News
Wales international Johnny Williams signs new Scarlets contract
THE SCARLETS said this week that they are delighted to announce that Wales international centre Johnny Williams has signed a new contract with the club.
The 27-year-old joined the Scarlets from Newcastle Falcons in 2020 and after just four appearances earned his first Wales cap, against Georgia in Llanelli.
A powerful-carrying presence in the Scarlets midfield, he has since made 46 appearances, scoring six tries, including a memorable interception in last season’s Challenge Cup quarter-final win over Clermont Auvergne.
He has won seven caps for Wales, featuring at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “Johnny has been a key member of the side in recent years. He’s a player who is a dynamic carrier, is physical with and without the ball, has a good skill set and has an impact on every game he’s involved in.
“He is an important cog in how we look to play and it’s fantastic that he has agreed a new contract with the club. I know the fans will be thrilled with this news and, along with the likes of Eddie James, Joe Roberts and with Macs Page coming through, we have a lot of talent in that midfield pool for the coming years.”
Johnny Williams said: “I am delighted to have signed a new contract. It has been a frustrating season in terms of results, but I am excited by the potential of the squad we are putting together.
“A lot of young boys have put their hands up and we showed during the final few games of the season the kind of rugby we can produce.
“Pre-season will be around before we know it and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, ready for a big start to next season.”
Johnny is the latest player to recommit to the Scarlets ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, following Tonga lock Sam Lousi, Wales internationals Tom Rogers and Harri O’Connor and back-rowers Dan Davis and Ben Williams.
Scarlets have also strengthened their squad with the addition of hooker Marnus van der Merwe (Toyota Cheetahs), prop Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs), full-back Ellis Mee (Nottingham), lock Max Douglas (Toyota Canon Eagles), Wales international prop Henry Thomas (Castres Olympique) and back-three player Blair Murray (Canterbury).
Crime
Community raises funds for former teacher’s court fine
THE PEMBROKESHIRE community has successfully raised the funds needed to cover the court fine of former teacher Rhodri S. Jones within just 24 hours. The GoFundMe campaign, launched to support Jones after his conviction for assaulting a child at Ysgol Caer Elen, has met its £600 target.
Jones, 40, of Hayston View, Johnston, had pleaded guilty to assault by beating. He was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher, who highlighted the difficulties faced by teachers in maintaining discipline without physical interaction. Jones, described as mortified by the incident, resigned from the teaching profession following the altercation where he pushed a pupil who was being cheeky and rude.
The court fined Jones £400, with additional costs and a surcharge bringing the total to £645. No compensation order was made against the victim, with the presiding magistrate deeming it inappropriate.
The fundraiser, organised by Andrew Phillips, saw an outpouring of support from the community, quickly surpassing its goal. Donations flooded in from parents, colleagues, and local residents who felt the punishment was too severe for what they considered a minor incident.
Jones expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am overwhelmed with the support of the community, and I can’t believe how generous everyone has been. This has been a difficult time for me and my family, and this support means the world to us.”
The rapid success of the campaign highlights the strong sense of community and the high regard in which Jones is held. Supporters emphasised his dedication to teaching and lamented the loss of a valued educator from the profession.
This collective effort not only alleviates the financial burden on Jones but also sends a powerful message of community unity and support. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges faced by teachers and the pressures of maintaining discipline in modern educational environments.
News
Woman hospitalised as car overturns in Milford Haven
A WOMAN has been taken to hospital following a car accident on a main Pembrokeshire road.
The incident occurred yesterday morning, Tuesday, June 25, when the woman’s vehicle veered off the A4076 at Steynton Road, near Milford Haven, and collided with a tree. The crash happened shortly before 7.35am.
Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, with police closing the A4076 road in both directions. Drivers were advised to take alternative routes to avoid the closure. Initially, the road was shut from Neyland Road to the B4325 Coombs Road. The closure was later reduced, restricting traffic from Neyland Road to Skomer Drive.
The road remained closed until 10.15am.
The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was transported to the hospital for treatment. Details about her condition have not been disclosed.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police provided the following statement: “Police were called just after 7.35am on Tuesday, June 25, to a report that a car had left the A4076 at Steynton Road, Milford Haven, and collided with a tree. The female driver has been taken to hospital. The road was closed and reopened at 10.15am.”
Crime
Drug dealer admits cocaine possession at Haverfordwest police station
SCOTT COWDERY, a 31-year-old resident of Wesley Place, Trecwn, appeared at Swansea Crown Court this week, where he faced charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine. Cowdery admitted to being found with 7.7 grams of cocaine on May 13, which he intended to sell. Following his guilty plea, he was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on July 12.
The incident leading to Cowdery’s arrest occurred at Haverfordwest Police Station after he had been apprehended on May 13 for stealing food from the Premier Stores on Market Street. This arrest was not Cowdery’s first brush with the law.
Cowdery had previously appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where he was sentenced for six shoplifting offences and one charge of assault by beating of an emergency worker. The magistrates heard that on January 31, Cowdery stole three bottles of spirits worth approximately £80 from Tesco in Haverfordwest. He also admitted to stealing groceries from Iceland in Haverfordwest on March 18 and 21, valued at £16.05 and £29.05 respectively. Additionally, Cowdery took razors worth £99.98 from Boots at Withybush Retail Park and razors worth around £80 from Boots in Pembroke Dock.
Furthermore, Cowdery was charged with attacking a police officer at an address on Vine Road in Johnston on July 22 last year. He pleaded guilty to all the offences.
On May 21, Cowdery was sentenced to a total of 20 weeks’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay £310.61 in compensation to the affected stores, £100 to the assaulted officer, and £170 in costs.
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