sensitively and accurately.

Deaths affect communities as well as families and their repercussions can often be wide.

Why is coverage important?

It is in the public interest that people are able to hear the circumstances behind any untimely death because there may have been unfair or inaccurate rumours in the community that can be cleared up by accurate and concise coverage of the inquest.

There are many lessons that can be learned from inquests. Drawing the attention of the public to the circumstances surrounding someone’s death could be key to preventing similar deaths in the future. Explaining how drug or alcohol abuse led to someone’s death may encourage others to seek help for addiction. Showing how the high speed of a driver caused a fatal crash may act as a warning for those who drive too quickly. Reporting on the details what happened before a person took their own life may raise warning flags for the loved-ones of others who may be considering the same.

There is a real chance that coverage of inquests can prevent similar deaths in the future.

Coverage of inquests can often provide a platform for families to campaign about issues they’ve encountered or can provide relief that wrongdoing has been publicly exposed.

Because inquests are held in open court, they are subject to the principles of open justice and transparency which are a cornerstone of our justice system. Because the judgements of a coroner are not usually widely available elsewhere, newspaper reports may be the only comprehensive, publicly accessible record of the proceedings.

Why didn’t you tell me there was going to be a story online?

Before any inquest a coroner’s officer should always tell families that the media will be present at an inquest. You should always assume that an inquest is going to be covered by the press or wider media and that coverage will be online a short time after the verdict.

We know that the facts outlined at inquests can often be stark or upsetting and that the details sometimes do not represent the essence of a person or the many great things they did in their lives.

We are always keen to speak to relatives so that they can add tributes, or can tell us why their loved-one was so special to them. We are always happy to include extra detail in our reports to ensure that we do justice to their memory.

You can always email or call us us with anything you want us to add, or even contact us ahead of an inquest.

If you do not want to speak to us, then we will respect that. We will not approach you again if you tell us, you do not want to speak to us.

Unfortunately, we will not remove reports of inquests from our website but we are always happy to correct genuine typographical errors.

We do our best to delete any inappropriate comments on our own Facebook page but if you spot any that we have missed under the report of an inquest then please get in touch with us.

What are the journalistic guidelines around covering inquests?

As professional journalists we do not include all the evidence heard at an inquests and we do make editorial judgements in order to summarise the evidence heard.

But we won’t ever publish sensationalist coverage and we will always do our best to be as sensitive as we can, while reporting the facts to maintain the principle of open justice.

There are specific guidelines around the reporting of suicides which mean that journalists cannot provide excessive detail around the method of suicide. You can find details here.

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) provides best-practice guidance to journalists around the coverage of inquests. This leaflet explains more about these guidelines.

Crime

Milford Haven dealer jailed after police chase crash

Published

on

A COCAINE dealer from Milford Haven has been locked up after he and an accomplice crashed during a high-speed police chase with thousands of pounds’ worth of drugs in their car.

Dylan Brown, aged 20, was sentenced to 18 months in detention after he admitted being involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

He had been a passenger in a Mercedes driven by Harrison Billing, which failed to stop for police at around 10:50pm on December 27 in Milford Haven.

Prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton told the court that Billing sped through a junction at high speed and attempted to turn from Hamilton Terrace onto Francis Street. However, he lost control of the vehicle, crashing into the side of a Grade II listed building where a family with three young children were inside.

The impact caused over £6,000 of damage to the property’s brickwork and wrought iron railings.

Both men ran from the vehicle but were arrested shortly afterwards.

Officers searched the car and found approximately 70 grams of high-purity cocaine, estimated to be worth over £4,000, as well as four mobile phones and £925.31 in cash.

Analysis of one of the phones, which belonged to Brown, revealed messages showing he was actively involved in dealing both cocaine and cannabis. These included enquiries from customers such as “You active?” and “What’s your prices?”, and messages from Billing reprimanding him, including one that read: “You need to be serious about this s*** because you’re losing me money.”

Brown, of Chestnut Way, Milford Haven, admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, and possession of criminal property. He told the court he was acting under the direction of Billing.

Billing has also pleaded guilty to similar charges but will be sentenced at a later date due to separate offences.

In mitigation, defence solicitor Jon Tarrant said Brown had shown immaturity and had not reoffended since the incident, expressing a desire to turn away from criminal activity.

Judge Geraint Walters noted that Brown had no previous convictions for drug offences and described him as “not a typical dealer type.” He referred to messages from Billing that labelled Brown as “dopey” and complained he was costing him money.

A Proceeds of Crime hearing will follow once Billing has been sentenced.

Continue Reading

Education

Something for everyone at the Torch Summer School

Published

on

WITH the summer holidays on the horizon, the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven is once again preparing to open its doors for a season of creativity, performance and fun.

Whether you’re planning an exotic getaway or opting for a staycation closer to home, the Torch’s popular Summer Schools promise to fill August with exciting activities and memories to last a lifetime.

Over the years, the Torch Theatre has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality summer programmes for children and young people. Now, with the addition of an adult summer school, the Torch is proud to offer something for everyone aged seven and over.

