News

Suspended sentence after pub altercation leaves victim with fractured skull

Published

1 year ago

August 8, 2023

A MAN underwent a distressing ordeal on the 8th of September, 2021, when an ostensibly routine evening at a local pub took a violent turn, resulting in a fractured skull. Wesley Griffiths, a member of staff at the Bush Inn in Tenby, was left injured and unconscious after being punched by his inebriated acquaintance, Craig Jones.

The Magistrates’ Court heard this week that Mr. Griffiths was relishing a day off from his duties, enjoying a leisurely evening at the very establishment he was employed. The tranquility of the evening was shattered around 11 pm, as the pub prepared to shutter its doors for the night. A task was delegated to Mr. Griffiths to prevent any latecomers from entering, a responsibility he carried out during his smoke break outside.

Among the hopeful patrons seeking entry was Craig Jones, a friend who had partaken in the evening’s libations. Mr. Griffiths, executing his duty, politely denied Jones’ entry, a decision met with hostility. Witnesses recounted that Jones, clearly under the influence, engaged in a verbal exchange with Griffiths, accusing him of being overly earnest in his role.

In an alarming escalation, Jones brazenly snatched Mr. Griffiths’ glasses before resorting to physical violence. Onlookers noted that Jones appeared to be deliberating his actions for a brief interval before delivering a powerful punch. The impact left Mr. Griffiths incapacitated and unconscious, causing him to collapse and sustain a severe head injury upon impact with the unyielding floor.

Jones promptly fled the scene, leaving Mr. Griffiths vulnerable and in a distressed state. Upon regaining consciousness, Mr. Griffiths initially provided the authorities with misleading information, attributing the incident to an accidental fall. However, the truth emerged, eventually leading to Jones’ confession to the authorities.

In his statement, Jones attempted to justify the assault as an act of self-defense, asserting that Mr. Griffiths had displayed physical aggression and employed offensive language. This narrative, however, was debunked in court, as evidence indicated that Mr. Griffiths was the victim of an unprovoked and brutal attack.

Medical evaluations revealed the gravity of Mr. Griffiths’ injuries. Despite initially declining medical attention, his condition worsened, necessitating his admission to a hospital on the 9th of September. Subsequent examinations, including a CT scan, unveiled two brain bleeds and a depressed skull fracture. The extent of his injuries underscored the perilous nature of the incident.

In a surprising turn of events, Mr. Griffiths expressed a compassionate stance towards his assailant. This sentiment was conveyed in an updated victim personal statement, wherein he expressed his reluctance to see Jones incarcerated for his actions.

During the legal proceedings, Jones’ defence solicitor, Jon Tarrant, shed light on his client’s history of substance abuse, specifically his excessive alcohol consumption and cocaine use. Tarrant argued that the delay in the legal proceedings had allowed Jones to demonstrate his commitment to rehabilitation, evident in his compliance with a previous community order.

Presiding over the case, Recorder David Harris delivered a stern message to Jones, emphasising the severity of his actions and the life-threatening consequences that followed. The judge also acknowledged Jones’ initial attempt to downplay the incident by claiming self-defense.

In the culmination of the legal process, Jones received a suspended sentence of 10 months, offering him an opportunity for redemption on the condition that he adheres to strict requirements. These mandates include completing 200 hours of unpaid work, participating in a 10-day rehabilitation programme, and adhering to a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring obligation.

Business

Upgrades completed at Port of Milford Haven’s simulator suite

Published

32 mins ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

UPGRADES have been completed to state-of-the-art equipment within the Port of Milford Haven’s navigation simulator suite at Milford Waterfront enabling marine professionals to receive bespoke specialist training. The virtual reality simulation system can safely replicate a range of scenarios that seafarers may experience in real world situations such as extreme weather conditions, emergency situations and escort tug work.

The upgrades provided by Netherlands-based company MARIN contain the latest hardware in terms of processing power and graphics, as well as upgrades to MARIN’s ‘Dolphin’ software, increasing the capability to create scenarios. These are complemented with new 4k visuals on 75” screens which increase the depth and field of vision, adding to the realism.

Recently, a training day was led by Training Pilot Captain Mark Johnson, assisted by ex-Pilot Andy Hillier, involving members of the Svitzer team as well as Pilots Matt Roberts and Ian Coombes. As part of the scenario, they were faced with a loss of engine power and steering along with worsening weather and sea conditions. The Pilots had to communicate with Svitzer in order to successfully instruct them on how to tow and direct a drifting tanker. While scenarios like these are uncommon within port operations, it is important to rehearse procedures that would be implemented if they are required and enhances participants’ skill sets.

