News

‘No suspicious circumstances’ to the death of Roger Williams, say police

Published

10 years ago

November 2, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Police presence: Pater Court on Oct 31

THE POLICE investigation in Pembroke Dock has concluded that there are no suspicious circumstances to the death of 50-year-old Roger Williams, Dyfed-Powys police have confirmed. A force spokesman told The Herald: “The family of the deceased have been updated and HM Coroner has been informed.”

The spokesman added: “The three people arrested on Friday (Oct 31) [on suspicion of murder] have been released from custody without charge.”

A Home Office post mortem was carried out yesterday (Nov 1).

Paramedics were notified of an unresponsive man at a flat at Pater Court in Pembroke Dock at around lunch time, Friday (Oct 31). Mr Williams was reportedly lying unconscious in the hall way of a ground floor flat at Pater Court.

Speaking on Friday, Mark Whitefoot, the landlord of the Bush Tavern, next door to where Mr Williams died, told The Herald: “I saw the ambulance arrive, at around 1pm, and then saw the gentleman lying in the hall way of the flat. His head was pointing in towards the flat, and his feet were near the doorstep. The door was open and the paramedics were coming to and from the property. His shirt was open; the ambulance crew had obviously been working on him. But he had passed away.”

Tragic: Roger Williams, 50

He added: “A few minutes later the police arrived in a riot van. There were suddenly a lot of police vehicles. Soon afterwards CID came into the pub and asked me to review my CCTV. I of course let them. It was shortly after that they arrested a female – she was really struggling with the officers – she didn’t want to be put into the van. She was practically fighting with them.”

A customer at the bar in his sixties seemed visibly shaken on Friday night. He said: “I know the people involved. I live nearby – I know the guy who has died; I am also very friendly with his brother. I also know some of those arrested.”

“It’s a tragedy”, he said.

Also on Friday night, across the road at Mega-Kebab, the stunned staff told our reporter that he had been told by several customers the name of the person who had died. A customer, who did not want to be named, said that he knew the gentleman; “It was Roger Williams – It’s terrible what has happened. I can’t believe that something like this could happen in Pembroke Dock.”

There was a police presence at the property overnight. Two officers are sat in a police vehicle keeping a watch on the property ensuring that the crime scene will not be disturbed.

Saturday’s Dyfed-Powys Police statement read: “We can confirm that Roger Williams was found dead on the afternoon of Friday October 31. Next of kin were informed and are being supported by family liaison officers.”

“We are asking for anyone who may have seen Roger, or been in the area of Pater Court, Bush Street or Law Street Pembroke Dock between 12:30pm and 1:20pm on Friday to speak to the investigation team by calling 101.”

“A Home Office post mortem will be carried out today (Nov 1) to help determine the cause of death. The police investigation is ongoing. Yesterday afternoon, one woman and two men were arrested on suspicion of murder. All three remain in custody and are being interviewed by Police.”

Pembroke Dock resident Paul Dowson, who works for The Herald, said: “I knew Roger Williams. He was a genuinely nice bloke. He will be missed.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 mins ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

7 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

8 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.