News

Anthropologist sues Dyfed-Powys Police over assisted suicide arrest

Published

2 years 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)

News

Bowen trainers fined after racehorse drug test failures

Published

15 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Herald Sport

Letterston racing family at centre of BHA ruling as two winners are disqualified

TWO Pembrokeshire horse trainers from Letterston have been fined £5,000 after two racehorses failed post-race drug tests, leading to both animals being stripped of race victories.

Peter and Mickey Bowen, father and brother of champion jockey Sean Bowen, appeared before a British Horseracing Authority disciplinary panel on Thursday (May 28).

The father-and-son training partnership was operating under the same licence at the time of the positive tests, although Mickey Bowen has been the sole licence holder since May 2025.

The pair were fined £4,000 for breaching Rule (K)2.2, which states that no category B substance may be present in a horse’s system on the day it is engaged to run.

They were also fined a further £1,000 for breaching Rule (D)24, which requires trainers to keep clear and accurate records of medication given to horses in their care within 48 hours of treatment.

Two horses disqualified

The disciplinary action relates to Flying Fortune and Olivers Travels, both of which have now been disqualified from wins in 2024.

Flying Fortune has been stripped of victory in the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow on Friday (Oct 11, 2024).

The race is regarded as one of the key early contests of the National Hunt season, and the win had been a major success for the Bowen yard.

Racing reports at the time described it as a family affair, with Flying Fortune trained by Peter and Mickey Bowen and ridden by James Bowen. The mare was sent off 2/1 favourite and won by seven-and-a-half lengths.

However, a post-race urine sample later revealed the presence of procaine, a local anaesthetic.

The race has now been awarded to Intense Approach, trained by John McConnell.

Second winner loses race

Olivers Travels has also been disqualified from a 2m7f handicap chase at Worcester on Wednesday (Aug 21, 2024).

A post-race urine sample revealed the presence of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammation or allergic reactions.

That race has now been awarded to Galloping Pride, trained by Emma Lavelle.

The BHA said the case was dealt with by way of a plea agreement approved by the independent disciplinary panel.

A BHA statement said: “Following this morning’s hearing before the independent Disciplinary Panel, the Panel has approved a Plea Agreement.

“The penalty for breaching Rule (K)2.2 is a £4,000 fine and (D)24 a £1,000 fine.

“The two horses involved, Olivers Travels (IRE) and Flying Fortune (IRE), will be disqualified from their respective races at Worcester on 21 August 2024 and Chepstow on 11 October 2024.”

The ruling does not suggest any wrongdoing by the jockeys involved. The disciplinary action was directed at the trainers over the presence of prohibited substances on race day and failures in medication record keeping.

Charity

The Salvation Army in Tenby celebrates 140 years of service

Published

16 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

WEEKEND EVENTS TO MARK LANDMARK ANNIVERSARY

THE SALVATION ARMY in Tenby is celebrating 140 years of service to the town, with a weekend of music, worship and community events.

The church and charity was founded in Tenby in 1886, with its arrival described at the time in The Salvation Army’s magazine The War Cry as an “invading party”.

Although some locals were initially sceptical, the movement quickly became established and has remained a trusted presence in the town for generations.

Today, The Salvation Army in Tenby continues to offer practical help and support to vulnerable people, including emergency accommodation, employment counselling and food assistance. It also runs two weekly coffee mornings and Sunday worship.

Anniversary programme

Events begin on Saturday (May 30), with Tenby Band performing outside the hall from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, where refreshments will be available.

From 3:00pm to 4:00pm, the Divisional Fellowship Band will play at the harbour.

The main Saturday celebration will take place from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at St Mary’s Church, with an evening festival of music featuring the South and Mid Wales Fellowship Band and Wales Fellowship Chorus.

On Sunday (May 31), a morning service will be held at St Mary’s Church House at 10:30am.

This will be followed by an open-air meeting in Tudor Square from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, echoing The Salvation Army’s earliest tradition of outdoor preaching.

