News

Former Cllr prosecuted for working door without a licence

Published

3 years 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.

Local Government

Mayor and deputy mayor appointed in Milford Haven

Published

14 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has congratulated Cllr Mark Woodward after he was inaugurated as the town’s new Mayor and First Citizen.

Cllr Woodward was formally appointed on Monday evening, with Cllr Kathy Gray confirmed as Deputy Mayor.

Following the ceremony, Cllr Woodward said it was a “true honour and privilege” to take on the role, adding that it was something he had “never in my wildest dreams imagined would happen to me.”

He thanked his fellow councillors for their trust, as well as residents who had sent messages of congratulations.

Cllr Woodward also paid tribute to his wife Eva, who now becomes Mayoress, saying her support had helped make the moment possible.

He said: “I promise I will do my absolute best and fight hard and passionately for my beloved adopted town.”

With Cllr Gray serving as Deputy Mayor, Cllr Woodward added that residents could “rest assured it will not be a quiet year.”

Local Government

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park chief to be honoured by Gorsedd Cymru

Published

14 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PARK CHIEF RECOGNISED

PEMBROKESHIRE Coast National Park Authority Chief Executive Tegryn Jones is to be honoured by Gorsedd Cymru at this year’s National Eisteddfod.

Mr Jones has been named among those who will be admitted to the Gorsedd in recognition of their achievements and contribution to Wales, the Welsh language and local communities.

He will be admitted in the Blue robes, which are awarded to people who have given distinguished service in areas including public life, local and national activity, journalism, media, sport, science and law.

Originally from Lampeter and a fluent Welsh speaker, Mr Jones has played a prominent role in Welsh public life through a career spanning environmental, educational and community leadership.

Before joining Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, he served as Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy and also worked for the General Teaching Council for Wales.

He was nominated for his work in education, youth work and the environment, as well as for developing environmental initiatives at both local and national level.

In Pembrokeshire, he is also closely associated with the development of Welsh-medium education through his long-standing involvement with Ysgol Caer Elen in Haverfordwest, where he was the first Chair of Governors.

Mr Jones said: “It is a great honour to be recognised by Gorsedd Cymru, particularly in a year when the National Eisteddfod returns to Pembrokeshire for Eisteddfod y Garreg Las.

“The Welsh language belongs to all our communities, and I have been very fortunate to work with so many people who care deeply about its future, whether through education, culture, the environment or public service.

“The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of the jewels of Wales and provides an outstanding landscape that contributes to the environmental, social and economic goals that are essential to Wales’ future.

“I am very fortunate to lead the National Park Authority and extremely proud that this work has been recognised by the Gorsedd.”

This year’s National Eisteddfod, Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, will be held in Llantwd, North Pembrokeshire, from August 1-8, 2026.

The event will be especially significant as it marks 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan in 1176, just across the river from this year’s Maes.

News

New RSPCA poll shows opposition to badger culling in Wales

Published

15 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR CULLING ‘NOT THERE’, CHARITY SAYS

NEW polling from RSPCA Cymru suggests there is no clear public support in Wales for badger culling as a way of tackling bovine TB.

The charity says the new Welsh Government must “listen to people’s love of wildlife” after a survey found that just over a quarter of people in Wales actively support the culling of badgers.

The polling, released today (May 13), comes as 96 Members of the Senedd prepare to take their seats in the newly-expanded Welsh Parliament, with bovine TB expected to become one of the major animal welfare and farming issues facing the next administration.

RSPCA Cymru said only 27% of those surveyed supported badger culling, while 46% were opposed. A further 28% said they did not know.

The charity is calling on Plaid Cymru, which is seeking to form a minority government following the appointment of Rhun ap Iorwerth MS as First Minister, and on MSs from all parties, to reject culling and focus instead on what it describes as a science-led, cattle-focused approach.

The survey of 1,033 adults in Wales found that 63% of respondents were uncomfortable with badger culling being carried out using lethal methods approved by government authorities.

More than two-thirds, 68%, said they were uncomfortable with public money being used to fund the culling of badgers.

The polling also suggested that the issue could affect political support. More than half of those surveyed, 52%, said they would be less likely to support a political party that backed badger culling, while only 7% said they would be more likely to do so.

RSPCA Cymru said the figures showed that badger culling was “unsupported by a clear majority” of the Welsh public.

Billie-Jade Thomas, senior public affairs manager for RSPCA Cymru, said: “How the new Welsh Government approaches bovine TB will be one of the biggest talking points concerning animals in Wales in the coming years.

“This polling should remind all newly-elected Senedd Members that the Welsh public cares about how badgers are treated, and politicians must listen to people’s love of wildlife.

“There is a clear lack of public support for badger culling in Wales, and those supporting such action could see their support wane among their constituents.”

She added: “Wildlife control and badgers were featured in several parties’ Senedd manifestos, including Plaid Cymru, Wales’ new biggest party.

“We now hope MSs from all political groups recognise that badger culling is unsupported by a clear majority of the Welsh public, and they should instead prioritise a science-led, cattle-focused approach to combatting bovine TB.”

The polling also found that almost 98% of people in Wales consider protecting Welsh wildlife to be important, with 69% saying it is very important.

Badgers were among the most popular species named in the survey, with 73% of respondents choosing them as one of the species they were most concerned about when asked to select their top three.

RSPCA Cymru said badgers remain one of Britain’s most distinctive and misunderstood wild mammals.

Ms Thomas said: “Badgers are such wonderful creatures and, like all wildlife, deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.

“A growing body of evidence suggests that the majority of bovine TB infection occurs between cattle, with scientific evidence suggesting that badger culling is not an effective way to reduce the disease in cattle.

“The new administration must always tackle bTB in a way which does not needlessly pose a threat to one of our most distinctive, well-loved yet misunderstood species of wildlife.”

RSPCA Cymru’s manifesto for the seventh Senedd, Securing A Better Future For Animal Welfare in Wales, calls for badger culling to be rejected, describing it as ineffective and inhumane.

The poll was carried out online by Savanta between April 24 and May 12, 2026. Figures were weighted to be representative of adults in Wales.