News

Haverfordwest: Man jailed for ‘terrifying’ stabbing attack

Published

8 years ago

December 2, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Heavy police presence: Police are at the scene (Pic. Herald Reporter)

Heavy police presence: Emergency services attended the scene of the stabbing (Pic. The Herald)

A HAVERFORDWEST man who ‘coolly and calmly’ stabbed another man in the abdomen during a row over money has been jailed today (Dec 2) for more than five years.

Jordan Rees had to be airlifted to Swansea’s Morriston hospital for an emergency operation after a ‘terrifying attack’ at Riflemen’s Field.

Liam Newman, aged 19, admitted wounding with intent and was jailed for five years and four months.

Swansea Crown Court heard that children who witnessed the attack had been so traumatised that they still refused to play in the park.

Carina Hughes, prosecuting, said members of the two families had holidayed together in Magaluf. But the holiday went wrong and the tour company later paid compensation, but only to the person whose name came first on the booking form.

That led to an argument between the families, said Miss Hughes, and a confrontation on September 19.

During the row Jordan’s mother telephoned him and asked him to come to the park, and Liam Newman was asked by his younger brother James to attend.

Liam Newman arrived on a motorcycle dressed entirely in black and wearing a black helmet.

He immediately stabbed Mr Rees, and walked ‘coolly and calmly away, just as he had arrived.’

Mr Rees was left on the ground with his intestines emerging through the wound.

He underwent a two and a half hour operation and spent two weeks in hospital.

Miss Hughes said several children were left shocked by what they had seen and a seven year old girl was still receiving counselling.

Newman telephoned a friend, Martin Clarke, and told him “I have done something stupid.” Mr Clarke took him to Haverfordwest police station where he told officers what he had done.

Newman’s barrister, John Tarrant, said he had never been in trouble with the police and the degree of violence shown that day was difficult to understand.

The judge, Mr Recorder Timothy Petts said it was a worrying and awful case, worrying partly because a 19 year old man with no history of violence could do such a thing.

“Knives are dangerous and here is another demonstration of what can happen.

“Mr Rees feels he could have died and it will take him a long time to recover, if he ever does.

“Even children who saw the incident were traumatised,” he added.

Newman, who left the area after the stabbing to live in Gloucestershire, was also made the subject of a restraining order banning him from contacting Mr Rees.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

4 mins ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

2 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

2 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.