News

Former Cllr prosecuted for working door without a licence

Published

1 year ago

September 17, 2023

Paul Haywood Dowson was sentenced on Tuesday 12 September at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

ON TUESDAY 12 September Paul Haywood Dowson was sentenced for working illegally as a door supervisor at a licensed premises in South Wales. He received a 12-month Community Rehabilitation Order with 10 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR), a fine of £500, and a Victim Surcharge of £114.00 contribution to prosecution costs of £2,587.50

Dowson worked as a security operative at a licensed premises in Tenby between November 2021 and June 2022. Dyfed Powys Police officers and a licensing officer observed him working as a door supervisor at the premises on 30 April 2022, 29 May 2022 and 04 June 2022.

On each occasion Paul Dowson was observed carrying out the duties of a door supervisor at the door of the premises. He was dressed predominantly in black, displaying an armband licence card holder and a coat bearing the text ‘security’ displayed on it. When he was seen on 29 May 2022, police officers spoke to him, and he confirmed to them that he was working at the premises.

He had held two previous door supervisor licences, but his last licence had expired on 18 March 2022. Paul Dowson continued working at the premises until the Designated Premises Supervisor became aware that he was no longer licensed in June 2022. His employment was subsequently terminated.

Paul Dowson was formally interviewed on 29 October 2022 by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). He agreed that he was standing outside of the door of the premises as described by the police officers but maintained that he was not engaged as a door supervisor at the premises.

He suggested that he was working at the premises in a non-designated role only, in relation to CCTV installations, but this claim was refuted by the premises management.

The bench stated at the sentencing:

“This matter was a significant issue as a door supervisor is a person with (responsibility for) the well-being, regulation, and control of members of the public, you knew you did not have a valid licence but carried on over a sustained period until stopped. That shows a disregard for the law and for those you were meant to be protecting.”

Mark Chapman, one of the SIA’s Criminal Investigations Managers said: “Paul Dowson’s case is an example of what happens when individuals choose to work when not licensed to do so. Dowson continued to work without a licence, putting the security of the venue’s patrons and staff at risk. As a result, he now has a conviction with substantial costs to pay.

“I’d like to acknowledge the contribution made to the investigation by our law enforcement partner, Dyfed Powys Police. They were exemplary in supporting the SIA to bring this case to court. This and other similar cases in the region have further strengthened the regulated security industry by ensuring that those providing security to the public are licensed to do so”.

The Courtroom Proceedings and Its Implications

In a courtroom saga that has captivated many locals, Dowson faced a challenging legal battle, further complicated by his personal struggles with ADHD.

Early on in the proceedings, Dowson posed a pointed question to PC Lewis, the licensing officer. He questioned why PC Lewis didn’t act upon witnessing an alleged offence right in front of him. When met with hesitation from PC Lewis, the magistrate swiftly intervened, marking Dowson’s line of questioning as irrelevant.

Throughout the trial, Dowson employed rigorous cross-examinations in an effort to challenge the credibility of the witnesses. Nonetheless, he encountered a series of setbacks. The chair of the bench repeatedly deemed his queries as ‘irrelevant,’ disrupting the flow of Dowson’s defence strategy.

The testimonies of PC Cranmer and PC Priestley brought additional complexity. Both officers recalled encounters with Dowson but offered contrasting narratives. PC Cranmer recounted her evening patrol on the 29th of April, during which she and PC Priestley allegedly spotted Dowson outside the 5 Arches pub. According to her, Dowson was clad in a black jacket and a pink security armband, a description that became a focal point in her testimony.

Despite Dowson’s attempts to pinpoint inconsistencies in the officers’ accounts, his cross-examinations were frequently cut short by the chair of the bench. These interruptions, combined with Dowson’s declared ADHD – a condition known to affect focus and impulsivity – seemed to hamper his ability to mount a robust defence.

The magistrates declared Dowson guilty: The emphasis was placed on the potential public safety threats associated with Dowson’s alleged actions. The verdict seemed to underscore the severity of the offence, with the chair indicating potential sentencing at the higher tariff range.

The subsequent sentencing hearing proved to be equally challenging for Dowson. A report, presented by Julie Norman from the probation service, shed light on Dowson’s health. Detailing his cardiac, pulmonary, and ADHD diagnoses, the report argued for leniency, given his health concerns and the challenges posed by ADHD in comprehending legal proceedings.

Ultimately, the court ruled in favour of a 12-month probation for Dowson. However, the financial penalties were substantial: a total sum of £3,201.50, which includes a fine, a victim surcharge, and costs to the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Given Dowson’s current reliance on universal credit due to his health challenges, the court mandated monthly payments of £200.

