Business

Sub-postmaster caught in Horizon scandal offered fraction of claim

Published

9 months ago

March 8, 2025

A FORMER sub-postmaster from Roch, Pembrokeshire, who was wrongly prosecuted in the Horizon IT scandal, has said he was left “in disbelief” after being offered less than 17% of his compensation claim.

Tim Brentnall was prosecuted in 2010 for false accounting after a £22,500 shortfall was identified at his branch. In 2021, his conviction was overturned, and he submitted a claim for full financial redress to the Post Office last August. Four months later, in December, he received a response that he described as “litigation all over again.”

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Brentnall said: “[I was] just in disbelief. What I prepared myself for and what came were two totally different things. It very much reminded me of receiving a summons to court from the Post Office the first time around.”

Legal battle continues

Mr Brentnall, who had his claim prepared by lawyers and forensic accountants, said his offer was significantly lower than expected. “We haven’t picked these figures out of the air,” he added.

He is one of 736 former sub-postmasters who were prosecuted due to faults in the Horizon computer system. His response from the Post Office came in a 50-page letter dismissing much of his claim, along with nearly 15,000 supporting documents that he has spent the past three months reviewing for re-submission.

“You sit down and get to a number or percentage where you think, ‘well, that’s enough for me to walk away and draw a line under it.’ But what I was offered was nowhere near that.”

Victims still waiting

Mr Brentnall highlighted the case of Terry Walters, a fellow former sub-postmaster who died in February without receiving full financial redress, despite submitting his claim more than a year ago.

“I’m 43, I can afford to wait,” he said. “But there are so many people much older than me who should be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the years they’ve got left. Instead, they’re still fighting.”

He criticised the slow pace of compensation payments, pointing out that the UK government was able to act swiftly when public opinion demanded it. “Surely they can do something, because people are dying, and it’s not fair.”

A devastating impact

Mr Brentnall and his parents had bought the shop in Roch when he was 22, hoping to secure a future in the community where he grew up. That future was shattered in 2009 when auditors found a discrepancy and he was suspended before being taken to Haverfordwest police station for questioning.

“It was horrific. I felt totally alone and helpless. Even though I knew I hadn’t taken any money, my parents were desperate to make up the missing funds, so they took out a loan to cover the supposed debt. Then I was prosecuted anyway.”

His conviction meant he was given an 18-month suspended sentence and 200 hours of community service. “It wiped out any savings my parents had, the business we had, and cost me any future employment for the last 15 years.”

In 2021, his conviction was finally overturned, and he gave evidence to the Post Office inquiry the following year.

Government steps in

On Monday, the UK government confirmed it would take over responsibility for the Overturned Convictions Scheme, which compensates those who have had their convictions quashed.

A spokesperson for the Post Office said more than £768m had been paid to 5,100 people affected by the scandal, adding: “We continue to listen to feedback to make improvements to the redress process for those affected.”

However, for Mr Brentnall and many others, the fight for fair compensation continues.

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

2 hours ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

13 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

17 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):