News
Epic journey passes through
THE POINTON family have been on an epic journey since June, sailing around the coast of the UK anti-clockwise in order to raise money for the fantastic charity, Action For Children.
Steve, Kaz and Harry Pointon began their trip at Gosport on June 4 and will now visit Milford Haven on Saturday afternoon (Jul 30) and Tenby on Sunday (Aug 1) while on their journey.
Dad Steve has said that the task did not phase him, having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Navy for over 24 years.
While serving, Steve worked with Sea King helicopters from 845 and 846 squadrons based in Yeovilton, preparing for the 11,073 mile trip.
Steve still serves as a Chief Petty Officer as a Reservist on 700X squadron based at Culdrose and has been sailing with his wife Kaz for about 20 years, starting with Navy charter yachts on the Solent.
The UK has some of the strongest tides in the world and the weather can bring strong winds and poor visibility all year around, but the Pointon family were determined to complete their expedition.
Environmentally friendly Team Tikka will negotiate the UK’s coastline in order to raise money for Action For Children, a charity close to their hearts.
The charity take action to improve the lives of vulnerable children, intervening early to help to fix problems before children are overwhelmed by abuse, neglect and ill-treatment. Action For Children intervene when there are more serious concerns to make children safer and help them to thrive.
Mum Caz said: “We adopted Harry when he was six. He had a difficult start in life and we’re delighted to have been able to offer him a loving and caring home that he needs.
“We would like to see all children in our country have a better chance in life, which is why we chose Action for Children. It’s a national charity that is passionate about helping vulnerable children and young people and we hope to raise a lot of money and raise awareness of the great work they do.”
Outdoor persuits instructor Martin Torbett, a friend of Steve’s, who climbs and cycles regularly, has also been inspired by the Pointon family’s quest.
Martin has already completed four cycle charity events in in the past and was eager to participate in the challenge by cycling approximately 4,000 miles around the UK at the same time as the Pointon family’s journey.
The Pointon family have exceeded their £10,000 target, raising just under £14,000, but want to raise as much money as possible for the fantastic cause.
If you would like to donate to support them and Action For Children, go to: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/TikkasTravels.
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/.
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