News

Verdict of accidental death returned at inquest into death of Zac Thompson

Published

3 years ago

February 10, 2023

THE CORONER has returned a verdict of accidental dealth, following the inquest the tragic passing of an 11-year-old boy at West Angle Bay in July last year.

At County Hall, Haverfordwest, the Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire Coroner, Mark Layton, explained the circumstances of the tragedy.

Zac Thompson, who was a pupil at Pembroke Dock Community School, died in hospital on July 2.

The youngster had been playing with his elder brother and their 11-year-old cousin on Friday evening, July 1, but he tragically got into difficulties in the water.

Emergency responders were called to the beach and tried to resuscitate Zac. However Zac failed to regain consciousness.

The year six pupil was a “popular and much-loved character” with a “huge zest for life”, his school said.

In a statement released on their Facebook page on Saturday, they said: “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Zac Thompson, who was a popular and much-loved character in Year 6 at Pembroke Dock Community School.

He excelled academically, in particular in maths, who loved to solve complex mental maths challenges (keeping staff on their toes).

The statement continued: “He was also a talented sportsman. Zac recently played exceptionally well in cricket, helping the school get through to the area finals, which are due to be played this week. He had a cheeky smile, was funny and was looking forward to his final weeks in primary school, the summer holidays and all the opportunities that were open to him as he moved on to secondary school. Zac had a huge zest for life! One sweet memory of him was when he was in Year 3, and it was Superhero Day. Zac came to school dressed as his favourite superhero – his Mum. Zac said: ‘Not all superheroes wear capes’.

“This is a dreadfully sad time for his family, and our love, thoughts and prayers are with both his family and his wide circle of friends, who will miss his big character and mischievous nature. There will be many staff on hand to support the learners on Monday and beyond this week.

“We are heartbroken, Zac was a lovely young man, a valued pupil and will be greatly missed.”

Zac’s mum Carli Newell’s statement was read out to the Coroners’ court. It reads as follows: “Without a doubt zac was a complete one of a kind. He was one of those special people that if your truly lucky you will get to experience them in your life.

“Zac was funny, cheeky, kind, caring, courageous and a big ball of fun with mischief running through his bones.

“His sparkly bright blue eyes, his big cheeky smile and his infectious spirit made everyone instantly fall in love with him.

“He had a zest for life like ive never known before.

“He lit up every room, if he walked into a place with 100 strangers, he would come out with 100 new friends, people just gravitated to him.

“Some people go their whole lives without touching as many hearts as Zac did.

“He loved his sports, family, friends and his food. He was a very naturally talented athlete.

“He found great pleasure in the most simple of things, everyday was an adventure for him.

“He was a fierce protector, with the courage of a lion, he hated injustice, he would step in and stand up for anyone who needed it, family, friends or even strangers, even if it got him into trouble.

“To know I will never see his face, hear his voice, watch him laugh or tell him how much I love him again is a nightmare I will never be able to wake from.

“Zac will forever live on in our hearts and the hearts of the entire community who have offered us their unwavering support.

“Through the Forever 11 charity that has been set up his honor by his Rugby family, he has left a legacy that will last a lifetime and go some way towards safeguarding our coastal areas.

“But also through the greatest gift of all. his selfless gift of hope and life to the 3 week old baby girl who was luckily enough to receive a piece of his beautiful heart. There is no greater gift than the gift of life and for that he will always be a hero.

“It was a privilege to watch him grow into such an incredible little boy,

“A privilege to know him and share his whole life with him,

“And a privilege to love him and be loved by him.

“I am honoured that I was blessed worthy enough to be his mum.”

Community

Haverfordwest Castle redevelopment on track for 2028 reopening

Published

5 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Major project will create new visitor attraction, events space, museum and improved town links

HAVERFORDWEST Castle is on course to reopen in 2028 following a major redevelopment project aimed at transforming the historic site into a high-quality visitor attraction.

County Councillor Thomas Tudor, who represents the Castle Ward in Haverfordwest, recently visited the site to see the progress being made.

