News
Major parties begin Parliamentary campaigns
POTENTIAL voters in south Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen west were introduced to their Westminster candidates this week, as election fever builds in the run-up to the May election.
Conservative Simon Hart, the incumbent MP launched his re-election campaign by pledging to continue to provide robust support to people in their hour of need and to put people above politics.
Mr Hart told the Herald: “In Westminster I have been proud to successfully champion our part of Wales in the heart of Government.
“Since the last election I have dealt with 9,000 inquiries in my office in Whitland, held nearly 40 public meetings, visited countless schools, businesses, clubs and institutions and, most importantly, spoken to literally thousands of local people.
“I am delighted that – despite Ed Miliband’s predictions – unemployment is down over 30% from 2010, that inflation is at 0%, that interest rates are low and that business start ups and growth are at their highest for years. Who would have thought Britain would be the fastest growing economy in the world?
“Locally I have been so delighted to support local projects such as the successful bid to bring S4C to Carmarthen, the campaign to get Network rail to renovate the station buildings in Whitland, to sort out speeding problems in villages across the area and to lead the charge for our tourist industry in getting George Osborne to scrap a higher rate of vat on caravans amongst countless other important local issues.
“There is always more to do, more battles to be fought, but I hope I have been able to convince people that I have a successful track record and deserve another term.”
His rival, Labour candidate Delyth Evans, also launched her campaign this week, in Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock, where former Welsh secretary Peter Hain showed up to offer his support.
Ms Evans spoke confidently about Labour’s plan for the next five years, building a better Britain based on an economy that works for working people, supporting the NHS, creating more apprenticeships and opportunities for young people, and abolishing the Bedroom Tax.

Among those attending the launch was the local Labour party’s oldest member, 93-year-old Betty Farrar from Amroth. Backing Ms Evans, Betty said that “our communities need a strong voice in Westminster.
“Times are still tough for families. I worry for older people like myself that if the Tories get their way, social care will be cut badly taking away the services that people need every day.
“I remember a time before the NHS. People today have no idea what it was like. I was one of seven children and when we were sick I don’t remember ever seeing a doctor. So the creation of the NHS was so, so vital. I do worry about the National Health because if the Tories get back in, they will hack away at it.”
Ms Evans told the Herald that Betty’s concerns are widely felt: “Betty shares many of the concerns that I have been hearing on the doorstep over the last two years. Concerns about austerity and concerns about the public services. Voters in South Pembrokeshire want to be reassured that the next government will work for them and that they have an MP who understands and shares their concerns. This constituency can make the difference as to which party will govern the country. If you want change, you can get change by voting Labour on May 7th.”
The race for the seat looks too close to call, and even LSE analysts, while predicting that the Conservatives may shade it admit they ‘wouldn’t bet the house’ on the result. In 2010, Simon Hart achieved a majority of nearly 3,500 over Labour’s Nick Ainger, but a stronger showing for Labour and a surge in popularity for UKIP show the Conservative lead slashed from double-figure percentage points down to 0.8%. The success of these campaigns could very well have a major impact on which party carries South Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West in May.
Full list of candidates for this seat:
Delyth Evans Labour Party
Elwyn Williams Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales
Simon Hart Conservative Party
John Atkinson UK Independence Party (UKIP)
Gary Tapley Green Party
Selwyn Runnett Liberal Democrats
Crime
Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub
Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday
DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an incident reported at Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).
An 18-year-old man was arrested after officers were called to the venue, which is a popular late-night spot in the seaside village. The allegation relates to events said to have taken place during the early hours of the morning.
Joshua Probert, aged 18, has since been charged with one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 18).
The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under law, and no further details about the allegation can be reported at this stage.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Officers are understood to have carried out initial investigative work shortly after the report was made, including speaking to witnesses.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
- Anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, on 0808 500 2222. Calls are free and confidential.
Local Government
Mayor visits Milford Haven Library Christmas event
THE MAYOR of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott, paid a visit to Milford Haven Library on Tuesday morning to attend its festive Mince Pie and a Cuppa event.
The event brought together library staff and local residents, with the Mayor thanking staff for their work supporting the community throughout the year. During the visit, Cllr Elliott also spent time speaking with residents who had come along to the event or were visiting the library to borrow books.
Milford Haven Library is part of the Pembrokeshire Libraries service, which provides access to books, information, and community activities across the county.
The Mayor wished residents a Merry Christmas at the close of his visit.
Crime
Milford Haven man jailed after drunken attack on partner and police officers
A MILFORD HAVEN man who launched a violent drunken assault on his partner before attacking two police officers has been jailed for three years and six months.
Alexander Campbell was sentenced on Wednesday (Dec 16) at Swansea Crown Court after admitting causing grievous bodily harm and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court heard that Campbell had been in a relationship with his partner, Miss Cox, for six years. On the night of the offence, he returned home highly intoxicated and became argumentative.

The counsel for the prosecution told the court that Miss Cox advised Campbell to go upstairs and sleep off the alcohol. Instead, he began poking her and told her not to tell him what to do.
Campbell then launched what Miss Cox described as “a flurry of punches that rained down on her.”
Neighbours contacted police after hearing the disturbance. When officers arrived, they found a smashed bowl on the floor and Miss Cox lying on the sofa under a blanket, covering her face.
Body-worn camera footage played in court showed Campbell threatening officers, telling them: “I will turn this place into a f***ing murder scene.”
As officers attempted to separate the parties, PC Thomas placed her arm out to create distance. Campbell grabbed her wrist with force, an assault captured on body-worn video.
He then attacked PC Jones, climbing on top of him and punching him repeatedly, again recorded on police body-worn footage.
PC Thomas later attended Withybush Hospital, where she received four stitches under local anaesthetic. Miss Cox suffered severe facial bruising, with one eye swollen almost shut.
The court was told that Miss Cox’s ten-year-old daughter was upstairs at the property during the incident.
Campbell has 27 previous offences. In mitigation, the court heard that he accepted alcohol turned him into a different person, telling the court: “I’m an ugly person when I drink. I’m a different person when I’m sober.”
Sentencing Campbell, the judge said he knew better than anyone how alcohol affected him.
“You came home in a bad mood and almost predictively, you assaulted her,” the judge said.
“The noise and aggression was such that the neighbour called the police.”
“You gave her a bruise on her face that can only be described as a large shiner.”
“In short, you have injured three people. Your conduct was utterly pathetic, like an overgrown child.”
The judge also referred to Campbell’s violent history, describing him as a “cowardly bully.”
While acknowledging that Campbell had previously complied well with a suspended sentence after removing his own alcohol tag, the judge said custody was unavoidable.
Campbell was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, with half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence.
Warning him about his future, the judge added: “If you carry on with this behaviour you will spend a lifetime in prison. The only person who can change this is you.”
The court also granted a restraining order for five years.
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