News
Tanker crash was ‘potential explosion’
A COLLISION between a crane and a tanker carrying diesel caused travel delays and road closures affecting workers, shoppers and tourists on Friday 16th August.
The accident took place near the roundabout used by the majority of traffic to and through Haverfordwest from the south of Pembrokeshire. The impact of the two vehicles ruptured the fuel tanker and caused an estimated 4,000 litres of diesel to spill on to the carriage way.
Disruption also took place to morning rail services between Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.
Travelling to Haverfordwest at the time of the accident was hospital car volunteer Christopher Shields, ‘It was about 6.35 in the morning and I was bringing patients to Withybush. I was behind a black car and a Calor gas pick-up.
‘I was just behind the stationary tanker when the crane came out of the joining road and poked it with his jib. The jib burst the tank open. Fuel gushed out all over Merlin’s Bridge. I did not know whether it was petrol or diesel.
‘The black car in front of me, steered round the collision and shot off through the lights. The Calor gas driver got out and signalled everyone to get clear. I made a pretty quick U-turn and headed down the Old Hakin Road.
Joked Chris, ‘If it had exploded, the burgers in MacDonald’s would have been well done. And so would I.’
Speaking to the Herald, one local resident told us that the road layout of the junction where the accident happened was far from ideal. ‘It looked as though both vehicles were on their own right sides of the road, but there simply wasn’t enough room for both of them.’
Heavy goods vehicles heading for Milford Haven from the east were diverted to the A477 and the Cleddau Bridge crossing.
Specialist equipment was used to remove the damaged vehicles and to mop up the spill. A portion of the road was subject to resurfacing works.
Jamie Powell, one of the sales team at the Herald, was on the scene. ‘The stink of the diesel was unbelievable. By the time I got there, preparations were already underway to shut the road and the fire service was at the scene.’
The closure of the main road in to Pembrokeshire’s commercial and administrative centre resulted in long traffic delays and the diversion of vehicles down side roads.
Jane Potter, a Johnston resident, told us ‘It took almost half an hour minutes to travel the length of the Bulford Road to Tier’s Cross. The road is very narrow and it was a tight squeeze for buses and lorries to get by. One lorry driver told me it had taken him an hour to get from a nearby quarry. The amount of traffic meant it took me over fifty minutes to get from Johnston into work.’
With the Old Hakin Road closed, travellers heading to Haverfordwest were diverted to take the B4327 through Dreen Hill. Those attempting to take a short cut along the Ratford Bridge road were soon nose to tail and meeting traffic coming the other way.
The B4341 was closed for a period following a separate road traffic accident, adding to the weight of traffic on the usually quiet Dreen Hill road.
The efforts of Council workers in managing the dive
rted traffic and resurfacing the road so quickly received praise on the Council’s Facebook page. Local resident Lou Pooley commented, ‘Well done to all involved clearing it up and sorting the road.’ David Swan echoed her words writing, ‘Well done on turning round a difficult job in such a tight time frame whilst protecting the environment.’
Crime
Tenby pub encounter led to lockdown rape, court hears
A London visitor carried out a serious sexual attack during a family holiday in Pembrokeshire
A LONDON man who raped a woman in a Tenby alleyway during the Covid lockdown period has been jailed for eight and a half years.
Nicholas Mitchell, aged 60, had travelled to the seaside town from Bromley with his daughters in May 2021, as pandemic restrictions were beginning to ease. While out drinking, he struck up a conversation with a woman in a local pub.

Later that night, the court heard, Mitchell followed her into a narrow alleyway, where he subjected her to a serious sexual assault before raping her. He then left the area, abandoning the woman in a state of shock and distress.
Police were alerted and an investigation led to Mitchell’s arrest. He denied any wrongdoing, but a jury convicted him in November of two counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration.
During sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, prosecutor Ian Wright read a victim impact statement in which the woman described the profound effect the attack had on her life. She said she became withdrawn and struggled to leave her home, describing feelings of loneliness, numbness and depression. She told the court the incident had left lasting damage and prevented her from moving forward.
Mitchell was represented by defence barrister James Hartson, who said his client continued to protest his innocence but understood the court was bound by the jury’s findings. He said character references portrayed Mitchell as supportive and hard-working, and argued the offending was entirely out of character.
The defence also drew attention to a delay of more than three years between Mitchell’s arrest and formal charging, describing it as deeply unsatisfactory for all involved.
Sentencing, Judge Huw Rees rejected any suggestion the offending was momentary or accidental. He said Mitchell had deliberately targeted the victim and carried out a violent and degrading attack before walking away without concern for her welfare.
Addressing the defendant, the judge said alcohol was no excuse, describing the assault as driven by sexual entitlement and calling Mitchell’s actions wicked.
Mitchell will serve two-thirds of his sentence in custody before being released on licence. He will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.
The court was told Mitchell has a previous conviction for assaulting a police officer in October 2020, following an incident linked to a domestic dispute with his estranged wife.
Crime
Ex-Scout leader jailed over historic sexual abuse of two children
Abuse carried out in Pembrokeshire and Newport between 1997 and 2002
A MAN who abused two children while working as a Scout leader has been sentenced to prison for historic sexual offences carried out in Pembrokeshire and east Wales.
Paul Skilton, 68, of Llangwm, was convicted at Newport Crown Court of five sexual offences following a jury trial. The offences included two counts of indecency with a child and three counts of indecent assault.
The court heard that the abuse took place between 1997 and 2002, when Skilton was aged in his forties. Two children were targeted, with incidents occurring at locations in Pembrokeshire and in Newport, Gwent.
The prosecution said Skilton forced a young girl to touch his penis and then pressed himself against her. In a separate incident involving a boy, he reached inside the child’s clothing and touched his buttocks.
Prosecutor Nick Gedge read statements from both victims. The female victim said the abuse had damaged her ability to trust men. The male victim described long-term harm to his mental health and said the abuse had affected the course of his life.
Defending, Ruth Smith told the court that mitigation was limited because Skilton continued to deny the offences despite the jury’s verdict. She said he had no previous convictions and had otherwise led a law-abiding life.
Ms Smith also said Skilton had been actively involved in Scouting for many years and that no earlier allegations had been made against him. She added that his poor physical health would make custody particularly difficult.
Recorder Paul Hartley-Davies said sentencing was constrained by the law in force at the time the offences were committed.
Skilton was sentenced to a total of four years and six months in prison.
He was ordered to sign the sex offenders register and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years. Both victims were granted restraining orders preventing any contact.
Skilton was acquitted of six further charges relating to similar allegations.
Community
Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office
Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush
A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.
The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.
He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”
Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.
The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.
Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.
Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).
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