News

Abusive man pointed knife at partner’s throat and threatened to kill her

Published

3 years ago

April 27, 2022

A CONTROLLING boyfriend who pointed a knife at his partner’s throat and threatened to kill her in front of two teenage girls has been jailed for 33 months.

Elliot Kershaw, aged 43, of Wesley Court, Warren Street, Tenby, initially denied all offences, but at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, 25 April, he pleaded guilty to affray and ABH.

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to Trafalgar Road, Tenby on October 21, following a dropped 999 call by a woman with sounds of a disturbance in the background.

When officers arrived, they spoke with the victim, her daughter and her daughter’s friend, who had been left shaken by the experience.

It was established that following an argument Kershaw made threats in the presence of the teenagers, saying he was going to “murder” the victim, “kick her face in” and “go mental”, before storming out of the living room and returning with a knife from the kitchen.

The witnesses reported he was holding the knife above his head saying repeatedly: “You’ll see, you’ll see. Do you want me to show you?’, with his face was contorted with anger.

He was then described as holding the knife out in front of himself and continued to make threats against the victim while holding the tip of the knife close to her throat.

Kershaw was arrested at the scene.

During the resulting investigation the victim gave further statements which disclosed previous assaults, as well as coercive and controlling behaviour by Kershaw throughout their two-year relationship.

This included extreme jealousy when the victim was not with him, blocking contact with family and friends, violence and even following her when she was on a night out with work colleagues.

The victim reported that on Thursday, 9th January 2020, she was sitting on the sofa when Kershaw became angry about something unknown, stood up and kicked her in the face causing a bruise to her cheek. Kershaw would not allow the victim to go to work or answer the front door the following day as the bruise was visible.

Kershaw was in court on Monday when he offered a guilty plea for affray for the incident on 21^st October 2020, as well as ABH for an assault that had occurred previously in the relationship, which was accepted by the victim and prosecution.

He received 33 months imprisonment and a five-year restraining order covering his victim and her daughter.

In a statement to the court, the victim said she had moved house as a result of the abuse to a home that felt more secure.

She added: “Looking back on the relationship now that it is over and now that I have gained a bit of perspective; although I am questioning my whole understanding of what is acceptable in relationships, I realised how toxic the relationship had been.

“I can see how unhappy we all were in the relationship and how the house never really felt like ‘ours’ due to Elliot’s presence and the influence that he would impose on us both when we were inside. It felt more like a prison than a home.

“This whole situation has had a massive strain on me emotionally as I was also caring for my elderly parents, attempting to protect my daughter and at times I have really buried my head in the sand as there were days I could not face what has happened and there are still days where it takes all my energy just to function. I am embarrassed and feel that this relationship and subsequent violent ending has made me focus on how vulnerable I was and how vulnerable I still feel.”

Speaking afterwards, she thanked the officers involved in the investigation, adding she and her daughter felt supported and reassured through the whole investigation and court process.

Investigating officer DC Joe Hartnell said: “Violence against women and girls is never acceptable and as a force we are working hard to stop it happening in our area.

“We’re pleased with the outcome in this case, which we hope offers some solace to the victims and will serve as a warning for anyone who is being abusive.

“If you are suffering at the hands of someone please get in touch. We will support and guide you through the process.

“It is also important to tell us if you witness or hear anyone being abused – please don’t just let it pass. We can only act if we know it is happening.”

Police said: “You can report it to Dyfed-Powys Police online by by calling 101. Alternatively, you can speak to Goleudy victim support on 0300 1232996, or Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Business

Why there will be regular flights from Wales to a little-known Chinese city

Published

12 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CARDIFF Airport has launched a new flight route with thrice-weekly services to Ürümqi, an expanding city in northwestern China with a population of around four million. Though little known in Wales, Ürümqi has a complex history, highlighted in 2009 when it gained international attention due to ethnic tensions. Now, Cardiff and Ürümqi are linked as strategic cargo hubs, set to speed up deliveries and bolster Welsh businesses seeking export opportunities, including those in Pembrokeshire.

The new route, operated by European Cargo, offers a chance for Welsh exporters to reach China more swiftly. Speculatively, if fishermen in Milford Haven could ship Pembrokeshire crab to China while still fresh, it could open a lucrative market.

UK-based freighter operator European Cargo has chosen Cardiff International Airport as its latest base, launching the service to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport with initial plans for three flights weekly and a possible fourth soon. The airline’s specialized A340-600 converted freighters, designed for high-capacity loads, will transport e-commerce and other cargo directly from Wales to China.

***Ürümqi – The city has a bigger population than Wales but you probably never heard of it***

Jason Holt, CEO of European Cargo, described the expansion as a natural progression: “As we continue to grow outward from Bournemouth, Wales offers a prime location for investment. Cardiff Airport’s 24-hour operations and excellent motorway access make it ideal for our logistics network.”

The move has garnered praise from Welsh trade groups. Logistics UK’s Policy Manager for Trade, Customs, and Borders, Josh Fenton, called the flights “fantastic news,” highlighting the route’s potential to boost trade links for Welsh businesses. “This service showcases Cardiff Airport’s potential as a freight hub, and we look forward to seeing more routes connecting Wales globally,” he said.

***Cardiff Airport has been struggling post-Covid. Qatar has still not returned, but its now on the up (Image: File)***

With Cardiff now serving as European Cargo’s second UK base, after Bournemouth, the airline’s Cardiff operations join routes to Chinese cities like Chengdu, Haikou, and Ürümqi. The airline’s A340 fleet, suited for high-volume loads with a 76-tonne payload capacity, is poised to meet the growing demand for e-commerce transport to and from China.

