News
Dale: Tragic Paddy Dear, 16, was popular, very friendly and caring young man
A SCHOOLBOY who went missing on a geography field trip has been found dead by coastguard teams at the bottom of a Pembrokeshire cliff.
Shocked friends and schoolmates have paid tribute to Paddy Dear, 16, after his body was found near Dale in the early hours of Friday morning (Mar 18).
Rescue services made the tragic discovery after searching cliffs at the Dale Fort study centre, which is visited by thousands of school pupils every year.
Paddy was a pupil and ‘keen sportsman’ at Campion School, a top Catholic science academy in Hornchurch, Essex.
The headteacher of the school, Mr Keith Williams, sent a letter to parents informing them of the news.
The letter reads: “I am emailing to inform you of the tragic death of one of our Year 12 students, Paddy Dear who was on the Geography field trip to West Wales.
“Your son/daughter has been told of his death at assembly this morning following confirmation provided by the police.
“As you can imagine, this has had a devastating effect upon the school community.”
In a separate statement, he added: “Paddy was a wonderful young man who was fully involved in the life of the school.
“As a keen sportsman, he was very proud of representing the school in a range of sports but most notably rugby.
“He was a popular, very friendly and caring young man who had the whole world ahead of him.
“Nobody had a bad word to say about him and he never had a bad word for anyone else.
“His team members remember him as a talented; all round sportsman, loved by all who got to know him, fantastic company and the life and soul of any party.
“He was a typical Campion student who gave everything he could to the school community.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends who have been devastated by this news.
“The school is offering support to his friends through counselling and guidance from staff and priests who are with us today.”
A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “A body was found at Dale Point in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, at 1am following an extensive search. Family members have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.”
Later the police told The Herald: “We can confirm that the teenager who was tragically found dead in Dale was 16 year old Patrick “Paddy” Dear from Essex.
“Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and would appeal for anyone who was in the Dale area late yesterday evening, and may have information which could help the investigation, to contact Haverfordwest Police on 101.”
Dyfed-Powys Police are asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time or may have information which could help them to call 101.
A member of the coastguard team involved in the search told The Herald that the find was: “Sad and tragic news”.
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/.
-
News2 days ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News2 days ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
News2 days ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Crime4 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
News1 day ago
Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor
-
Business3 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News3 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson
-
News6 days ago
‘Honest’ caravan site owner ran site ‘under the radar’ for 20 years