News

Hundleton man accused of arson gives evidence in Crown Court

Published

3 years ago

March 10, 2023

Lloyd Jenkins, the 33-year-old Hundleton man accused of setting fire to his girlfriend’s flat, has told a Crown Court judge that his sole intention that night was to walk away from the property and also from his girlfriend, Chloe Meakin, who he described as ‘frantic, abusive and angry.’

“She was screaming about me going with this girl, that I’d betrayed ,and all sorts of other stuff,” he told the jury at Swansea Crown Court earlier today (Friday).

“So I asked her, three or four times, for her phone so I could phone my brother and go and stay with him. But she told me ‘No. **** off’. So I immediately left.”

Jenkins, dressed in a black shirt and black trousers, told the jury that October 15, 2022 had started well as their three children – two of whom were Chloe’s from a previous relationship and one of whom is Jenkins’s – were spending that night with their grandmother.

“It was just the two of us because Chloe wanted to take me out to say thank you for stepping in to stay at home and look after the kids while she tried to find work,” continued Lloyd Jenkins. “It was quite positive.”

Earlier that day the couple had gone out for a meal together before returning to Chloe’s flat in Richard John Road, Milford Haven, where they started drinking rum and cokes. Later that evening they went to the Kitchener pub in MIlford Haven where Jenkins said he continued drinking Jack Daniels and coke. This was where tensions began to escalate between the two parties.

“She began accusing me of seeing another female who had walked into the pub and this was where we first had words. But when we moved on to Circles (nightclub), things got heated. I left pretty much instantly as I couldn’t be dealing with stuff like that because what she was accusing me of, I wasn’t doing.

“ I left because Chloe was very drunk and there was no point arguing with her in that state. So I chose to take myself away from the situation.”

Jenkins said that he then walked back to Chloe’s flat, which took him between five and ten minutes, to find that Chloe Meakin was already there.

“She was still in a frantic state so I asked her for her phone so I could ring my brother.”

Jenkins explained to the jury his reasons for not having a phone of his own.

“It’s easier for me not to have one, because when I did, Chloe would go through it and give me a hard time about looking for models on Instagram or having arguments with me about social media. So I didn’t have a mobile phone for an easier life. And if anyone wanted to contact me, it was through Chloe.”

Jenkins told the jury that it was at this point that he decided to leave the flat and go to a friend’s house nearby.

However the Crown claim that Ms Meakin’s refusal to allow him to use her phone resulted in him resorting to violence in the couple’s bedroom.

The Crown alleges that he removed plants from their pots, smashed the TV, damaged its stand and removed a large picture canvas from the wall before throwing it at Ms Meakin’s face. The jury was shown a photograph of the facial injuries sustained by the complainant.

The Crown further alleges that after Ms Meakin left the property to go to a neighbour’s flat, Jenkins set fire to the kitchen using synthetic material which he placed inside both the top and bottom ovens and on two separate areas of the vinyl flooring. As a result of the fire, there was extensive smoke damage to the living room, bathroom, bedroom, hallway and staircase.

“You were so frustrated that your weekend had been ruined and that you were again being accused of being back in touch with this female that you just lost your temper” said Ashanti-Jane Walton, KC, for The Crown.

“No,” responded Jenkins. “I know I wasn’t responsible for starting the fire in the flat. It must have been Chloe.”

Jenkins has been charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered, criminal damage to property and assault by beating. He denies all three charges.

Judge Catherine Richards KC is expected to conclude her legal instructions to the jury later this afternoon before asking them to retire to consider their verdict

Local Government

Milford Haven civic service marks start of mayoral year

Published

9 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Mayor’s charities named as civic leaders gather at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

THE CIVIC SERVICE of the Mayor of Milford Haven, Cllr Mark Woodward, took place at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (June 20).

The service marked Cllr Woodward’s election as Mayor and First Citizen of Milford Haven.

It was conducted by Rev Dr Adrian Furse and Canon John Cecil, with music from church organist Richard Stephens, Gelliswick Community Choir and Milford Haven Town Band.

Guides and Brownies, Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets were also among those taking part, with councillors Colin Sharp and Yvonne Southwell acting as ushers.

Refreshments followed at Milford Haven Bowling Club.

Local MS Paul Davies was among those attending the service and wished the new mayor all the best for his term in office.

Cllr Woodward’s chosen charities for the year are Patch Charity and Greenacres Rescue.

Photo caption:

Civic guests attended the Mayor of Milford Haven’s service at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

19 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

20 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.