In a post-verdict revelation to The Herald, Dowson unveiled intriguing findings from an FOI request to the SIA. The data, covering prosecutions and sentences from 2017-2021, revealed that for offences similar to Dowson’s, no past sentence had exceeded a low-end fine. This stark contrast to Dowson’s own penalties prompts questions about the trial’s fairness and potential inconsistencies in the legal system’s approach.

The trial, with its intricate web of testimonies, personal challenges, and legal nuances, paints a vivid portrait of the complexities inherent in the British judicial process, especially when a local court is dealing with a local controversial figure.

Community

Restoration of a pond hopes to support biodiversity in Pembrokeshire

Published

12 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

AN OLD millpond at the heart of the Wallis and Ambleston community, and a site of Special Scientific Interest, has now been improved to benefit water quality and increase biodiversity in an area of South Wales, thanks to funding from Nestlé Waters UK.

Wallis Pond was created in 1836 as part of the tributary of the Wester Cleddau River to supply water to a local mill. Back in 1978, it was restored and later re-opened by HRH King Charles III, the then Prince of Wales.

Over the years, the pond had become completely silted up, restricting the waters passage and the pond’s ability to retain water, resulting in a reduced diversity of habitat in and around the millpond.

Pembrokeshire County Council, Heavyside Landscapes and Nestlé Waters UK have come together to restore the millpond with regulatory guidance from Natural Resources Wales and support from the Ambleston Community Council.

The project saw the pond re-dug and de-silted, and the old sluice gate replaced to re-establish the millpond. With the pond now able to hold more water, it is hoped to help build resilience to the increased frequency and intensity of storm events, alleviating the risk of flooding in the local area.

Retention of flows in the pond for a longer time should help reduce silt build-up and prevent nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates from travelling downstream in the Cleddau catchment, helping to protect water quality, improve aquatic habitats, and encourage eels, otters, damselflies, and other wildlife species.

Restoration of Wallis Pond is one of the projects that Nestlé Waters is working on as part of its efforts to help regenerate local water cycles and create a positive water impact everywhere the company operates.

Matthew Faulkner, Factory Manager at the Nestlé Waters site in Princes Gate, said: “We are proud to be a part of the Wallis Pond restoration work, aimed at delivering long-lasting benefits in Pembrokeshire, where we bottle at source Princes Gate and Nestlé Pure Life waters. This beautiful landscape is not only our home, but also home to some incredible flora and fauna which are vital for keeping the area rich and thriving in biodiversity.

“We’re working hard to protect this land and the water beneath our feet. Water is a shared resource and a shared responsibility, and caring for it takes the whole community. That’s why we’re grateful to be working with partners on this project that will hopefully have a positive impact on the local ecosystem and community.”

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services at the Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “We welcome this funding to enhance the biodiversity in Wallis Pond which can be enjoyed by the residents of Ambleston, the wider communities in Pembrokeshire and the visitors to our fantastic county.

“This is an excellent example of partnership working that has significant benefits for the environment and the wellbeing of generations to come.”

Eirian Forrest, Clerk at the Ambleston Community Council, said: “We are grateful to Nestlé Waters UK for the funding and wish to thank everyone who has been involved in this project, especially the Pembrokeshire County Council team, for pushing the project forwards.

“The Community Council are delighted that the work has finally been done and look forward to the positive impact it will have on biodiversity. We have already received many positive comments from members of the community. The improved pond encourages locals to take a walk around the area, as well as sit down to watch and enjoy the wildlife.”

Community

£1.7m to support families and individuals facing food poverty

Published

13 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES and individuals across Wales struggling with the cost of food will receive vital support this winter through £1.7m of additional funding from the Welsh Government. This funding will provide help to those most in need and back community projects working to prevent and tackle food poverty in the longer term.

The funding will:

provide emergency food aid by helping local groups to store and distribute food to people who need it most, while also addressing the underlying causes of food poverty;
support FareShare Cymru by purchasing equipment to store and deliver fresh food during the winter months and running food education activities to help low-income families and individuals manage rising costs; and
strengthen food partnerships in every local authority area in Wales, helping them to address local needs and ensure resources reach those facing the greatest challenges.
The Wales-wide funding will be announced today at Cegin Hedyn community kitchen in Carmarthen. Cegin Hedyn, a Pay What You Can Canteen and Community Kitchen, is part of a network of organisations tackling food poverty, and works with Carmarthenshire Food Partnership, Bwyd Sir Gâr Food.

Bwyd Sir Gâr works closely with groups and initiatives across the region to provide targeted support to those who need it most.

