News
Teenage skipper honoured for bravery
A FISHING BOAT skipper has been commended for his courage and determination after he saved the crew of his sinking boat – aged just 16.
Jake Bowman-Davies was in charge of the 15 metre fishing boat Cesca, when she ran into difficulties on passage from her home port of Milford Haven to new grounds off the north Wales coast in February.
At around 10.30pm the boat suddenly started taking on water off the Llyn Peninsula in rough weather, and Jake organised the three-man crew, who set up auxillary pumps in an attempt to save the boat, while making and maintaining contact with the emergency services.
After two hours, the engine cut out due to rising water levels, and Jake made the decision to abandon the Cesca. He had only taken over as the boat’s skipper a few weeks before, but kept his cool and launched the liferaft. As the RAF helicopter approached, the crew donned their lifejackets and jumped into the sea, where they were rescued from the liferaft. Jake was the last to leave the boat.
Jake, now 17, was given an award for courage and determination from the Shipwrecked Mariners Society for his actions on the night of February 12.
Olympic Sailor Ben Ainslie described his actions that night as ‘impressive.
However, Jake was unable to attend the award ceremony at London’s Fishmongers’ Hall in person, because he was fishing in his new boat, the C.K.S. Speaking to The Herald, Jake praised the sea survival training that he and his crew had been given, and the coastguard and the crew of the airforce helicopter which rescued them. “I was proud when they told me about the award – but unfortunately I couldn’t make it because I was at sea,” he said. “I’m not a hero or anything; I just did what you have to do.
“It was crazy how it happened, but I like to think about it as part of the risks you take being a fisherman. It could happen tomorrow, you never know.”
Crime
Lamphey man stole £1,300 from train passengers’ bags
A LAMPHEY man has been sentenced for stealing £1,300 in cash and bank cards from passengers’ bags on the Tenby-Pembroke Dock train.
The court heard that on August 11, Luke Brummit, 46, removed two rucksacks from the luggage rack and searched them.
“The defendant took the bags into another carriage, searched them, and removed a purse and wallet before leaving the bags beneath the seat,” Crown Prosecutor Derek Davies told magistrates.
Brummit also admitted stealing £86.06 worth of items, including two legs of lamb and bottles of beer, from Sainsbury’s in Tenby on September 19.
Defence solicitor Tom Lloyd said Brummit has since taken steps to address his behaviour: “He’s doing better than he’s ever done and is working to improve his conduct.”
Magistrates imposed an 18-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 120-day alcohol monitoring programme. Brummit must pay £1,300 compensation to the victim, £86.06 to Sainsbury’s, a £114 court surcharge, and £85 in costs.
Crime
Ex-refinery worker sentenced for harassment and stalking in Milford Haven
A FORMER refinery worker has been sentenced after harassing his ex-partner by dumping rubbish in her garden and shouting through her letterbox.
Haverfordwest magistrates heard that on June 14, at around 6:20am, Kyle Allerton, 29, arrived at Leah Jenkins’ property in Milford Haven after attempting to call and text her earlier that morning.
“He rang her at around 6:00am, then turned up at her property at 6:22am,” Crown Prosecutor Derek Davies said.
“He shouted through the letterbox, demanding she come to the door or window to talk to him. He then emptied bins over her garden before driving off in a white van.”
Jenkins said in her victim impact statement: “I feel harassed by his actions and worried about what he might have done.”
Probation officer Courtney Colman explained that Allerton had struggled to cope with the end of their seven-year relationship, turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
“He was drinking up to ten cans a day, which contributed to his losing his job at the refinery,” she said.
Allerton pleaded guilty to harassment. Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order, including 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 10 hours of unpaid work. He must pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.
Crime
Goodwick driver fined for crashing into van and outbuilding
A 21-YEAR-OLD motorist has been sentenced for driving on a Pembrokeshire B road and colliding with a parked van and an outbuilding.
Luke Harvey was driving a blue Ford Fiesta along the B4313 at Llanychaer, near Fishguard, at around 11:30pm on May 16, with a male passenger in the car.
“A call was made to the police, reporting that he had hit a van as well as an outbuilding,” Crown Prosecutor Derek Davies told magistrates.
“The people living at the property advised him to stay at the scene, but he insisted on going home. He managed to free his vehicle and drove off towards Fishguard.”
Police traced the car to an address in Fishguard and located Harvey. He pleaded guilty to failing to stop after an accident, using a vehicle without third-party insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Magistrates fined Harvey £120 and ordered him to pay £85 in costs and a £48 surcharge. His licence was endorsed with eight penalty points.
-
Business6 days ago
Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment
-
Business3 days ago
Plans unveiled for new fitness hub in Charles Street
-
News2 days ago
Audit report flags financial risks for cash-strapped Pembrokeshire County Council
-
Crime3 days ago
Pembroke Dock woman in court for failing to remove rubbish from property
-
Top News2 days ago
Has local MP bitten off more than he can chew with visit to Domino’s?
-
News6 days ago
Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash
-
Health7 days ago
NHS staff at risk during pandemic due to PPE issues, Covid Inquiry hears
-
Community3 days ago
Kick off the festive season in style at the Riverside Winter Fair