News
St Clears: Chapel Minister too ill to stand trial for child sex abuse
A CHAPEL MINISTER who ran a church near St. Clears has been formally cleared of a historical child sex abuse charge because of his failing condition of health.
Gwyn Ieuan Morgan, 82, had been accused of indecently assaulting a boy under the age of 14.
However, a Swansea Crown Court hearing was told psychiatric reports showed he was unfit to stand trial. The minister was suspended from chapel duties after being arrested by Dyfed-Powys Police in October 2013.
Mr Morgan, from Johnstown in Carmarthen, had been a minster at Bryn Iwan Chapel, and Moreia Chapel near St Clears, since 1972. He was due to face trial early next year, but the Crown Prosecution Service said it would be offering no evidence in the case, after receiving the health reports.
A CPS spokesperson told The Herald: “Mr Morgan’s legal team recently presented the prosecution with a report from a consultant psychiatrist which concluded that he was no longer fit to stand trial.
“Upon receipt of this report, the prosecution commissioned its own report from an independent psychiatrist. This second report confirmed the findings of the first.
“As a result of this expert opinion, we undertook a full review of the case and concluded that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
“The prosecution has therefore informed the court that we offer no evidence in this case. All parties involved have been informed of these developments.”
Charity
Fundraiser to take on epic 87k steps challenge to raise funds for Withybush
SAM FAULKNER is challenging himself to walk 87,000 steps in one day to raise funds for the Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in memory of his father.
Sam will be walking along the Brecon and Monmouth Canal from Brecon to Rogerstone in Newport.
Sam said: “Since losing my Dad last year, I made a personal commitment to do something to raise money every year for the Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest who looked after my Dad so well in his final days.
“I will be challenging myself to complete 87,000 steps in a day on July 20th 2024 – 1,000 steps for every year of my Dad’s life. I’ll be walking around 40 miles in about 10 hours.
“Canal walks were always a firm favourite of mine and my Dad’s, with many days spent walking along the Grand Union in Northamptonshire when I was growing up.
“My family and I, and the unit at the hospital, would be beyond grateful for anything supporters could give. Thank you ever so much in advance.”
Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a huge good luck to Sam with his challenge. Thank you so much for dedicating your time to raise more funds for the Cardiac Care Unit.
“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.”
You can donate to Sam’s fundraiser here: https://www.justgiving.com/…/sam-faulkner-1712508280259
For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk
Business
Major project to upgrade gas pipes in St Clears completed
THE £300,000 investment work, which started in September, was essential to keep the gas flowing safely to heat and power local homes and businesses, keeping people warm for generations to come. It involved upgrading gas pipes in the Station Road area of the town and Wales & West Utilities worked closely with Carmarthenshire County Council to plan the scheme.
Wales & West Utilities Adam Smith managed this work. He said: “We’re happy to have finished this work and want to thank everyone who lives and works in the area for bearing with us while we completed this essential work.
“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across St. Clears. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.
“This work was essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.”
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
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