Cegin Hedyn ensures that everyone can have access to fresh, organic, seasonal produce, with produce being grown steps away in their Community Allotment. Bwyd Sir Gâr Food has also been providing vegetables, grown at Bremenda Isaf farm in Llanarthne, to Cegin Hedyn and has been offering mentoring and support to the volunteers at the allotment.

Cegin Hedyn is run by chef Deri Reed. He said: “This funding is a lifeline for communities like ours, ensuring that we can continue to provide fresh, nutritious meals to those who need them most while building a more sustainable and inclusive food system. At Cegin Hedyn, we believe in the power of food to bring people together and create positive change.

“This support will help us expand our reach, grow more organic produce locally, and strengthen the food partnerships that make a real difference in tackling food poverty in Carmarthenshire and beyond.”

Food Sense Wales works closely with Bwyd Sir Gâr and Food Partnerships across Wales to help create sustainable solutions to enable everyone to enjoy healthy and sustainable food.

Katie Palmer from Food Sense Wales said: “By strengthening its support for food partnerships across Wales, the Welsh Government is recognising the importance of building resilience in local food systems – both in terms of diversifying local supply chains, and by building and organising assets and civil society in a way that is unique to the needs of the local community.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “No one should have to worry about how they’re going to put food on the table. As a government, we are committed to tackling food poverty and ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

“This new £1.7m package of funding will provide both local relief to those struggling with food costs and lay the groundwork for longer-term solutions to prevent food poverty. By supporting emergency aid, food education, and local partnerships, we are addressing this crisis from all angles.

“Local food partnerships are vital in this effort. They work with inspiring projects, like Cegin Hedyn, which not only provides meals for people, but also brings people together and supports the wider community. Their efforts show what can be achieved when local groups and wider networks come together to support those most in need.”

The additional funding builds on the £2.8m the Welsh Government has already allocated to help address food poverty this year, and brings the total to more than £24m invested in this area since 2019.

Community

Safe, warm, and connected: community hubs helping communities this winter

Published

13 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SAFE, warm, and connected: community hubs helping communities this winter
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Safe and warm hubs are providing vital support this winter, offering welcoming spaces for people to stay warm, connect with others, and access advice and services during difficult times.

In the aftermath of Storm Darragh, which left many households without power, these community hubs have become a lifeline. Developed locally to meet local needs, Warm Hubs also offer practical support, including advice on debt and welfare entitlements; opportunities to try new activities and form friendships; and information about financial and community services.

This week, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, visited the safe and warm hub in Llanddewi Velfrey in Pembrokeshire to meet volunteers and to thank them for their dedication.

Lynda Hill, representing Llanddewi Velfrey Village Hall Committee, has volunteered at the hub since 2002 helping to manage the hall and organise events.

She said “We are particularly grateful for the help from the Warm Rooms initiative as it helps us to help those in our community who are in most need. Many homes in this area lost their electricity and water for quite a long time during and after Storm Darragh. Fortunately, this didn’t affect the hall so we opened to provide access to a warm space where anyone could use cooking facilities, toilets, charge their phones, and connect with others when they may have otherwise been isolated.

“Listening to stories of other halls and community initiatives whose representatives attended the meeting, it was inspiring to hear the huge range of support that is available across Pembrokeshire. We all want people to know we’re here throughout the winter, and that the Warm Rooms hubs provide a warm and friendly welcome for people of all ages and background.”

Across Wales, safe and warm hubs also offer practical support, including advice on debt and welfare entitlements; opportunities to try new activities and form friendships; and information about financial and community services.

In October, the Welsh Government announced £1.5m in funding to ensure hubs can continue their crucial work this winter.

The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: “Hubs, like the one in Llanddewi Velfrey, are a great example of communities coming together to support one another during tough times. Volunteers are at the heart of these spaces, creating a warm and inclusive welcome for people in need.

“We know the winter months can be difficult for many, which is why we’re doing all we can to alleviate financial pressures and maximise incomes. Our investment in safe and warm hubs forms part of a wider package of support to help people through the cost-of-living challenges.”

Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary services has been instrumental in channelling the funding for warm spaces and hosts a regular forum for those involved with community buildings, which is invaluable for sharing ideas and experience.

Other Welsh Government initiatives to help communities this winter, include:

the Welsh Benefits Charter to remove barriers to claiming benefits;
£30 million for the Warm Homes programme to improve energy efficiency in lower-income households;
an extra £700,000 for the Fuel Bank Foundation to help those who pre-pay for their fuel and are at risk of disconnection – building on the £5.6m provided since 2022; and
an additional £1.7m to support families and individuals facing food poverty, building on the £2.8m the already allocated this year, bringing the total to more than £24m invested in this area since 2019.
For advice on financial support, people can contact the Advicelink Cymru ‘Claim What’s Yours’ helpline on 0808 250 5700.