Senior leaders visit Tenby

The celebrations will also welcome two of The Salvation Army’s international leaders, Commissioner Edward Hill, Chief of the Staff, and Commissioner Shelley Hill, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

Commissioner Edward Hill said: “It will certainly be a celebration of faithful and compassionate service to a beautiful community dating back to the early days of the Movement.

“We anticipate being inspired not only by the rich heritage and ongoing ministry of The Salvation Army in Tenby, but also by its vision for the future, continuing, in the name of Jesus, to shine as a bright light and enduring source of hope for generations to come.”

Legacy of service

The Salvation Army has often stepped forward when Tenby and Pembrokeshire have needed support.

In 1996, following the Sea Empress disaster, when 72,000 tonnes of crude oil spilled off the Pembrokeshire coast, volunteers helped provide food and support to emergency workers in remote areas.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Roberts, Divisional Commander for Wales, said: “The Salvation Army in Tenby has a lot to celebrate as it looks back on 140 years of service in the town and wider area.

“It is also important to recognise what it is doing today, offering a helping hand to all. I encourage the members to keep on doing that long into the future.”

Captain Clare Jones, who leads the church in Tenby, said: “We thank God for His faithfulness and for the continued mission through The Salvation Army here in Tenby.

“From its beginnings as an ‘invading party’ singing in the streets to its present role as a place of worship, welcome, and practical support, The Salvation Army continues to serve the community with compassion and hope.”

The Salvation Army in Tenby is based at Upper Park Road, Tenby, SA70 7LT. It can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or calling 01834 843537.

Community

Barcud Housing Assistant will walk over hot coals to raise funds for Charity

Published

16 hours ago

May 29, 2026

Tom Sinclair

BARCUD Housing Assistant, Amanda Evans, is a brave ‘sole’ as she has agreed to do a Firewalk to help raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. The charity, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, relies entirely on public donations to keep both the rapid response vehicles and helicopters running.

The firewalk is a sponsored walk with a difference! It might be the shortest and hottest walk, but it takes strength of mind to complete the challenge of walking five metres, barefoot, over hot coals which reach temperatures of up to 800°C!

Amanda has never done a Firewalk before but last year she changed her mindset and since then the word ‘no’ hasn’t been in her vocabulary. She said, “Doing a Firewalk sounds awesome. I decided it would be a giggle to sign up on behalf of Barcud to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. Why not? It would be great to have a crowd at the Firewalk in Aberaeron to show support and cheer me on.”

Day to day Amanda works at Barcud’s office in Glyn Padarn, Aberystwyth. She works as part of a team with housing officers to provide support for tenants.

Barcud is based in mid and west Wales with a 300 strong workforce and 4,500 tenants. This is the group’s first year of fundraising for a specific charity and at the annual colleague conference last winter the majority were in favour of supporting a charity, that, like Barcud, helped and supported those living rurally.

Gail Windley, Wales Air Ambulance’s Events and Partnership Fundraiser said, “We’re delighted to be launching our firewalks this year on our special 25th anniversary year. Fundraisers will take on the ultimate challenge of walking over hot coals to helps save lives across Wales. This is a wonderful challenge aimed at all physical abilities and one that needs some courage.

“Walkers don’t need any previous experience to take part in the firewalk, as all the training will be provided on the day. We want to reiterate that this is not an activity to be tried at home and should only be done during a professionally organised event.

“The Charity relies on donations to continue to keep our helicopters in the air and our rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraising events, like the firewalks, will help to continue this lifesaving service for the people of Wales. It will be an unforgettable day for the participants and their supporters.”

Amanda will be doing her Firewalk at Moody Meadows in Aberaeron from 6pm on Friday, 10th July 2026. Any donations to support Amanda, and Barcud reach its fundraising target of £5,000 would be very gratefully received. Click here to support Amanda online: https://firewalks.walesairambulance.com/amanda-evans