News

Anthropologist sues Dyfed-Powys Police over assisted suicide arrest

Published

6 months ago

July 12, 2024

AN ANTHROPOLOGIST who accompanied a British woman to Switzerland for assisted suicide has launched a high court claim against Dyfed-Powys Police. Miranda Tuckett, who was conducting doctoral research on Britons travelling to Switzerland to end their lives, is suing for false imprisonment, breach of academic freedoms, and assault and battery.

Tuckett was arrested in London by four officers and driven overnight to a west Wales police station. There, she was held in a cell for 11 hours before undergoing a six-month investigation. This incident has also drawn in Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who intervened in his then capacity as a constituency MP, urging the police to release Tuckett.

**Under fire: Dyfed-Powys Police is facing court action**

The woman Tuckett was studying, Sharon Johnston, 59, had been paralysed in a fall and chose assisted suicide to avoid a life dependent on constant care. Tuckett accompanied her to Switzerland as part of her PhD research at a New York university.

Evidence collected by the police included taxi records, CCTV from Johnston’s care home, and national traffic cameras. Tuckett was arrested on suspicion of assisting suicide, a charge that can carry a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.

On 15 February 2022, after returning from Zurich where she witnessed Johnston’s death, Tuckett was detained by officers in North London. They seized her computer and research materials, transporting her five hours to Wales. There, she was fingerprinted, held “incommunicado,” and questioned.

**Miranda Tuckett is bringing a claim for damages for false imprisonment, breach of her academic freedoms and assault** (Image: The Guardian)

Dyfed-Powys Police had previously issued a missing persons report when Johnston left her care home, repeatedly contacting her during her journey to Switzerland. Swiss authorities were even alerted, resulting in armed police visiting the Dignitas facility a day before Johnston’s death.

Despite multiple assurances from Johnston that her decision was voluntary, Tuckett claims the police interference caused Johnston significant distress in her final days. Tuckett noted that Johnston’s demeanour changed after the police calls, describing her as stressed and flustered.

Another individual, Sue Lawford, who accompanied Johnston and supports the pro-assisted dying campaign group My Death, My Decision, was also arrested. She is suing the police for unlawful arrest, highlighting the National Police Chiefs’ Council guidelines which recommend interviewing suspects under caution as voluntary attendees rather than arresting them.

This case underscores the inconsistent application of UK assisted dying laws. While some individuals face no police scrutiny, others are subject to intense investigations, reflecting the tension between public interest considerations and the legal prohibition of assisting suicide in England and Wales.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, then Leader of the Opposition, wrote to the Dyfed-Powys Chief Constable expressing his concerns about Tuckett’s detention. He argued that the case did not meet the Crown Prosecution Service’s public interest test for assisted suicide charges.

Downing Street has declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings. Starmer, who has previously expressed personal support for changing assisted dying laws, promised a free vote in parliament on the issue.

Despite police logs indicating that Johnston had full capacity and was not coerced, Dyfed-Powys Police proceeded with Tuckett’s arrest. Tuckett alleges that the police’s conduct caused her psychiatric injury, humiliation, and a significant delay in her academic work due to the confiscation of her research materials.

Nathan Stilwell, a spokesperson for My Death, My Decision, criticised the police’s actions, stating: “The treatment of Sue and Miranda was wrong – indeed, it went against the police’s own guidance at the time. Nobody who acts out of compassion for someone in need should face such drastic consequences.”

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police stated: “In February 2022 two women were arrested on suspicion of encouraging suicide following the death of Sharon Johnston. They were arrested after enquiries were commenced in Cardigan into reports of a female missing from her home. Following an investigation, the two women were told they would face no further action in August 2022. Further comment would be inappropriate due to the ongoing litigation.”

Pictured top of page: Sharon Johnston at a Dignitas facility shortly before she took her own life. Sue Lawford, on the right, was arrested upon her return to the UK. (Photo: Handout)

Business

Milford Haven: Wales’ energy hub embraces green transformation

Published

7 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONCE synonymous with oil and gas, Milford Haven is now poised to lead Wales into a cleaner, greener future—powered by hydrogen.

Green energy pioneer Haush Ltd has chosen Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a hub for hydrogen innovation. The company’s ambitious plans aim to decarbonise land, sea, and air transport, while also exporting green hydrogen to Europe.

Backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR), Haush’s initiative will kick off immediately. The HyPR project supports trials to accelerate hydrogen production and create refuelling solutions for both onshore and offshore vessels. A key part of this effort is designing a permanent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at the Port of Milford Haven, unlocking its potential as a green energy leader.

For over 65 years, Milford Haven has been a cornerstone of the UK’s oil and gas sector, processing 20% of the nation’s oil and gas. Now, this latest investment signals the beginning of a transformative shift toward renewable energy.

Welsh Government Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the move, saying:
“Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted that Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK headquarters. The company’s ambitious growth plans align perfectly with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy generation.”

Milford Haven’s journey from oil and gas to hydrogen innovation could set a blueprint for green energy transformation in the UK and beyond.

News

Council Tax Premium set to increase for long-term empty properties

Published

7 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.

Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.

Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”

Details of the premium

The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:

Pembrokeshire County Council
Police and Crime Commissioner
Town and Community Councils

Exemptions and discounts

Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.

If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.

Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.

National Empty Homes Grant Scheme

Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.

For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:

Email: [email protected]
Post: Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP

News

Heavenly Host of Angels Event at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.

When:

Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.

Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.