News

Gambling addict stole from work mates

Published

12 years ago

January 16, 2014

Tom Sinclair

A MILFORD HAVEN woman appeared in Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Wednesday to face five charges of theft.

Alison Marie Price, aged 44, of Gleeblands, Hakin, pleaded guilty to all five charges.

Prosecuting, Nicholas Newton said: “The offences occurred between April and September 2013 and relate to Price’s employment. It was theft of money from other employees in the work place. One of the victims, Nicky Davies, had left her coat hanging in the staff room and had £40 stolen from her coat pocket.

“Previous thefts resulted in a hidden camera being installed in the staff room. Footage was viewed, which showed Price taking the money. Upon being arrested, Price pleaded guilty and admitted to further offences of theft on different occasions.

“Previous convictions have been of a dishonest nature, such as false representation under fraud and had received a suspended custodial sentence for this in 2010”.

Defence solicitor, Michael Kelleher said: “Please bear in mind her early guilty plea and her full and frank admissions. The first offence is on camera, though the others have not been proved. She gave full and frank admissions to additional charges.

“Price had become addicted to gambling and had taken out loans to gamble. She has attended gamblers anonymous and is trying to control it. She currently has debts of what she estimates to be around £15,000. This was simply an indication of how desperate she was”.

Probation officer, Julie Norman said: “Until 2010, Price led a normal life. She developed a health issue and had to be signed off sick. While she was out of work, she started to gamble online. She says it was not unusual to spend £1000 a day. She no longer gambles and hasn’t gambled in a long time. She is unable to pay the debt off as her outgoings were more than her income. She could not see another way out other than to steal some money.

“She currently has depression and is signed off sick because of it. She is also scared that she’ll be sent into custody today”.

The magistrates told Price: “We learn about addiction problems via media every day. We have looked at your record and it is atrocious. We are not sending you to prison, but are granting a 12 months suspended custodial sentence for 26 weeks. We are also granting a supervision order and an activity requirement of thinking skills”.

Price was also fined a total of £265, which included compensation for the victims, costs and victim surcharge.

Community

Milford Haven Sea Cadets celebrate offshore voyage success

Published

11 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIX CADETS from Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets have completed a challenging week-long offshore voyage aboard T.S. John Jerwood.

The cadets took to the water for a demanding but enjoyable week, gaining a number of qualifications despite difficult weather conditions.

The unit congratulated all six cadets on their achievements and thanked the Sea Cadet Offshore team for making the voyage possible.

A spokesperson said: “Voyages like this are only made possible by the brilliant Sea Cadet Offshore team. Thank you for the amazing work you do to allow this amazing opportunity to be possible.

“BZ all!”

The Milford Haven unit also thanked West Wales District Sea Cadets, South West Area Sea Cadets, Sea Cadets Offshore, South West Area Senior Staff Officer, and RFCA for Wales for their support.

News

Nearly 100 attend Big Green Service at St Davids Cathedral

Published

13 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

COMMUNITY EVENT CELEBRATES FAITH, NATURE AND ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

NEARLY 100 people gathered at St Davids Cathedral for the Big Green Service, a celebration of faith, community action and care for the natural world.

The service brought together worshippers, local churches and chapels, members of the Cathedral congregation, and visitors from across the world.

Those taking part included EcoDewi, Erw Dewi, Hope Worship Band, the Cathedral Choristers, Canon Sheridan, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, Mamgu Welshcakes, the refreshments team, Cathedral staff and volunteers.

Visitors also attended from California, Philadelphia, Belgium, Malaysia and Patagonia.

Organisers said the event was a reminder to be grateful for the planet and to continue working together to protect it for future generations.

Community

Tenby 10k raises more than £20,000 for Paul Sartori

Published

14 hours ago

June 8, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A POPULAR Tenby road race has raised more than £20,000 for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

Runners and sponsors taking part in last year’s Tenby 10k raised £20,559.07 for the Pembrokeshire charity, which provides hospice care to people in their own homes.

The race, organised by Waterfront Community Runners, took place in October 2025 and was well supported by locals and visitors, who lined the route through the town to cheer on competitors.

Laura Hugman, Chief Executive of Paul Sartori, has now received the cheque, presented by a selection of those who took part in the event.

This year’s Tenby 10k will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, on a closed-road, two-lap course through the centre of Tenby.

More than 400 runners have already signed up, with entries now past 40 per cent capacity and organisers expecting the event to sell out again.

Anyone wishing to take part can enter at www.waterfrontcommunityrunners.co.uk.

All proceeds from this year’s race will again be donated to the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Caption:

Laura Hugman, Chief Executive of Paul Sartori, receives the cheque from Tenby 10k runners and organisers.