Marine Pilot and Simulator Instructor, Captain Ewan McNicoll, said “This simulator suite has future proofed our training capabilities, both internally for Pilots and marine staff, but also externally for clients wishing to use the facility, be it for training purposes or research and development. We can create any type of scenario with any type of ship, ranging from practicing ship handling manoeuvres to emergency situations, it really is game changing! Working with our partners at MARIN has been a complete success and I am very proud of our new facility.”

For more information about training at the navigation simulation suite please contact the Port of Milford Haven at [email protected] or 01646 696100.

Business

Thousands of homes in rural Wales gain from faster 4G boost

Published

7 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RURAL Wales is seeing a major upgrade in mobile connectivity, with faster 4G now live in several areas. Seven locations across North, South West, and West Wales are benefitting from new 4G mast upgrades funded by the UK Government’s Shared Rural Network (SRN), aimed at closing the digital gap between rural and urban areas.

The upgrades, which went live on Thursday (Nov 14), bring improved 4G coverage to communities including Bontddu, Llanelltyd, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Penmaenpool, Tabor, Snowdonia National Park, and Bontgoch. Local businesses, emergency services, and residents are expected to benefit from faster internet access, which supports daily communication, business opportunities, and economic growth.

***There is a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties***

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for modern life and should be available from Cardiff to the remotest parts of Wales. Today’s upgrades bring us closer to making this a reality.”

SUPPORTING DIGITAL INCLUSION

As part of the rollout, Peter Kyle and Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant visited Ebbw Vale to discuss digital inclusion with charity and industry leaders. They met with representatives at BGfm, a digital inclusion hub in Blaenau Gwent, to learn about how connectivity impacts daily life in Welsh communities.

Telecoms Minister Bryant said: “We are working tirelessly to make sure rural communities aren’t left behind online.

“These upgrades mean businesses can now operate without connectivity limitations, 999 services are better equipped to respond, and residents and tourists can stay connected across the Welsh countryside.”

ADDRESSING CONNECTIVITY GAPS

An estimated 1.5 million homes across the UK remain without internet access, limiting people’s ability to access essential services such as banking and healthcare. In addition to the SRN upgrades, the Chancellor has allocated over £500 million in next year’s budget for digital infrastructure expansion, targeting these underserved areas.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens highlighted the importance of this investment, particularly for rural Wales, where fast, reliable internet can be transformative.

“Connectivity is critical for day-to-day life in rural areas – from supporting local businesses to ensuring emergency services are just a call away,” Stevens said.

The upgraded masts, previously limited to EE customers and emergency 999 calls, now serve a wider user base, bringing essential internet access to more people without requiring new infrastructure.

Ben Roome, CEO of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, said: “With the activation of five new SRN sites, Wales is seeing the tangible benefits of the Shared Rural Network, bringing crucial connectivity to rural communities.”

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN REMOTE WALES

The improvements come alongside a £170 million agreement with Openreach to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 70,000 remote Welsh properties, helping future-proof digital access in even the most isolated locations.

The latest upgrades mark another step in the Government’s mission to improve mobile coverage and close the connectivity gap across Wales, creating opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.

News

Milford Haven man admits to downloading indecent images of children

Published

8 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been sentenced after admitting to downloading over 1,000 indecent images and videos of children, including highly explicit content involving young children. Gareth MacDonald, now 23, appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images and videos across various devices.

The court heard that police visited MacDonald’s home, which was the scene of protests after his arrest, last year following intelligence suggesting that child abuse images had been accessed there.

***There were protests outside MacDonald’s house in September 2024 (Pic: Herald)***

Officers spoke with MacDonald’s mother at the door before entering to conduct a search.

During the operation, two mobile phones, a tablet, a laptop, and two hard drives were seized.

MacDonald initially spoke to one of the officers privately, admitting to downloading the images and saying, “It’s me.” Later, in formal interviews, he revealed that he had grown “bored with legal pornography” roughly a year earlier, knowing that what he was doing was illegal but continuing regardless.

Prosecutor Emily Bennett informed the court that MacDonald’s devices held 15 Category A images, the most severe classification, 26 Category B images, and 960 Category C images. Some content depicted children as young as nine, and the most serious material involved pre-teen children in distressing situations.

Bennett also noted that MacDonald had briefly joined an online group where members self-identified as paedophiles, although he left without sharing any material. Cleaning software was also found on his devices.

Defense counsel Dan Griffiths acknowledged that MacDonald’s actions had crossed the custodial threshold, but argued that there was “a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.” He highlighted MacDonald’s cooperation with police and his willingness to comply with rehabilitation programmes.

Judge Geraint Walters, presiding over the sentencing, addressed MacDonald, saying, “For some considerable time, you have accessed this kind of imagery, fully aware of the harm it represents.” He acknowledged that MacDonald largely isolated himself and stayed at home, factors he considered in the sentencing.

MacDonald was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, with a requirement to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days and participate in the Horizon programme. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration.