News

Photographer snapped while claiming benefits

Published

11 years ago

September 2, 2014

MAGISTRATES imposed a 12 month community order with the requirement of completing 200 hours of unpaid work after a man from Milford Haven was sentenced for two charges of dishonestly claiming Jobseekers Allowance, and two charges of failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions of a change in his circumstances.

Chris Young, aged 34, of Harbour Way, Hakin pleaded guilty to the offences. Prosecutor, Ellie Morgan said: “Young was claiming Jobseekers Allowance when he was not entitled to it, and received a total overpayment of £6,857.36 between 2011 and 2012. He claimed the money stating he was actively seeking employment, although there was evidence that he was working as a selfemployed photographer and had not notified the authorities.

“Young said the money he had was nothing to do with photography and that some was from his grandad, and some was money he had won gambling. In interview, he admitted that cheques he had were given to him for photography and admitted dishonesty, and said the reason he did not declare it was because he was worried he would not have enough money from the photography to survive.” Defending solicitor, Alex Scott told the court: “The situation arose when he was loaned a camera while he was claiming benefits. He took it up as a hobby and found he had a flare for photography, which then turned into a small business. He didn’t make a lot of money but admits he should have notified the authorities. It is likely he would have been eligible for working tax credits, therefore the overpayment total would be less.”

Magistrates imposed a 12 month community order with a requirement of 200 hours unpaid work and ordered him to pay £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge. He was not required to pay any compensation as no claim was made for it.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.