He said: “As County Councillor for the Castle Ward in Haverfordwest, it was lovely to visit the Haverfordwest Castle Redevelopment Project and see the progress that has been achieved.

“I am very much looking forward to the Castle reopening in 2028.”

The project will see the mediaeval castle conserved for future generations, while the Inner Bailey has been landscaped so it can host events for up to 500 people.

These could include concerts, plays, craft fairs, Christmas markets and other community events.

The wider castle grounds are also being improved, with new interpretation explaining the history of the site, as well as family-friendly activities.

The building which houses Haverfordwest Museum, the Governor’s House, is being conserved, while the museum exhibition inside will be completely refurbished and modernised.

The former gaol building will also be transformed into a visitor attraction telling the story of Pembrokeshire’s past and future in an interactive and family-friendly way.

The attraction will include a café, shop, community spaces and exhibition areas.

Work is also taking place to improve the physical route between the castle and the town centre at Castle Back, with better signage planned to help visitors find the castle and navigate Haverfordwest more easily.

The castle is expected to reopen in 2028.

News

Plaid Cymru celebrates historic victory as Rhun ap Iorwerth arrives at Cardiff Bay

Published

5 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CROWDS gathered outside the Senedd as Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth arrived in Cardiff Bay following his party’s historic victory in the Welsh election.

Supporters waving Welsh flags and Plaid banners cheered as ap Iorwerth made his way through crowds of activists, journalists and newly elected Members of the Senedd, in scenes unlike anything seen in modern Welsh devolved politics.

The election result marks a political earthquake in Wales, with Plaid Cymru emerging as the largest party in the Senedd for the first time since devolution began in 1999.

Ap Iorwerth was greeted by supporters, posed for photographs and embraced well-wishers as he arrived at the waterfront venue before addressing media gathered outside.

The atmosphere around Cardiff Bay was jubilant, with many supporters describing the result as a “turning point” for Wales.

Plaid’s breakthrough came after a dramatic night which saw Labour suffer major losses across Wales, while Reform UK also made significant gains under the new expanded Senedd voting system.

In emotional scenes, ap Iorwerth hugged supporters and thanked campaigners who had travelled from across Wales to witness the moment.

One photograph captured the Plaid leader embracing a young supporter as crowds packed the entrance area overlooking Cardiff Bay, while another showed hundreds gathered outside as he addressed the media beneath Welsh flags.

The result leaves Plaid Cymru in pole position as discussions begin over how the next Welsh Government will be formed in a hung Senedd.

Speaking after arriving at the Bay, Plaid figures said voters had delivered a “clear message that Wales wants change.”

The historic scenes are likely to become defining images of a new era in Welsh politics.

News

Ken Skates appointed interim Welsh Labour leader

Published

6 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WELSH Labour has appointed Ken Skates as its interim leader following the party’s bruising Senedd election result.

The decision was made after meetings of Welsh Labour’s Executive Committee and the newly elected Welsh Labour Group.

Skates, who was first elected to the Senedd in 2011, has held a number of Welsh Government roles, including Transport Secretary and Economy and Infrastructure Secretary.

He was re-elected for Fflint Wrecsam yesterday and received unanimous support from the new Welsh Labour Group.

Speaking after his appointment, Skates said: “Today is just the beginning of a process that will help us to understand what we got wrong. Because we did get it wrong.

“There is no reading of this result that endorses every action we have taken as a party, and our task now is to take the time needed and work out what has happened.

“It is a task that will require every single one of us to take part in — every member, every councillor, every MS, MP, Lord and all roles in between. But it is not a task that is beyond us.”

He added: “Welsh Labour is at its best when we are the champions of the people of Wales. Our role is to serve, and to fight for the issues that matter most.

“We are a party with an incredible history of serving Wales and her people, and we have so much more to give.”

Paying tribute to Eluned Morgan, Skates said: “I would like to thank Eluned for everything she has done over the past two years as our First Minister, and in her 30 years of service to Wales and the Labour Party.

“She broke the glass ceiling, and her role in history as the first woman to lead our party and country is an achievement second to none.”

Skates will serve as interim leader until a timetable is set for a full leadership election in line with Welsh Labour rules.