News
Soldiers seek compensation for damaged hearing
SOLDIERS who took part in a local mock battle are making compensation claims for defective hearing from gun noise after complaining about inadequate Army ear plugs, a tribunal has been told.
Scores of troopers in the Queen’s Royal Hussars took part in the “battle” at the Castlemartin training area in south Pembrokeshire to prepare them for the war in Afghanistan. Complaints about inadequate ear protection were made by former soldier Philip Goodman as he made a successful appeal for compensation at a War & Armed Forces Tribunal at Birmingham. Mr Goodman was a trooper in the Queen’s Royal Hussars when his regiment was told they were going to Afghanistan.
To prepare them for the war in Afghanistan they took part in the Pembroke mock battle. But Mr Goodman complained that the ear protection device used to protect the soldiers from deafness during gun blasts, slipped out of his left ear as he prepared to shoot at “enemy” targets. He said the devices were inadequate and that he did not have time to protect his hearing before his colleagues started shooting – causing a combined blast of noise. “As a result I became deaf in my left ear and although I went to Afghanistan with the others I was brought back after only three weeks,” he said.
Mr Goodman, aged 29, said that on his return the Army replaced the inadequate ear plugs with new and improved ones but by then it was too late to save his deaf ear. After numerous examinations on his ear he was discharged from the Army on medical grounds in 2013. Mr Goodman who was represented at the tribunal by the Royal British Legion, said that apart from making an appeal for compensation for his deaf ear he also sought compensation for a bad back caused during Army exercises.
A medical report on his deafness and his back was shown to the tribunal. Miss Alex Hocking, representing Veterans UK, challenged the claims. The tribunal told Mr Goodman that his appeal had been successful and that the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme would be told to pay him an “appropriate amount,” to be decided at a later date. But his compensation claim for his back was rejected. Mr Goodman said after the hearing that he was delighted with the outcome but said he had no idea how much he would be awarded. He agreed the ear plugs previously used by the Army had not been good enough and had since been replaced with different ones.”
“Other soldiers complained they kept slipping out of the ears and some of them are making compensation claims similar to my own,” he said. “I spent five years in the Army and loved the life. I planned to make it my career but I left after what happened. “I got a job in call centre after leaving the Army and I am now working for British Telecom.” An Army spokesman said; “This Government recognises that our Armed Forces do a challenging and sometimes dangerous job and it is vital that those who are injured receive the compensation and support they deserve through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.”
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.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
-
News10 hours ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
News10 hours ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
Crime2 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
Business5 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Business1 day ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
Crime6 days ago
All three school stabbing victims discharged from hospital, police confirm
-
News1 day ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson
-
News8 hours ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal