News

Haverfordwest: Man jailed for ‘terrifying’ stabbing attack

Published

9 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.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.