News
Verdict of accidental death returned at inquest into death of Zac Thompson
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.”
News
Welsh Lib Dems urge Welsh Gov to protect asylum-seeking children
IN the Senedd on Tuesday (May 7), the Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the Welsh Government to protect children seeking asylum in Wales.
According to the Refugee Council, lone child asylum seekers are often at a greater risk of being wrongly classified as adults by the Home Office and then sent to Rwanda under the UK government’s controversial policy.
In 2022, two-thirds of children deemed adults by the Home Office were later confirmed as children by local authorities.
The Welsh Lib Dems have urged the Welsh Government to ensure that children seeking asylum in Wales, especially those on their own, are granted protection as part of Wales’ role as a nation of sanctuary.
Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said: “Our nation’s reputation as a haven for those fleeing hardships is under threat from the UK Government’s cold-hearted Rwanda policy.
This immoral approach towards what is essentially a human-rights crisis represents a serious threat to our most vulnerable residents, those being unaccompanied children.
According to the Refugee Council, lone child asylum seekers are more likely to be wrongly classified as adults which places them at a greater risk of being forced onto flights and expelled.
We here in Wales, both as a Nation of Sanctuary and under the Social Services and Well-being Act 2014, have a moral and legal duty to protect lone-child asylum seekers.
We cannot allow the Conservatives to trample our values, nor the universal rights owed to children fleeing trauma.”
Farming
Welsh farmers urged to be vigilant for signs of Bluetongue
WALES’ Chief Veterinary Officer has urged farmers in Wales to be alert to signs of Bluetongue as we enter a period where animals are at an increased risk of contracting Bluetongue virus from midges.
Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety. The virus is primarily transmitted by midge bites and affects cattle, goats, sheep and camelids such as llamas, and midges are most active between April and November.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, so any suspect cases must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
The impacts on susceptible animals can vary greatly – some show no clinical signs or effects at all, for others it can cause productivity issues such as reduced milk yield or reproductive losses, while in the most severe cases can be fatal for infected animals.
Farmers can help prevent the disease by:
- responsibly source livestock
- practicing good biosecurityon your premises
- remaining vigilant
Keepers considering importing animals or biological products, for example germinal products , from BTV affected countries or out of disease control zones should consult their vet to check if this is permitted, and on the risks of doing so. This should always be done before deciding to import or move animals.
All businesses should have a contingency plan for both responding to disease outbreaks on their premises and if they might be in a disease control zone. Contingency plans should include details of where animals are normally slaughtered to check that abattoir is designated.
Richard Irvine, Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, said: “As we enter this period where animals are more at risk from Bluetongue from midges, I would urge all keepers to take action now to protect their herds and flocks to keep disease out, be aware of how to spot Bluetongue and report any suspected cases immediately”.
“Wales has never had a case of Bluetongue – but – with past cases in England and in Europe we are encouraging people to be vigilant and prepared for Bluetongue to strike again.”
Your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office should be contacted immediately on 0300 303 8268 if you suspect Bluetongue in your animals. APHA vets will investigate suspected cases.
Further information and resources on the current bluetongue situation are also available on the Ruminant Health and Welfare website.
News
Police investigating collision between Mini Cooper and pedestrian
DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating a collision on Water Street, Carmarthen, at around 7.45pm on Friday, April 26.
The collision involved a silver Mini Cooper and a pedestrian.
The female pedestrian suffered injuries to their leg.
Police are now appealing for anyone with information, dash cam or CCTV footage, that could help them with their investigation, either online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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