News

O’Sullivan bows out of Welsh Open amid stage fright concerns

Published

1 year ago

February 10, 2024

IN NEWS that has shaken the world of snooker, Ronnie O’Sullivan, the undisputed world number one, has regrettably announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Welsh Open in Llandudno, attributing his decision to debilitating stage fright and anxiety. This setback comes despite O’Sullivan’s triumphant season, highlighted by prestigious wins at the UK Championship, the Masters, and the World Grand Prix.

In an earnest message to his followers on X, O’Sullivan disclosed his long-standing battle with stage fright, an issue that he admits has intermittently plagued his career. “Morning guys, I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided I’m not able to play in Llandudno next week. It’s hard to explain but for years I’ve suffered from stage fright at times, brought on by anxiety,” O’Sullivan shared, shedding light on the personal challenges that have overshadowed his professional achievements. He further extended his apologies to fans who had purchased tickets in anticipation of his performance, expressing his inability to compete under the grip of anxiety.

Despite his withdrawal from the Welsh Open, O’Sullivan has expressed his intention to remain engaged with the tournament through his role with Eurosport, offering some solace to fans disheartened by his absence from the competition.

The Welsh Open marks the seventh ranking tournament from which O’Sullivan has withdrawn this season, including his absence from the Champion of Champions event in Bolton last November. Following his withdrawal from the German Masters in January, the snooker virtuoso has been vocal about prioritizing his “health and wellbeing”, despite the lure of continued success on the snooker circuit.

O’Sullivan’s season has not been without controversy, with the sport’s governing body investigating his comments regarding unsanctioned exhibition matches, as well as a profanity-laden outburst directed at rival Ali Carter following his victory in the Masters final in January. In the heat of the moment, O’Sullivan labelled Carter “a fucking nightmare”, comments that have since cast a shadow over his celebrated win.

Crime

Domestic violence offender jailed after breaching court order

Published

4 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A LONG-STANDING Pembrokeshire domestic violence offender has been sent back to prison after breaching a domestic violence protection order.

Paul Webber was arrested on March 18 after being seen kissing his victim outside probation offices in Haverfordwest, despite a court order preventing contact.

A court order imposed by Llanelli magistrates earlier this month prevented him from making any contact with the female after being convicted of threatening to kill her, strangle her, and sexually assault her.

“On March 12, a report was made to police that he’d attended a probation appointment with the female, who remained standing outside the offices,” a spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“Police officers viewed the CCTV footage and recognised the female as the victim.

“This was clearly a breach of the domestic violence protection order towards a vulnerable woman, and there’s also concern that she minimises incidents. He’s known as a domestic violence instigator with previous partners.”

Webber, of Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to breaching the domestic violence protection order.

He was sentenced to 28 days in custody.

“You were aware of the terms of the order but you deliberately breached it,” said the presiding magistrate when passing sentence.

“You showed a complete disregard for it.”

Crime

Arrest warrant issued for charity box theft suspect

Published

4 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Sarah Jane Absalom

A WARRANT without bail has been issued for a Milford Haven man accused of stealing a charity box from the Castle Hotel in Haverfordwest.

Daniel Fairlie, 29, of Observatory Avenue, Milford Haven, was listed to appear before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday, March 18. However, after failing to attend, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest.

Fairlie is accused of stealing the charity box on November 23, 2024, along with multiple shoplifting offences and drug possession.

Crime

Bail breacher remanded in custody after ferry trip with victim

Published

4 hours ago

March 18, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A BAIL breacher has been remanded in custody after traveling to and from Ireland on the Pembroke Dock ferry with a victim he was prohibited from seeing.

Robson Franca, 38, was arrested by port officers after being seen in the presence of the complainant when the Rosslare ferry recently docked in Pembroke Dock.

This week, Haverfordwest magistrates were told that a domestic violence court order imposed by Avon and Somerset magistrates prohibited Franca from having any contact with the complainant pending his trial on May 16.

Franca’s solicitor, Peter Tarr, told the court that the complainant frequently contacts Franca and makes threats if he refuses to see her.

Despite the defense’s arguments, magistrates refused to grant bail, citing concerns that Franca might commit further offences, fail to surrender, or interfere with prosecution witnesses. He was remanded in custody.