Crime

Woman who died on Fishguard ferry named

Published

10 months ago

February 27, 2025

A WOMAN who was found dead onboard a ferry travelling from Fishguard to Rosslare on Tuesday (Feb 25) has been named locally as 39-year-old Mary Cash.

Ms Cash, originally from Ireland but living in the UK, was reportedly travelling with family and friends to a funeral in Co Kildare when she was discovered unresponsive in a bathroom cabin on the Stena Nordica.

While her death was initially treated as unexplained, Gardaí now believe it to be a personal tragedy and do not suspect foul play. A post-mortem examination was carried out at Waterford University Hospital on Wednesday, but Gardaí have stated that the results will not be released “for operational reasons.”

BRAWL FOLLOWED DISCOVERY

Reports now indicate that a brawl erupted onboard following the discovery of Ms Cash’s body, leading to an emergency distress call from the ferry captain. Witnesses have described the incident as “extremely shocking,” with some stating that tensions escalated among a group of passengers, sparking a heated altercation.

A transport company owner familiar with the incident said a driver present at the time had observed members of the group behaving erratically before the incident, suggesting alcohol or drugs may have been involved. The driver also noted that a hearse was on board, indicating that the group was en route to a funeral in Kildare.

MAN RELEASED WITHOUT CHARGE

A man who was arrested in connection with the investigation has now been released without charge. A Garda Family Liaison Officer continues to engage with and support the family of the deceased.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed: “A Garda Senior Investigating Officer will now supervise the completion of an investigation for the purpose of a file to assist a Coroner’s Inquest.”

Authorities have reiterated that there are no separate investigations into any public order incidents aboard the vessel.

LARGE EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Following the discovery of Ms Cash’s body, the ferry captain issued an emergency distress call approximately 30 minutes before docking. Armed Gardaí and officers from the Public Order Unit boarded the vessel upon arrival at Rosslare Harbour, sealing off the area as a crime scene.

The Stena Nordica was carrying a significant number of passengers at the time, including fans returning from Ireland’s Six Nations match against Wales.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Wexford councillor Ger Carthy said: “I think the reaction here locally was one of shock and indeed sadness at what transpired on board the Stena Nordica en route to Rosslare Port here and the tragic events that unfolded. The response by Gardaí and state agencies was second to none, with a large presence of specialist units and national ambulance services.”

FERRY DISRUPTIONS

Stena Line confirmed that services were temporarily impacted, with sailings cancelled following the incident. However, Rosslare Europort has stated that all services resumed on Wednesday evening and are now operating as normal.

A spokesperson for Stena Line said: “An incident occurred on the 2:00pm sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare. This is a police matter.”

Gardaí are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as inquiries continue.

Crime

Milford Haven man denies child sex charges as trial date set

Published

3 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A MAN originally from Milford Haven has pleaded not guilty to a series of sexual offences involving a child after recently moving to Cornwall.

James Kershaw, aged 45, formerly of Milford Haven and now living in Quethiock, Cornwall, appeared in court on Friday (Dec 19), where he denied all four sexual charges put to him.

The hearing was his first Crown Court appearance in the case, during which a trial date was fixed for October 5.

Kershaw was allowed to remain on bail under strict conditions, including that he must have no contact with any prosecution witnesses.

Kershaw appeared via video link from his solicitor’s office in Cornwall. The judge described this as “a very generous decision by the listings officer” and said it had “presumably been arranged due to the distance from you to the court”.

Allegations denied

The charges relate to alleged incidents said to have taken place in Liskeard, Cornwall, between October 26 and November 1, 2023.

Kershaw is accused of engaging in sexual communication with a child under the age of 16 and of causing a child aged 13 to watch sexual activity. He also faces two allegations of causing or inciting a girl aged 13 to engage in sexual activity of a non-penetrative nature on separate dates.

In addition, Kershaw is charged with two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed by Derby Crown Court in May 2022. These allegations include the use of an undisclosed Facebook account and the deletion of messages, both of which are said to be prohibited under the terms of that order.

Kershaw denies all allegations.

The court ordered that Kershaw may remain on bail pending trial, subject to conditions including a strict ban on contacting any witnesses.

The complainant’s identity is protected by law under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

The case is due to return to court when the trial begins in October.

Crime

Swansea man jailed for online child sex offence dies in hospital

Published

19 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A SWANSEA man who was jailed earlier this year for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child has died in hospital soon after leaving custody at Parc Prison.

Gareth Davies, aged 59, of the Maritime Quarter, had been serving an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted in May of sending sexually explicit messages to what he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The account was in fact a decoy used as part of an online safeguarding operation.

The court heard that Davies began communicating with the decoy between November and December 2024 and persistently pursued the individual, later attempting to arrange a face-to-face meeting. He was arrested after being confronted by the decoy operators.

Davies had pleaded not guilty but was convicted following a trial. At the time of sentencing, police described the messages as extremely concerning and said his imprisonment was necessary to protect children.

It has now been confirmed that Davies died in hospital after being at HMP Parc on Wednesday (Nov 27).

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched an independent investigation into the death, which is standard procedure in all cases where someone dies in custody or in hospital shortly after being at prison.

A HMP Parc spokesperson: “Mr Gareth Davies (DOB 12/08/1966) passed away at an outside hospital on 27 November 2025.

“As with all deaths in custody, this will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. The cause of death will be for the coroner to determine.”

No cause of death has been released at this stage.

A coroner will determine the circumstances in due course.