News
Systemic failings within the fire service led to firefighter’s death

THE TRAGIC death of a firefighter during a training exercise almost five years ago has been officially ruled as an accident by an inquest jury.
Josh Gardener, 35, from Milford Haven, suffered a fatal head injury on September 17, 2019, while training with the Mid and West Wales Fire Service on the Cleddau River.
The incident occurred when the vessel carrying Mr Gardener collided with another inflatable craft, leading to a devastating impact that threw him into the water. The collision resulted in a severe head injury described as a “deep chop wound.” Despite immediate rescue efforts by a crew member who jumped into the water, it was evident that Mr Gardener’s injuries were fatal. He was pronounced dead at 11:55 am after the crew arrived at Neyland Yacht Club, where they were met by ambulance and police services.

The inquest, held at County Hall, Haverfordwest and led by acting senior coroner Paul Bennett, opened with a post-mortem examination revealing that Mr Gardener died from a “disruption of the head.” The jury concluded that the incident was accidental after hearing evidence of the circumstances surrounding the training exercise.
Mr Gardener had joined the fire service just a year before his death, fulfilling a lifelong dream of working in emergency services. Previously, he had worked as an offshore wind farm technician. His family, in a heartfelt statement read during the inquest, described him as a “son to be proud of” and a devoted father of two who cared deeply for his family.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report presented during the inquest highlighted several issues in the preparation and execution of the training exercise. The report pointed out that the exercise had not been adequately planned and that there was a lack of clear leadership and coordination. It was noted that neither vessel was keeping an effective lookout, resulting in a failure to maintain awareness of the boats’ relative positions and movements.
A crucial finding of the MAIB report was that the helmsman of one of the vessels had inexplicably undertaken a full circle turn despite the proximity to the other craft. This manoeuvre, against the agreed plan to rendezvous further upstream, led directly to the collision. Additionally, it was revealed that protective headgear was available on both vessels but was not worn by any crew members, as it was considered uncomfortable and obstructive to communication. However, the MAIB report concluded that even if Mr Gardener had been wearing a helmet, it is unlikely it would have prevented his death.

The inquest also disclosed that the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s pre-activity planning requirements were not met, and standard operating procedures were not followed. No individual had been assigned overall responsibility for the activity, and there was no designated person in charge during the exercise.
Following the inquest’s conclusion, the family of Mr Gardener expressed that the verdict provided a sense of closure and acknowledged the ongoing investigations by the Health and Safety Executive and the Marine and Coastguard Agency. They emphasised the significance of the MAIB report, which underscored systemic failings within the fire service.
In a tribute read during the hearing, Mr Gardener was remembered as a “committed and caring family man” who had always aspired to serve in the emergency services. His dedication to his role and his family was profoundly evident.
Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service extended his condolences to Mr Gardener’s family, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy. He assured that the fire service had implemented several new practices and reviewed procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.
“We hope that the conclusion of the inquiry brings some form of closure to the family,” said Mr Thomas. “We have learned from this investigation and are committed to continuous improvement to ensure the safety of our personnel during training exercises.”
The significant amount of time between the tragic accident and the inquest is due to legal wrangling. The Fire & Rescue Service sought a judicial review of the Coroner’s decision, based on seven grounds. This brought to light several pressing issues:
- Report Presentation in Inquest: A significant contention revolved around how the MAIB report should be presented before the jury. The Fire & Rescue Service challenged that fairness requires them to question criticisms in the report and to give evidence in response.
- Fresh Investigation Consideration: The Fire & Rescue Service claimed the Coroner misapplied the criteria to determine if a fresh investigation was necessary rather than relying on the MAIB report.
- Misunderstanding of Applicable Law: The Fire & Rescue Service alleges that the Coroner misunderstood regulatory standards, leading to a flawed perspective on the MAIB’s investigation and report.
- Engagement with Submissions: The Fire & Rescue Service believed the Coroner misunderstood its submissions and failed to engage with them adequately in the Ruling. This, they argued, resulted in an incomplete and potentially skewed analysis of their challenge.
Mr Justice Eyre, after a comprehensive review of the presented facts and arguments, dismissed the application brought forth by the Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service in July 2023. The judge’s decision was rooted in procedural rigour, clarity over jurisdictional matters, and understanding the scope and purpose of the inquest.
Crime
Reform candidate co-opted to town council — graffiti appears days later

A MAN who recently lost a by-election standing for the Reform UK party has been co-opted onto Haverfordwest Town Council — just two days before political graffiti appeared at Withybush Retail Park.
Scott Thorley, who stood for Reform UK in the Prendergast by-election earlier this year, was appointed to Haverfordwest Town Council during a co-option meeting on Thursday (Apr 17).

Mr Thorley came fourth in a closely fought six-way contest for a seat on Pembrokeshire County Council, securing 71 votes. The by-election, held on Tuesday, February 11, was triggered by the resignation of former Conservative councillor Andrew Edwards, who stepped down following widespread backlash over racist comments attributed to him.

