News

Dyfed-Powys Police staff member suspended after assault admission

Published

2 years ago

October 26, 2023

MARTIN LAWRENCE, 48, of Military Road, Pennar, Pembroke Dock, has been temporarily suspended from his position at Dyfed-Powys Police after admitting to assaulting his former partner. Additionally, Lawrence has pleaded guilty to two charges related to causing criminal damage during a dispute at a Tumble residence.

The court at Haverfordwest was informed that on February 26, the victim, whose identity remains protected, approached Dyfed-Powys Police and consulted a domestic abuse officer due to Lawrence’s behaviour. Crown Prosecutor Kelly Rivers stated, “She was deeply afraid of him.” Rivers detailed multiple instances where Lawrence verbally abused the victim, spat at her, and even hurled a crutch in her direction.

On the night of the incident, after the victim returned home from an evening out, she was accompanied by a friend due to fears stemming from prior abusive encounters with Lawrence. The following day, the friend departed, but Lawrence arrived, subjecting the victim to hours of verbal abuse. During the dispute, Lawrence damaged the victim’s work ID and iPhone.

Jessica Smith, representing Lawrence in court, expressed his desire to apologize to the victim. She mentioned, “He has been diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome, leading to violent outbursts, a fact corroborated by both his GP and a Tourette’s Syndrome specialist.” A comprehensive psychiatric assessment of Lawrence is pending, with findings to be presented to the Probation Service.

The court has adjourned sentencing to November 14. Meanwhile, Lawrence has been granted conditional bail with stipulations: he is prohibited from entering Tumble, making any contact with the victim, and accessing her workplace.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.