News

Newport man sentenced for riding e-scooter whilst disqualified and whilst uninsured

Published

3 years ago

May 20, 2023

CHARLES ANTHONY MORRELL, a 48-year-old resident of Newport, Pembrokeshire, appeared before the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court in Haverfordwest to face charges related to driving offences. The defendant, also known by the alias Mr Charles Anthony Gaskin, stood accused of driving a motor vehicle while disqualified and without insurance.

The court heard that on 25th October 2021, in Hinckley, Leicestershire, Mr Morrell was caught operating a motor vehicle, specifically an e-scooter, on Trinity Road while disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence.

The offence was in violation of Section 103(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.

Having been convicted at the Leicester and Rutland Magistrates’ Court on 11th April 2022, Mr Morrell’s case was subsequently brought before the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court for sentencing. The defendant was found guilty and faced the consequences of his actions.

The presiding judge handed down a community order, requiring Mr Morrell to comply with certain conditions until 16th May 2024. This included a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, where the offender must attend appointments and participate in activities as directed by the responsible officer, for a maximum of 25 days.

In addition to the community order, the defendant was fined £200 for his unlawful actions on the road. Mr Morrell was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £114 to fund victim services and costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service. A collection order was made to ensure the payments are duly collected.

Furthermore, the court imposed a discretionary disqualification for a period of six months, preventing Mr Morrell from holding or obtaining a driving licence. The defendant’s driving record was endorsed, and notification of the conviction was sent to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

In a separate charge, related to the same incident on 25th October 2021, Mr Morrell was found guilty of using a vehicle, namely an e-scooter, on Trinity Road without valid insurance. This contravened Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. Although no separate penalty was given for this offence, the defendant’s driving record was endorsed, and notification of the conviction was sent to the DVLA.

Charles Anthony Morrell pleaded guilty by post to the charges against him. The guilty plea was taken into account when determining the sentence.

As part of the sentence, Mr Morrell was given the opportunity to pay the fines and costs in monthly instalments of £24.00, starting from 14th June 2023.

The judgement serves as a reminder that driving while disqualified and without proper insurance are serious offences, with potential consequences that can include fines, community orders, and driving disqualifications.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

6 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

7 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

7 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.