“Come and join our fun-packed creative sessions, which include performing in our studio theatre for family and friends,” said Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch. “We’ve got opportunities for adults and children to get inspired and express themselves artistically. With storytelling adventures, plays produced in a week, and workshops on writing, directing and performance, we know there’s something for everyone.”

Mr Howe added: “Led by professionals with international experience and top drama school training, our summer schools are open to all. There’s no audition, and no previous experience is needed. We’re committed to inclusivity and will make reasonable adjustments so that everyone can enjoy a fulfilling experience.”

The Torch Summer Schools 2025:

Dramatic Detectives
For Year 3 to Year 6 (ages 7–11)
A series of mysterious crimes has rocked the land of make-believe. But what happened, who’s responsible, and can it be stopped in time? Through creative play and storytelling, children will work together to crack the case.
Sessions run daily from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Monday 4 to Friday 8 August.

Playmakers
For Year 7 to Year 13 (ages 11–18)
Take on the exciting challenge of learning and performing a contemporary play in just one week. Participants will get involved in every aspect of the production – from casting and costumes to props and music.
Sessions run from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday 11 to Friday 15 August.

Show Off!
Ages 18+
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, the adult summer school offers a supportive environment to explore writing, performance and direction. The programme concludes with a showcase performance in the studio theatre.
Evening sessions run from 6:30pm to 9:00pm on Thursdays 7, 14, 21 and 28 August, with a final performance on Saturday 30 August.

Tim concluded: “Our Summer Schools are always incredibly popular, so early booking is recommended. You can find more information and book your place at www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call our friendly Box Office team on 01646 695267.”

What are you waiting for? Try something new this summer – and make the Torch Theatre part of your August adventure.

Continue Reading

Business

The Range to open Haverfordwest store this week

Published

on

New home and garden retailer takes over former Homebase site

A MAJOR new retail store is set to open in Haverfordwest this week, bringing a fresh option for shoppers and garden enthusiasts alike.

The Range, a popular UK home, leisure, and garden chain, will officially open its new store at Springfield Retail Park on Fishguard Road on Friday (Apr 25). The store has taken over the former Homebase unit, which closed its doors in March last year after a clearance sale emptied its shelves.

The Pembrokeshire store is one of more than 50 former Homebase locations being transformed by The Range’s parent company, CDS (Superstores International), as part of a national expansion. CDS acquired around 70 sites across the UK and Ireland, aiming to safeguard approximately 1,600 jobs following Homebase’s financial collapse.

Customers in Haverfordwest can expect a wide selection of products across homeware, DIY, and seasonal gardening, with the store also boasting a new Homebase-branded garden centre.

The Range has confirmed that the new Haverfordwest branch will be a dog-friendly store, with special offers on opening day including free goody bags for the first 50 customers through the door – and even treats for the first five dogs to visit.

“We’re excited to welcome shoppers to our newest store,” said a spokesperson for The Range. “Come and explore a wide range of products, exclusive offers, and the brand-new Homebase Garden Centre.”

Although social media posts suggest an official opening time of 9:00am on Friday, the store is expected to open its doors slightly earlier at 8:30am. Opening hours for the weekend are listed as 8:30am to 8:00pm on both Friday and Saturday, and 1:30pm to 4:30pm on Sunday (Apr 27).

Regular hours have yet to be confirmed, but are expected to be similar to The Range’s Carmarthen store, which opens from 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday, and 10:30am to 4:30pm on Sundays.

Continue Reading

News2 hours ago

Dŵr Cymru loses 251 million litres each day due to leaks

Welsh Lib Dems slam water firms as millions of litres leaked daily WELSH Liberal Democrats have criticised Dŵr Cymru and...

News3 hours ago

Search continues for missing sailor in Irish Sea

THE SEARCH for a man who went overboard from a UK-registered yacht in the Irish Sea entered its third day...

News1 day ago

Pope Francis Dies at 88: Tributes pour in for a Pontiff of compassion and reform​

REQUIEM MASSES TO BE HELD ACROSS WALES POPE FRANCIS, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and...

News2 days ago

Search continues for man overboard from UK yacht in Irish Sea

A MAJOR search and rescue operation is under way in the Irish Sea after a man went overboard from a...

Business2 days ago

Calls for urgent sale of Oakwood site amid trespasser fears

CONCERNS have been raised about trespassers entering the closed Oakwood theme park, prompting calls for a swift sale of the...

Crime3 days ago

Reform candidate co-opted to town council — graffiti appears days later

A MAN who recently lost a by-election standing for the Reform UK party has been co-opted onto Haverfordwest Town Council...

News4 days ago

Body found in tent in Pembrokeshire woodland

Death not believed to be suspicious POLICE are investigating the unexplained death of a man whose body was discovered in...

Community4 days ago

West Wales sewage crisis: New calls for accountability amid environmental concerns

THE SEWAGE pollution crisis engulfing West Wales continues to deepen, with new data and growing public pressure exposing serious environmental...

Charity5 days ago

Charity distances itself from viral post as £4,000 theft claim goes viral

A VIRAL social media post accusing a man of stealing £4,000 from a veterans’ charity has been described as “unauthorised...

Crime5 days ago

Police appeal after woman seriously injured in Haverfordwest assault

POLICE in Haverfordwest are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in the Castle Square area. A woman was taken...

Popular This Week