News
Head of Investigations at Welsh Ombudsman resign amid social media controversy
IN a development that has sent ripples through the corridors of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW), Sinead Cook, the organisation’s Head of Investigations, has resigned following revelations of her prejudicial social media posts. The resignation comes in the wake of a report by Nation.Cymru exposing Cook’s online activities, including a particularly inflammatory post stating, “F*** the Tories.”
Cook, who had been a stalwart at the PSOW for nearly ten years, managed a social media presence under the pseudonym @SweetlittleSewandsew, among other aliases such as Schnade Cee and Smoogi Cookster. Her posts covered a range of political opinions, from criticisms of the Conservative Party to endorsements of Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership of the Labour Party.
One tweet that drew significant attention was in response to the discussion around Gary Lineker and the boycott of the Match of the Day, where Cook commented on government legislation she deemed contrary to the Human Rights Act, using the opportunity to express a derogatory remark about the Tories.
Further, Cook engaged in discussions on various political and social issues, displaying a clear bias against the Conservative Party. Her commentary ranged from critiquing the electoral choices favouring the Conservatives to making light of Bridgend Tory MP Jamie Wallis’s statements, indicating a deep-seated political bias.
The controversy extends beyond mere political commentary, raising concerns about the impartiality and integrity of the PSOW. Amanda Williams, leader of the Bridgend County Independents group, expressed severe concerns about the fairness in handling complaints within the Ombudsman’s office, suggesting a biased treatment against non-Labour councillors.
The issue has caught the attention of Welsh Conservative Shadow Local Government Minister Sam Rowlands and the Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, both of whom expressed deep concerns about the implications of such bias within a body as crucial as the Ombudsman’s office. They call for thorough investigations into past cases handled by Cook to ensure fairness and integrity in the office’s operations.
The PSOW’s response to the controversy has been swift, with the current Ombudsman, Michelle Morris, expressing shock and moving quickly to address the situation. However, the call for a reassessment of Cook’s cases by independent authorities underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for transparency and impartiality in public service.
Cook’s resignation marks a critical point for the PSOW, prompting a reflection on the standards of conduct expected of its officers and the importance of maintaining public trust in its operations. The unfolding events highlight the challenges social media poses to the credibility and impartiality of public officials, underscoring the need for stringent guidelines and accountability in the digital age.
Crime
Police arrest suspects following vehicle interferences in Haverfordwest
HAVERFORDWEST police responded swiftly after reports of multiple vehicle interferences in the Tasker Way area on Sunday night/early Monday morning (Nov 4).
Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPPT) conducted extensive house-to-house enquiries, gathering evidence and reassuring the community. These efforts led to the identification of two suspects.
Both NPPT and Response teams acted promptly, locating and arresting the suspects, who are now in police custody.
News
Ancient Welsh hymns brought into 21st century with unique collaboration between Lleuwen Steffan and National Eisteddfod
Some of Wales’ long-forgotten hymn tunes are being brought vividly back to life this month, thanks to award-winning singer, songwriter and composer Lleuwen Steffan and her unique collaboration with the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
Performing as ‘Tafod Arian’ (Silver Tongue), the collaboration pays homage to the lost voices of the past, and infuses these timeless melodies with some highly contemporary electronic arrangements.
The project originated in 2012 when Lleuwen was working on a music project at St Fagan’s National History Museum where she came across some long-forgotten recordings of hymns which had been left in the sound archives. None of these hymns could be found in the official hymn books nor the older hymnal editions, possibly as the result of their informal, conversational lyrics, or because they often delved into the world of addiction, mental illness and the darker side of the psyche.
But now these unpublished and unknown hymns will be heard for the first time in over a hundred years when Tabernacl Chapel, Maenclochog, will be one of 50 Welsh chapels to be visited by Tafod Arian.
With translations and insights, the tour breathes new life into archive recordings, ensuring these cherished sacred songs rightfully claim their place in today’s spotlight. Lleuwen masterfully combines electronic and acoustic instrumentation, seamlessly blending the past with the present, and takes the stage alongside a dynamic quintet of international musicians including Sioned Webb and Gethin Elis from Wales, and Nolwenn Korbell and Brieg Guerveno from Brittany.
Despite the hymns’ long-distant past, the music is firmly in the present as Lleuwen uses various instruments to provide angular electronic accompaniment as well as her soulful vocals and guitar. She provides translations and explanations as she proudly puts the archive recordings of the lost |Welsh hymns on centre stage. As a result, these sacred songs are being passed on orally rather than via the hymn book which is precisely how Welsh folk music was conveyed.
The long-forgotten hymns will be heard once again in all their glory at Tabernacle Chapel, Maenclochog on Sunday, November 17 at 6.30pm.
Crime
Suspended sentence for Goodwick man who sent sexual messages to young girl
THE FATHER of a young girl sent sexual messages to an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl online, Swansea Crown Court heard this week.
An undercover police officer posed as a 12-year-old girl on the website RandoChat, with the decoy’s profile stating they were 18.
James Roberts messaged the decoy on 9 August, stating he was “looking for a naughty girl”.
The decoy promptly informed him that she was 12 years old; however, the defendant continued to send messages referencing sexual acts and self-gratification.
Roberts added the decoy on Snapchat, claiming to be 19 and living in England.
He again sent sexualised messages and, referring to the decoy’s age, said they were “never too young to start sending pictures”.
The defendant also told the decoy that he was having similar sexual conversations with a 14-year-old, Mr Dickens said.
Police attended Roberts’ home in Goodwick on 17 August, and he was arrested. He denied having a mobile phone, claiming he “had sent it off to Samsung to be fixed” but was “extremely vague” when asked for further details. Mr Dickens said no phone was ever recovered by police.
The 28-year-old Roberts pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child. The court heard that he had no previous convictions.
Hannah George, in mitigation, said the defendant showed “some degree of remorse” and that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
“In the 13 months since he was interviewed there have been no further offences,” she said.
Ms George said Roberts had suffered “significant” shame and embarrassment as a result of the offences, and it had led to him losing his job.
He had previously been diagnosed with PTSD and suffered “deep periods of depression”, Ms George said.
She added that his contact with his young daughter “has been diminished” following these offences.
“You were in contact online with who you firmly believed to be a 12-year-old girl,” said Judge Paul Thomas KC, addressing Roberts.
“You have a two-year-old daughter. Just think how you would feel if a man in his thirties tried to have that sort of conversation with her in 10 years’ time.”
Roberts was sentenced to 30 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must complete 35 days of an accredited programme and 25 rehabilitation activity requirement programme days.
He must also register as a sex offender for 10 years and was made the subject of a three-year sexual harm prevention order.
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