News

Perverted army officer loses career

Published

11 years ago

November 21, 2013

A HIGH-RANKING army officer has been jailed for taking pictures of children as they changed on a popular Pembrokeshire beach.

Holidaymakers became suspicious of 43-year-old Lt Col Mark Smyth’s behaviour in August this year, the court heard.Smyth from North Somerset was already part of a sex offenders’ treatment programme for a previous offence.

Jailing him for 16 months, Judge Paul Thomas described his actions as “deliberate and cunning”. Swansea Crown Court heard that Smyth had been given a second chance by a judge after a previous court hearing in May was told of his military career in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He was allowed to keep his job in the army with the same rank after being caught with 5,000 images of children and sharing them with otherpaedophiles. Some of those films and photographs had been taken near his barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire. Smyth then went on holiday with his wife and two children and was caught videoing a six-year-old girl changing into a wetsuit at Whitesands Bay in St Davids, Pembrokeshire, on August 3.

The commanding officer in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers claimed he started filming children as young as 18 months for an “adrenaline rush”. Passing sentence, the judge said: “Surely an army officer has other outlets for adrenaline.”

Smyth will now lose his military career and pension. The judge told him: “You are not the usual inadequate, pathetic individual who comes before the court on this sort of charge.

“You are an extremely intelligent man who achieved a rank of lieutenant colonel, a privilege obtained by very few.

“But privilege comes with responsibility.

“You knew before how lucky you were to retain this rank but within just a few weeks you reoffended in a deliberate and cunning way.

“This had all the hallmarks of a devious and calculating individual who can only be stopped by the deprivation of liberty.”

Smyth, from Nailsea, North Somerset, admitted 16 charges of taking indecent photographs of children and being in possession of 29 indecent photos of children. He also admitted breaking a sexual offences prevention order imposed at Bristol Crown Court on May 20. Smyth was sentenced to 16 months in prison for the original offences; 10 months for taking pictures in Pembrokeshire; and four months for breaching the previous order – all to run concurrently.

In addition he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and was given a new sexual offences order, also to run indefinitely. The order bans him from swimming pools, children’s play areas and schools.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

13 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

13 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

13 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!