News

Former Welsh rugby star on trial for assaulting primary school pupil

Published

5 months ago

July 25, 2024

A former international rugby star, Matthew Back, stands accused of assaulting a primary school pupil by grabbing him so hard it left marks on his arm. The court heard that Back, 53, who played four times for Wales, was employed as a teacher when the alleged incident took place.

Prosecutor Christopher Evans outlined the case, stating that Back manhandled the child, resulting in a bruise after he forcibly took drawings away from him in the classroom. Evans argued that Back “lost control” during the altercation, mishandling the situation severely.

“Back manhandled the child. He handled the situation completely the wrong way,” Evans asserted. He further claimed that Back “didn’t de-escalate” the situation but instead “lost control on a small child.”

The court heard that the boy had been instructed to draw following a separate incident with another child. However, he rolled the paper into a “comical shape,” prompting Back to snatch the paper away. In response, the child lashed out at teaching assistants and was subsequently placed on a sofa for a “time out.”

Testimony revealed that Back kept the boy on the sofa, preventing him from leaving until he had calmed down and could be taken home. The child’s mother reported that he returned from school late, “very angry and very agitated.” Later that evening, the boy’s father discovered bruising on his arm.

When questioned by the parents, Back initially denied any knowledge of the incident, suggesting the marks could have been caused by the boy hiding in a small space or engaging in “rough and tumble” with other children. However, he later acknowledged that an incident had occurred and the child had been moved to the sofa.

Harriet Ealdon, defending, presented the court with messages exchanged between Back and the boy’s mother, illustrating their cooperative efforts to address the child’s behavioural needs. In one message, Back expressed pleasure in teaching the boy, to which the mother responded positively, noting her son’s excitement to attend school. Another message highlighted the “great teamwork” between them.

The court also heard that the child had been involved in 50 documented incidents at the school, all of which had been communicated to the parents—except for the alleged assault in question. The parents documented the bruise with multiple photographs taken over several days, leading them to raise concerns with the school. This prompted an investigation and the suspension of Back and two other individuals.

Matthew Back, hailing from Miskin, Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, denies the charge of assault. Back, who won four caps for Wales in 1995, has a notable rugby career, having played for Pontypridd, Bridgend, Swansea, Bristol, and Aberavon.

The trial, presided over by Recorder Bruce Gardiner, continues.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.