Independent candidate Alun Wills ultimately won the seat with 199 votes (31.6%), ahead of Kaleb Jenkins (Welsh Liberal Democrats, 160), Mike Mathias (Welsh Conservative, 136), Scott Thorley (Reform UK, 71), Alison Tudor (Welsh Labour, 57), and James Henry Purchase (Wales Green Party, 8).
But on Saturday morning (Apr 19), just two days after Mr Thorley’s co-option, residents and shoppers were greeted with a string of large political slogans sprayed across walls and walkways at Withybush Retail Park. Messages included: “KEIR STARMER OUT, REFORM IN! GOD SAVE US” and a separate large slogan reading: “VOTE REFORM” — all daubed in white capital letters.
The incident has since been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police.
Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, new town councillor Scott Thorley said: “Whoever has done this, it is vandalism plain and simple.”
Mr Thorley, who works at the retail park himself, said he did not notice the graffiti when arriving at work and was only made aware after a colleague sent him photos by phone.
He added: “The phrase ‘God Save Us’ doesn’t really sound like something a younger person would write — maybe it’s someone older. But whoever it was, this was not done by Reform. It does not help us — it’s embarrassing.”
Mr Thorley also noted the timing of the incident, saying: “It’s a bit fishy this happened less than two days after I was accepted onto the town council.”

Haverfordwest county councillor Thomas Baden Tudor told The Herald: “Damage to public or private property is completely unacceptable, and if anyone has any information on who carried out this act of vandalism, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously — online at crimestoppers-uk.org or by phone on 0800 555 111.
“They’ll ask questions about the crime but won’t ask about you.
“Antisocial behaviour is not tolerated or acceptable in Haverfordwest.”
He added: “Alternatively, anyone with information can also call Dyfed-Powys Police on 101.

The Pembrokeshire Herald contacted new county councillor Alun Wills by telephone for a comment. He said: “I have not seen the graffiti yet, I have just come back from work.” Cllr Wills said he had seen a media post about the incident, believed to be on The Herald’s Facebook page.
At the time of going to press, we are awaiting Cllr Wills to come back to us with a further comment.
The police have been contacted for a statement.
News
Renovation of historic Tenby hotel given the green light

WORKS to a prominent listed Pembrokeshire hotel have been given the go-ahead by national park planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Simon Fry, through agent Asbri Planning, sought listed building consent for works to the Grade-II-listed 1-2 Royal Lion Hotel, High Street, Tenby, said to be one of the oldest hotels in the town.
The works included replacement windows, replace window with original door opening, works to existing parapet, blocking up of windows, render front elevation, blocking up of existing windows, retain existing signage, remove and rebuild existing chimney stack and other minor ancillary works.
The proposals were supported by Tenby Civic Society: “We welcome the scheme, being done very much in character with the original and will complete a very welcome refurb enhancing this prominent point in the town”
It had requested some “minor corrections,” including “retaining the ‘stage door’ stained glass window on the rear door onto Upper Frog Street”.
Tenby Town Council also supported the scheme, saying it was “a much-desired enhancement of a Grade-II-listed building within the Conservation Area”.
A supporting statement for the application said: “In terms of the replacements and overall works these would be of sympathetic materials appropriate to its setting, ensuring the existing character of the building is preserved. The intention is to replace on a like-for-like basis where possible, although the new replacements will be double glazed.”
It added: “The works are necessitated following the previous structural survey undertaken on the two ground floor bays which revealed they are in poor condition and are in need of reinstatement as soon as possible in the interests of the integrity of the listed building and for public safety.
“The replacement of the other bay structures and windows on the front and northern side elevations were also necessitated given their deterioration over time which has led to an adverse visual impact on the listed building and surrounding area.
“Given the previous state of the bays and windows, the works that have been recently undertaken are a significant betterment to the existing situation, and the works the subject of this application would further enhance the quality of the listed building, avoiding further dilapidation.”
Last year, an Urgent Works Notice was served for works on the hotel by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, with an application for those works later granted.
The latest application added: “The building in question is of great significance to the town of Tenby and its Conservation Area. It stands as one of the oldest hotels in Tenby and as identified above, holds great historic and heritage merit.”
News
Motorboat rescued off Newgale beach after capsizing scare

A MOTORBOAT that got into trouble off Newgale beach on Thursday afternoon (Apr 17) was brought safely ashore thanks to the quick response of St Davids RNLI.
The alarm was raised at around 3:40pm when HM Coastguard received reports of a 12-foot motorboat with two people onboard that had capsized off the popular Pembrokeshire beach.
St Davids RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat, the Alan and Marian Clayton, and quickly located the stricken vessel.
After assessing the situation, lifeboat volunteers decided to escort the motorboat to Porthclais Harbour, as it still had power. However, part-way through the journey the vessel ran out of fuel, leaving the crew stranded.
A tow line was set up, and the lifeboat took the boat under tow to ensure the safety of those onboard.
The motorboat was brought ashore safely at Porthclais just before 6:20pm, and the lifeboat returned to station where it was refuelled and made ready for the next callout.
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