News

Son cleared of slapping mother

Published

11 years ago

December 18, 2014

A MILFORD HAVEN man had his case dismissed by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. William Mansell, aged 60, of Stratford Road, was accused of assault on his mother, who suffers with dementia. Magistrates found that they could not prove the case beyond reasonable doubt and therefore dismissed the case. William’s mother needs constant care and also has a stoma bag which needs to be replaced.

On this occasion on May 30, 2014, carer Kelly Davies had gone round to see her and to help change the bag. William’s mother said that she would change the bag herself and went into the bathroom. William then followed her in to try and help her. Kelly Davies told the court that the door was open throughout the incident and that she saw Mr Mansell slap his mother.

However, William said that he shut the door behind him and although he raised his hands at her, he did so to stop her hitting him. At this point William has left the bathroom to allow Kelly to empty the bag. Kelly said that his mother was shocked and couldn’t stop shaking. He left a short while later and his mother has then started to cry.

Kelly told her supervisor what had happened and the incident was reported to the police. In cross examination, defence solicitor Patrick Llewelyn asked if William’s mother could be feisty and aggressive to which she said: “I’ve never experienced her being physically aggressive.” It was also revealed that because she suffers from dementia she often confuses her son for her husband who died over thirty years ago and when girls came round to help her she would become jealous.

William Mansell told the court that his mother can be quite aggressive and that it was getting worse but added that she has good days and bad days. The court also heard how William has made complaints to the care company in charge of looking after her about the standard of care that was being given. Of the day in question, William said: “My mother punched me in the face, they were two good punches, she was in a frenzy, and this could have carried on. I put my hand up to defuse the situation and I made minimal contact with my mum’s face.”

Prosecuting, Peter Lloyd said: “There is no reason to dispute Kelly’s evidence. She has said ‘there is no doubt in my mind otherwise I wouldn’t be here’. Why would she start all this if it wasn’t true? People who care for the elderly do a valuable job, I have sympathy for the man but on this occasion his frustrations got the better of him.” Defending, Patrick Llewelyn added: “He is a man of good character, he has not committed any offences and this is an unusual allegation. She has heard a commotion and a subsequent complaint has been made.

There are overwhelming weaknesses in the case. Firstly there is only one witness and she has signed a contemporaneous statement which omits the complaint. Surely it would be important that other carers knew of this event? Secondly, Kelly Davies told of a red mark under the eye. In the evidence of an officer who attended one hour later, who knows there has been an allegation of an assault, he observes a red mark above her left eye. This is totally inconsistent with her evidence. There are inconsistencies with her account and the prosecution case rests upon a single person’s evidence.” Magistrates agreed with the defence and said that they could not prove the case beyond reasonable doubt and the case was dismissed.

Community

Hospital staff to climb Pen y Fan for Ward 4 fundraiser

Published

2 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STAFF from Ward 4 at Withybush Hospital are preparing to climb Pen y Fan to raise money for their surgical ward.

The team will take on the challenge on Saturday, September 5, 2026, climbing the highest peak in South Wales in Bannau Brycheiniog.

The fundraiser aims to raise £500, with money going directly towards improving the ward environment for patients.

Staff said: “We have organised this event to raise funds that will go directly towards enhancing the ward environment for patients, including purchasing items such as TVs to improve comfort and wellbeing during their stay.

“We’re hoping to raise £500.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “A huge thank you to the team on Ward 4 for embracing the challenge and choosing to raise funds for their ward. We hope you have a fantastic day and truly enjoy the experience.

“The generous charitable donations we receive do not replace NHS funding. Instead, they support additional items and activities outside core NHS expenditure. These small extras make a big difference, and we are so grateful for every donation we receive.”

Donations can be made to the Ward 4 Pen y Fan fundraiser at: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/cf/ward-4-staff-at-withybush-hospital-s-pen-y-fan-cha

For more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit: hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales

Pictured:

Staff from Ward 4

Community

Charles Street to come alive for Milford Haven Founders Day

Published

2 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CHARLES STREET will once again be transformed into a bustling pedestrian zone as Milford Haven celebrates its annual Founders Day on Saturday (June 6).

Milford Haven Business Circle, in collaboration with Milford Haven Town Council, is bringing the much-loved community event back to the town centre to celebrate the town’s heritage, history and community spirit.

The event will run from 11:00am until 4:00pm, with a programme of free family entertainment including bouncy castles, face painting, local stalls, community groups, activities for all ages and live entertainment organised by the Boulevard Theatre.

The day’s celebrations will also be professionally photographed by Captured Soul Photography.

Founders Day gives residents and visitors the chance to come together to celebrate Milford Haven’s past while supporting the businesses, organisations and community groups that continue to make the town a vibrant place today.

To allow the event to take place safely, a road closure will be in force from the junction of Francis Street to Dartmouth Street between 10:00am and 5:00pm. Once the closure is in place, Charles Street will become a pedestrian-only zone.

Medical and event safety cover throughout the day will be provided by Pegasus Ambulance Service.

Milford Haven Business Circle has thanked Milford Haven Town Council, Taste of Haven, PATCH, Tesco Milford Haven, Ambulance Friends, The Ascona Group and Green Light Traffic Management for their support in helping make this year’s event possible.

Business Circle members supporting the event include Cast N Craft Fishing for Health, Pegasus Ambulance Service, Elizabeth Christie Bridal Wear, Taste of Haven, Phoenix Yarns, Phoenix Bowl, Alf Seren Collectables, Granby’s, Captured Soul Photography, Moon Goddess Emporium and Milford Haven Town Council.

Everyone is welcome to attend and entry is free.

Community

Explore Pembrokeshire after hours with lighthouse tours and bat walks

Published

2 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SERIES of special evening events will offer visitors a different way to experience the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this summer.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is running exclusive after-hours events at Strumble Head Lighthouse and in St Davids, giving people the chance to explore the area’s heritage and wildlife as dusk falls.

Explore the Lighthouse tours will provide rare access to one of the coast’s best-known landmarks at Strumble Head. Led by National Park Authority staff, the small-group tours will begin with a first-hand account of lighthouse life from the current keeper.

A Ranger-led session will then look at the station’s maritime heritage, including the history of nearby shipwrecks, before exploring the lighthouse’s links with the Coast Path, surrounding farmland and the native wildlife that becomes active after dark.

The tours will take place on four Friday evenings this summer: June 19, July 3, July 17 and August 7. Two timed slots will be available each evening, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm and 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

In St Davids, Brilliant Bats will give visitors the chance to discover more about the wildlife that emerges from the nooks and crannies around the city’s iconic cathedral after dark.

Bat detectors will be provided, with guidance from a Park Authority Ranger on how to use them, as well as information about the elusive nocturnal creatures.

The bat walks will take place on Friday, August 14, from 8:15pm to 10:15pm, and Thursday, August 27, from 7:45pm to 9:45pm.

Rachel Perkins, Manager of Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre in St Davids, said: “These events offer a chance to experience familiar places in a completely different way.

“From stepping inside Strumble Lighthouse and hearing stories from the current keeper, to listening for bats around St Davids Cathedral after dark, each event brings people closer to the landscape, heritage and wildlife of the National Park.”

Booking is essential. Tickets for both Explore the Lighthouse and Brilliant Bats cost £10 per person and can be reserved at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Caption: Enjoy a different way of experiencing the Park this summer with special evening events run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.