Cardiff Airport CEO Spencer Birns echoed the optimism surrounding the new route. “This investment reflects the high-quality facilities and committed teams we have here. Cardiff is well-positioned to support large-scale cargo operations,” he said.

Looking to the future, Fenton emphasized the need for continued governmental backing. “Logistics is central to Welsh economic growth. We urge the Welsh government to publish the Welsh Freight and Logistics Plan and appoint a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain,” he stated.

With the addition of this route, Cardiff is set to play a significant role in bridging Wales and China, fostering global trade links essential in today’s interconnected economy.

Business

Original Factory Shop to close Haverfordwest branch in December

Published

12 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SHOP in Haverfordwest has announced it will close its doors on December 14, 2024. This news has left many saddened, with heartfelt tributes pouring in to celebrate the store’s role in the community and the people who made it special.

In a recent social media post, the management of The Original Factory Shop shared their gratitude for the community’s support, stating: “We take this opportunity to thank all of the local community and our store colleagues for their support throughout our time here in Haverfordwest.” The announcement marks the end of an era for a store that has been part of the town’s retail landscape for many years.

Among those reflecting on the closure is Nigel Shinner, a former employee whose journey with The Original Factory Shop began in Haverfordwest. Nigel shared his experience on social media, reminiscing about his time with the store and how it became a meaningful part of his life and career:

“I know there are sadder things happening in the world today, but this makes me sad. This was my point of entry into The Original Factory Shop family. I joined as just a weekender, while I was raising my kids, but it wasn’t long before I became a supervisor and farmed out to help at other stores. I really stepped up a notch when my life took a turn, and I became Head Office staff and part of the new store merchandising team, often working ten-hour days, unloading wagons, building equipment, dressing stores, and training staff. That job took me far and wide, from Land’s End to John O’Groats, from east coast to west, and to many locations across the home nations.”

Local customers also expressed their sadness at the upcoming closure, with comments pouring in on social media. Long-time shopper Julie Parry wrote, “I will be so sad to see this lovely little shop going. Always such friendly, helpful staff. Good luck, ladies, in whatever work you do next.” Another customer, Lyndsey Gould, shared fond memories of shopping at the store, saying, “Awww, such a shame you’re closing. Will miss getting my balloons from you guys.”

The closure of The Original Factory Shop marks another loss for Haverfordwest’s local shopping scene, which has seen several changes in recent years. The community now prepares to say goodbye to a much-loved establishment, with the store welcoming customers for a final visit until December 14.

For those wishing to express their farewells, the store remains open for one last month, inviting the community to visit, reminisce, and say goodbye to the team that has been a part of their shopping experience for years.

Entertainment

Other Voices Cardigan celebrates record attendances

Published

13 hours ago

November 7, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE fifth Other Voices Cardigan 2024 Festival was a record breaker, having attracted more than 15,000 music fans from across the world to the pretty Mid Wales coastal town over three days.

The event, which ran from October 31to November 2, featured a curated programme celebrating music, friendship, language, ideas and culture from both sides of the Irish Sea and beyond.

Festival highlights included stellar performances from Nadine Shah, Bill Ryder Jones, and Fabiana Palladino.

St Mary’s Church audiences were treated to an acoustic performance by Manics’ frontman James Dean Bradfield, who performed special renditions of the classics ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’, ‘A Design for Life’, and ‘Ready for Drowning’.

Other Church performers this year include Charlotte Day Wilson, Melys, Victor Ray, and Georgia Ruth.

Providing an extraordinary and inspiring programme across a myriad of musical genres, events took place in cafes, bars, places of worship and arts venues.

More than 42 established and emerging acts from Wales and Ireland played the Music Trail and around 300 artists and crew worked and performed. The festival also boosted the local economy, with many businesses reporting increased foot traffic and sales during the event.

Over the past weekend, the festival saw more than 15,000 individual event admissions to more than 100 performances across the weekend, representing a 36% increase on 2023.

Visitors from outside Wales also increased significantly by 41%, with music fans coming from Ireland, Italy, New York, Sweden and Germany.

“This year has been another fantastic success,” said Dilwyn Davies, chief executive of Mwldan, co-producers of the event. “We’ve celebrated the vibrancy and vitality of the music scenes on both sides of the Irish Sea, and the spirit of our communities.

“The audience response has been incredibly positive and joyous, and we can’t wait to bring everyone together again in 2025.”

Phillip King, founder of Other Voices, added: “Cardigan/Aberteifi came alive with great music and stimulating and provocative banter when Other Voices came to town this past weekend.

“The event is growing and expanding year on year, attracting more visitors to this beautiful town. It’s a real delight to bring Other Voices across the Irish Sea, to collapse between Ireland and Wales and to bring us together in a way that deepens and strengthens every aspect of our relationship.”

Church performances were live-streamed on Other Voices YouTube channel and simultaneously streamed to the big screen at Mwldan in Cardigan. Highlights will be later broadcast on BBC Wales TV, BBC iPlayer and RTÉ and RTÉ Player via media partners. The event was presented by BBC DJ and Other Voices regular Huw Stephens.

Other Voices Cardigan is staged with the support and investment of Welsh Government and Government of Ireland, The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Reconciliation Fund.

The festival is produced by South Wind Blows in partnership with Mwldan and Triongl. This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Ceredigion County Council.