News
Labour Senedd member suspended in dodgy number plates scandal
THE LABOUR PARTY has suspended one of its Senedd members after a photograph emerged showing their vehicle with fake number plates.
Rhianon Passmore, the MS for Islwyn, has been “administratively suspended” from the Labour group for fourteen days while an internal investigation takes place.
A Labour Party statement says, “The Labour Party takes the conduct of our elected representatives extremely seriously, and all complaints are investigated in accordance with the Party’s complaints procedures.”
A photograph taken in the Senedd car park shows Ms Passmore’s vehicle with a number plate hanging off the front with a second, and different, number plate exposed underneath.
The loose number plate fell off when Ms Passmore drove out of the Senedd car park. When she returned, her vehicle displayed different number plates on its front and rear.
One of the number plates is unregistered. The second is for an untaxed vehicle.
While the Labour Party conducts its investigation, the allegations against Ms Passmore constitute a criminal offence that the Police may also want to investigate.
Rhianon Passmore was first elected to the Welsh Parliament in 2016.
In 2018, she was suspended from the Senedd for fourteen days for failing to provide a breath sample after being stopped for suspected drinking and driving. She pleaded guilty to the offence of failing to supply a breath test.
There are different number plate offences, the approach to which depends on the Police and prosecutors’ approach and the circumstances of any alleged offence.
Drivers using non-compliant number plates or failing to display number plates are subject to a fine of up to £1,000. However, drivers can also be charged with a more serious offence of fraud and forgery under s44 of the relevant law for using fake plates.
An entirely innocent explanation for the number plate row is also possible, whereby Ms Passmore placed a personalised plate over the car’s original registration mark. While that would not address the failure to tax the vehicle or possibly register the changed registration mark, it places the allegations firmly into cock up rather than conspiracy.
A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.
Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.
She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.
Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.
The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.
High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.
To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.
To enter the competition, participants must:
- Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
- Like the competition post
- Comment with their favourite Welsh word
The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.
For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.
Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.
Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.
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