News
Milford Haven: Birthday girl ‘set fire to her own flat’, court hears
A MILFORD HAVEN woman became out of control on drink and drugs during her birthday celebrations, leading to her ‘setting fire’ to her Mount Estate flat, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard on Tuesday (Jan 19).
Natasha Bradbury, 26, of Chestnut Way, appeared before Magistrates to face one charge of arson when reckless as to whether life could be endangered, one charge of breaching a conditional discharge, and one charge of being in possession of a class B drug.
Appearing behind the glass security screen flanked by two security officers, and wearing a loose fitting grey sweatshirt, Bradbury hid her face and sobbed as the charges were put to her.
Prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard-Jones explained to the court the events which led to the arrest: “At 5am police were called to the scene of a disturbance, which was outside the defendant’s home in the Mount Estate. Following a day of partying in Swansea, and drinking in the local pubs of Milford Haven she was reported to have been very drunk, and screaming and shouting and repeatedly kicking her door. Then, five minutes later a neighbour reported that he heard her shouting. She was heard shouting ‘I have set fire to my house and I don’t care about any of you c***s’. It is alleged that she put her hand through her own letter box and set fire to the curtain on the other side of the door.”
He added: “She should not get bail. I would say that anyone who gets themselves in such a state and not remember it could well do it again. Luckily the defendant’s boyfriend and another male who were at the scene were able to put the fire out before the fire brigade arrived.”
Defending, Mike Kelleher argued that Bradbury could be kept out of trouble if she was given her liberty and bailed to her mother’s address in Sageston. He said that his client suffered from anxiety and depression and regularly visited her doctor to obtain medication. He said that when she failed to answer bail on a previous occasion it was because she got mixed up and went to the police station instead of court.
Mr Kelleher said: “There may be people in the Mount Estate who wouldn’t take kindly to there being someone who started a fire living there. The houses are closely packed together. We are dealing with a minor fire, but all arson is serious. But she set fire to a curtain, and that was the extent of it.”
Chairman of the bench, Cllr David Simpson said: “You have listened to the charges, the bench has listened to what has been said here today. Unfortunately we do not feel we can grant you bail. You will be remanded in custody for arson when reckless as to whether life could be endangered.”
Bradbury will now appear at Swansea Crown Court on January 27. She was given a total of £170 in fines and costs for possession of cannabis and the breach of a conditional discharge.
Crime
Unanimous verdict in Ceredigion sexual assault case
A CEREDIGION man has been convicted to three years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in her own bed after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
27-year-old Suroj Bk, from Llangrannog, was sentenced this week following a week-long trial at Swansea Crown Court (May 1).
On 7 October 2023, Dyfed-Powys Police received a report that Bk entered the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her while she lay in her bed.
When the victim realised what was happening, she kicked Bk out of her bed and called the police.
Upon receiving the report, officers quickly attended the victim’s home and conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area using police dogs and scenes of crime officers.
Evidence gathered from scene, together with extensive local enquiries, led officers to arrest Suroj Bk the next day (8 October).
While Bk was in custody, detectives, crime scene investigators, and digital forensic officers worked tirelessly to uncover the evidence that ultimately placed Suroj Bk at the scene.
After hearing the evidence, the jury took less than two hours to agree a unanimous guilty verdict.
The detective in charge of the case has praised the victim for her ‘tremendous courage’ in reporting the assault to police.
“Incidents of this nature are thankfully very rare within Ceredigion, and I’d like to reassure the community that this was an isolated incident, and that the identification and arrest of suspect was done quickly and efficiently,” said Detective Inspector Sam Gregory.
“The victim in this case demonstrated tremendous courage in reporting to police, and while this investigation was not straightforward in its nature, it was through the expertise and tenacity of forensic officers, working together with the investigation team, and the victim, that led to this successful prosecution.
“I hope the sentence given to Suroj Bk sends a clear and strong message that Dyfed-Powys Police takes reports of sexual offences seriously.
“We will listen to you, and we will work tirelessly to get justice.”
On Wednesday, 1 May 2024, Saroj Bk was sentenced to three years and six months in prison and a five-year restraining order, and he will be on the sex offenders register for life.
If you have been a victim of a crime such as this, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police either through a direct message on social media, online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
News
Body recovered confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, say police
DYFED-POWYS police have said today that the body found on Wednesday, May 1, has been confirmed to be Luke Stephenson, who was reported missing from the Pembroke Dock area on April 14.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to support the family and will assist with issuing a tribute publicly if the family wish to do so.”
In a statement, his family said: “Luke was a joyful and funny young man and always wanted to help others. He was a loving son, brother, grandson and uncle, and will be forever missed.
“We have lost a huge part of our family, and our loss is shared by his many friends who also loved him dearly.
“We would like to thank the local community for the overwhelming support we have received.”
Business
Port of Milford Haven now official ‘a great place to work’
THE PORT of Milford Haven has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. As the first Port Authority in Britain to secure this Certification™, it is a significant achievement.
“We are very proud to be Great Place to Work-Certified™,” said Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “It means so much that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their colleagues, their leaders and their jobs. Offering a positive employee experience is not only beneficial for the people who work with us but is also key for our continued business success.”
Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven added: “Our team is operating the UK’s leading energy port, and it is of the utmost importance that we do that safely, responsibly and effectively. We’re striving for excellence and aim to provide a world class service to our customers as well as supporting sustainable coastal communities for the prosperity of future generations. Our employees are clearly at the centre of this which is why I’m delighted that they feel supported in their role. I’m especially proud that this Certification™ demonstrates our core values of Safety, Excellence, Collaboration and Sustainability so perfectly.”
“We congratulate the Port of Milford Haven on achieving their Certification™,” said Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place to Work® UK. “Organisations which put the employee experience at the heart of their business gain their employees’ trust and, in turn, are truly able to build a great workplace culture that delivers outstanding business results.”
Find out more about careers at the Port of Milford Haven here: www.mhpa.co.uk/about/careers-at-the-port/.
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