News
Pembrokeshire lawyers family informed of body in Thames
A BODY has been found in the search for a missing barrister who police believe may have fallen into the Thames after a night out.
Gianni Sonvico, 23, was last seen in CCTV footage near Tower Hill at around 11pm on Friday, October 25, after attending a function at the Middle Temple.
Police were called to reports of a body in water at Greenwich Pier at approximately 10am yesterday. His family have been informed.
A Met Police spokesman said: ‘Police appealing for the whereabouts of Gianni Sonvico have found a body.
‘Officers from the Met’s Marine Policing Unit (MPU) were called to reports of a body in water at Greenwich Pier.’
About 2,000 people have joined a Facebook group appealing for information following Mr Sonvico’s disappearance.
His sister, Maya Sonvico, 20, said: ‘He has always been the first person to protect me from anything that can hurt me or anyone who can hurt me.
‘What worries me is that I know if he could contact me he would. He wouldn’t put us through this.’
Master David Ormerod, of the Law Commission where Mr Sonvico worked as a researcher, said: ‘The evidence is currently pointing to there being no foul play, but possibly a tragic accident.’
Crime
Teen given community order after assaulting police officer at hospital
A TEENAGER from Neyland has been given a community order after admitting assaulting a police officer at Withybush Hospital.
Luke Davies, aged 18, of Springfield Avenue, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 16) for sentencing.
The court heard that on July 9, 2025, at Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest, Davies assaulted PC Elliot Jamie Williams while the officer was acting in the execution of his duty. The offence is contrary to section 89(1) of the Police Act 1996.
Davies had previously pleaded guilty to the charge on January 6, 2026.
Magistrates imposed a community order running until August 15, 2027. The order includes participation in drug rehabilitation and alcohol treatment programmes for six months, both to be carried out as directed by probation, along with regular court reviews.
He must also complete up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.
Davies was ordered to pay £200 compensation and £85 prosecution costs.
The case will return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for review on March 16 at 10:00am.
Business
MS’s host business advice surgery following demand from Business Rates Online Forum
PAUL DAVIES and Samuel Kurtz, Conservative Members of the Senedd have hosted a business advice surgery in response to mounting concerns about recent rateable value changes introduced by the Welsh Government.
The event followed an online forum on business rates, where local businesses raised serious worries about sharp increases in their rateable values and the impact this is having on already stretched budgets.
Over 140 entrepreneurs and business owners registered for the online forum held last month which also brought together industry representatives and the Valuation Office Agency.
Held in Narberth, on Tuesday 17th February, the surgery provided an opportunity for businesses to raise concerns directly with Paul Davies, Member of the Senedd for Preseli Pembrokeshire and Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire. Both standing for the new Ceredigion Penfro seat in May’s Senedd election.
The session focused on the challenges businesses face regarding business rates, financial pressures, and navigating support schemes. Attendees were able to share their experiences, ask questions, and make their voices heard by speaking direct to those who can challenge decisions taken by Welsh Government.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,”said Samuel Kurtz, “After hosting the online forum on business rates, it was clear that many businesses wanted a chance to discuss their concerns in person. This surgery allowed us to listen, provide advice, and explore how we can support them effectively.”
Paul Davies MS commented, “Businesses across Pembrokeshire are deeply concerned about the Welsh Government’s changes to rateable values. Many feel the new assessments simply do not reflect the current trading conditions. We are determined to make sure their voices are heard loud and clear.”
Local business owners welcomed the initiative, praising it as a practical and accessible way to voice their concerns on managing business rates and other financial challenges.
The surgery is part of an ongoing commitment to support local businesses, amplify their concerns, and ensure businesses voices are heard in policy discussions.
Davies and Kurtz have committed to continuing to press the Welsh Government for a fairer approach to business rates and have already written to Labour’s Financial Cabinet Secretary, Mark Drakeford, sharing the experience and impact of local businesses facing rising rate bills.
Business owners wishing to share their experiences or seek advice are encouraged to contact their constituency offices.
Crime
Man sent to Crown Court over strangulation and assault allegations in Pembroke Dock
A 46-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to the Crown Court to face multiple charges including intentional strangulation following an alleged incident in Pembroke Dock.
Fazlur Rahman, aged 46, of Lewis Street, Pembroke Dock, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 16).
The court heard he faces three allegations arising from an incident on February 13, 2026, at an address in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
The charges include intentional strangulation of a female, assault by beating, and racially or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress, relating to words allegedly directed towards a police officer.
No pleas were entered at this stage.
Magistrates sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
Rahman was granted conditional bail. His bail conditions include not contacting the complainant directly or indirectly and not entering Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock. The court was told the conditions were imposed to prevent further offending, avoid interference with witnesses and ensure his attendance at court.
The next hearing, a plea and trial preparation hearing, is listed at Swansea Crown Court on March 20 at 9:00am.
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