A PRISON officer with more than two decades’ service groped a young barmaid after “fake crying” and telling her she was nicer than his wife, a court has heard.

Michael Gardner, aged 46, was working at HMP Parc in Bridgend at the time of the incident in March last year. The Category B prison houses many inmates from Pembrokeshire and across South Wales. Gardner has since lost his job.

Swansea Crown Court heard Gardner had gone to a bar in the Neath area after watching a rugby match and appeared intoxicated. Prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton said Gardner began chatting to the barmaid and became emotional after his wife, who entered the bar shortly after him, attempted to get him to leave.

After his wife left, Gardner told the barmaid that his partner was “horrible”, began fake crying, and tried to hug her. He went on to tell her she was “nicer” than his wife and said he was going to go home with her that night.

The court was told the barmaid alerted her manager to what was happening, and a concerned customer intervened to check if she was alright.

Later in the evening, Gardner grabbed the barmaid’s left buttock and squeezed it. The bar manager ordered him to leave, but Gardner responded by becoming abusive and aggressive, shouting at staff and customers who tried to step in.

Police were called to the scene and found Gardner heavily intoxicated. Officers noted that his eyes were glazed and he was slurring his words. Upon arrest, he was found to be in possession of the bar’s electronic card reader machine.

Gardner, of School Road, Crynant, Neath, pleaded guilty to sexual assault on the day he was due to stand trial. He had previously admitted theft of the card reader at magistrates’ court. He had no prior convictions.

The judge described Gardner’s behaviour as “nothing short of utterly disgraceful and extremely seedy,” adding that the incident must have been “humiliating and embarrassing” for the victim.

David Singh, defending, said Gardner had been a prison officer for 21 years but was on sick leave for mental health issues at the time. He told the court Gardner had since accepted he was an alcoholic and had been sober for around 200 days. He described his client as “absolutely mortified” by his actions and said that while his wife remained supportive, their relationship had been significantly damaged.

Gardner was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work, attend a rehabilitation programme, and pay £500 in compensation to the victim. He will be registered as a sex offender for 10 years.

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has this week (Mar 31) published the independently chaired review of the Water Resources (Control of Agricultural Pollution) (Wales) Regulations 2021, led by Dr Susannah Bolton, alongside its response committing to implement all recommendations in full.

The review, which examined the effectiveness of measures to reduce water pollution from agricultural sources, found that while the current regulatory approach is sound, there are significant opportunities to make improvements to benefit the environment and farmers. This includes improved targeting, reducing burdens on low-risk farming activities, increasing clarity for farmers and addressing regulatory gaps.

Deputy First Minister, with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “Clean water in our rivers, lakes and seas is vital for us all. We need it for drinking, enjoying the outdoors, and growing food – all parts of our daily lives depend on it, and we must do everything possible to improve water quality for future generations.

“However, water quality in Wales is still being detrimentally impacted and improvements must continue to be made. Whilst the causes of pollution are not limited to any one sector, agriculture remains one of the main contributors.

“I would like to thank Dr Bolton for her thorough work on this review. Her extensive engagement with stakeholders has produced recommendations that demonstrate that those raising concerns have been listened to.

“The review agrees with our overall approach to the regulations but also shows ways we can make things better for both farmers and our environment. I plan to put all these recommendations into action.

“The existing rules will stay in place while the recommendations are taken forward and we will work together with all interested groups to develop these changes. We will make sure any new rules are fair and reasonable, while still focusing on our main goal – to reduce pollution from farming activities.”

The independent review makes recommendations in five key areas:

Better targeting regulations at polluting activities while reducing burdens on low-risk farming
Improving accessibility and clarity of regulations for farmers
Exploring alternative measures, particularly regarding closed periods and the 170kg nitrogen per hectare manure limit
Supporting innovation in farming practices
Addressing regulatory gaps, including soil protection measures and nutrient management planning
Dr Susannah Bolton, who led the review, said: “The engagement I have conducted for this review has demonstrated that there are strongly shared aspirations for improving water quality in Wales. I am genuinely optimistic that the recommended changes to the regulation will enable a greater degree of common agency and shared responsibility to address the challenges.”

Some changes, particularly those making regulations more accessible and clearer, will be implemented quickly. However, more complex recommendations requiring scientific and agronomic expertise will take longer to develop.

THE ANNUAL boat lift at Tenby Harbour got underway at dawn on Monday (March 31), as a towering red crane carefully lowered vessels from the harbour’s hard-standing back into the sea—signalling the town’s preparations for the busy season ahead.

A longstanding tradition in Tenby, the boat lift marks the symbolic shift from the quiet of winter to the energy of spring and summer. County Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “It brings a feeling of spring and hope. It’s a sign that the town is waking up and getting ready for another busy season.”

In previous years, the event has drawn early-morning spectators who gather to watch the precision required to manoeuvre boats of all shapes and sizes into the harbour. Last year, the lift was postponed due to high winds and heavy sea swells. Despite the challenging weather, the crane arrived by 5:00am and the operation concluded later that morning.

As is tradition, the lift follows the annual ‘Blessing of the Boats’ service at St Julian’s Church—affectionately known as the “little church on the harbour.”

This year, favourable weather meant the lift went ahead smoothly and on schedule, much to the relief of organisers and boat owners alike. The sight of boats gently returning to the water serves as a vivid reminder of Tenby’s strong maritime identity and the community’s eagerness for the approaching tourist season.

Adding to the town’s growing reputation, Tenby was recently named one of the world’s top travel destinations for 2025. Events such as the Tenby Steampunk Festival—complete with Victorian costumes and peacock parades—continue to enhance its unique charm.

With boats once again bobbing in the harbour, residents and visitors are looking forward to the return of the vibrant atmosphere that defines Tenby in the warmer months.

(Image: Gareth Davies Photography)