News

Judgement reserved on Herald editor

Published

9 years ago

April 20, 2017

Barrister Matthew Paul: Pictured with Herald editor Thomas Sinclair

THE EDITOR of The Ceredigion Herald appeared in court today (Apr 20) charged with breaching a statutory reporting restriction.

Thomas Hutton Sinclair, the 37-year-old editor of the Herald titles, was on trial for allegedly identifying the complainant in a sexual offence case.

Appearing in Llanelli Magistrates’ Court, Mr Sinclair maintained his not guilty plea.

Prosecuting, Emma Myles told the court that the allegation related to an article published in the Ceredigion Herald in 2016.

“The court will be aware that under the provision of the 1992 sexual offences act the complainant has a right to anonymity,” Ms Myles said.

“It is the Crown’s submission that this falls foul of the wording of this act.”

All written statements were accepted by the defence, and the case hinged on whether the article in question breached the Act in question or not.

The court heard from the record of a police interview with Herald deputy editor Jon Coles, in which he stated that he had received the court report in question from a Herald court reporter, and changed the tense from present to past, as well as fixing some errors.

Describing Mr Sinclair as ‘a hands-on editor’, he added that Mr Sinclair had the final word over what was published. Mr Coles stated that in this instance he had not been instructed to check whether the content complied with the law, though on some occasions he carried out this task when asked.

In an informal interview last year, Mr Sinclair told police that he had held the role of editor since 2013, although his training was in law not journalism.

He added that as a total of around 1,200 articles were published over the four titles each week, it was ‘impossible’ to edit all of them, and some of this work was referred to the deputy editor. In this case he had not seen the article until it was brought to his attention by the police.

When asked his opinion on whether the article breached reporting restrictions, Mr Sinclair replied that it ‘sailed close to the wind’ but would not allow members of the public in general to identify the complainant.

He pointed out that the defendant in the original case had ‘a common surname’ and that The Herald had not reproduced his address.

When asked if he would have changed anything had he edited the article himself, Mr Sinclair suggested that he may have taken out details of the defendant’s occupation.

However, he maintained that ‘any member of the general public would not be able to piece together who the complainant is’.

He also noted that the reporter who wrote the article had just been coming to the end of a probationary period at the time, and that his staff had already been booked onto a media law course.

Summing up, Ms Myles said that it was the Crown’s submission that by publishing this article, Mr Sinclair had breached legislation specifically aimed at that type of case.

“I respectfully submit that the legislation must be stringently applied,” she added, stating that details of the relationship between the complainant and the defendant in the original case which were published breached the legislation.

Representing Mr Sinclair, Matthew Paul set out the information revealed in the article – the name, age and former occupation of the convicted party, along with the date of conviction and a familial relationship which had existed at some point between him and the complainant. However, he noted that the date of the offence and the defendant’s address had not been included, and no indication had been given as to the age of the complainant.

His argument was that in this case there was nothing in the article which would allow any member of the public not closely connected with the convicted party or the complainant to make any identification.

Mr Paul stressed that for a conviction, it had to be demonstrated that there was a real, rather than a hypothetical risk of identification.

Referring to the case of the Attorney General vs Greater Manchester Newspaper Group he noted that it had been found that the risk of identification was not based on relative statistical probability but ‘a real risk’.

“The Crown has to establish more than a hypothetical, but a material risk,” he added.

Mr Paul noted that the Crown appeared to be of the position that placing the complainant in a ‘pool of potential victims’ was the same as identifying them.

“Identifying, in my submission, must mean only one thing; it must lead to one person.”

Mr Paul added that the familial relationship mentioned could apply to more than one person, and that there was nothing in the report which suggested whether it was an historical or recent offence.

He suggested that the most the article could lead to, if read by someone familiar with the convicted party and/ or complainant, would be to place them in a ‘small pool’ of potential people.

He also noted that this small risk of identification was made even smaller by the Ceredigion Herald’s circulation figures at this time, which amounted to a relatively small percentage of the county buying a copy, and the fact that the story was not placed online.

“Right from the start you are dealing with a low-level risk, made even smaller by the fact that the date of the offence was not mentioned,” he added.

“Overall, you are looking at whether this report would lead members of the public to identify the complainant – it is my submission that it would not.”

District Judge David Parsons reserved judgement until May 12 at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

Community

Coeduno launches free Eco-Land workshops ahead of Volunteer Week

Published

3 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

TO CELEBRATE National Volunteers’ Week from June 1-7, local community enterprise Cwm Arian is inviting people to help transform their CoedUNO site, which is an exciting community growing and agroforestry space nestled in Tegryn.

Thanks to a financial Community Grant from the Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG)- delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the National Forest for Wales programme – these free, hands-on sessions will run every Tuesday morning for the next few months.

The project offers a unique opportunity to step out into nature, connect with a friendly team, and learn practical, regenerative land skills directly from an industry expert. All sessions are guided by volunteer coordinator Kevin Rabbitt, an experienced horticulturist, woodsman, and agroecology advisor.

Under Kevin’s expert guidance, participants will gain rich, practical experience in everything from tree planting and plant species identification to mastering composting systems and nurturing soil health. Volunteers can also delve into traditional woodland crafts and broader regenerative land management.

Because the team wants these sessions to be shaped by the people who attend, volunteers are encouraged to share their own ideas and focus on the specific skills that interest them most. No prior experience is necessary, and a supportive, welcoming environment is guaranteed for everyone.

This collaborative effort comes at a pivotal time for CoedUNO, as work is actively underway to transform the site into a fully inclusive and accessible space. The project has already made fantastic progress with the completion of new, mobility-friendly pathways.

The next phase of development will bring a dedicated tool-shed shelter, a disability-friendly compost toilet, and significantly improved vehicle access.

Since active construction is taking place to upgrade this infrastructure, CoedUNO remains closed to the general public for safety reasons. Joining these supervised Tuesday sessions is currently the only way to experience the space and witness its transformation first-hand before the official public opening later this summer.

The sessions begin promptly at 10:00 am every Tuesday morning, with volunteers meeting in front of Ysgol Clyda in Tegryn (SA35 0BE), where convenient roadside parking is available. Due to the ongoing building works, organisers ask that participants approach the site with care and observe all safety signage.

To book a place, share project ideas, or find out more, please contact Kevin Rabbitt directly at [email protected].

Community

Fire service leads Wales in dignity campaign for men with incontinence

Published

8 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has become the first fire service in Wales to install specially designed sanitary bins for men with incontinence.

The service has installed 26 male incontinence bins across 22 sites as part of the Dispose with Dignity initiative, led by phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK.

The scheme supports men who experience bladder leaks, including those who have undergone life-saving treatment for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with one in eight men expected to develop the disease. The risk doubles to one in four for Black men. Urinary incontinence can be a side effect of treatment, including radical prostatectomy surgery.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service employs 1,420 people, 81 per cent of whom are men.

The organisation has now achieved the Gold level of The BOG STANDARD Charter, which recognises employers and organisations that install suitable disposal facilities, provide support, and help raise awareness of prostate cancer and incontinence.

Kelsey Tiffin, from the service’s estates department, said: “Like many employers, we didn’t know this was an issue that affected so many men, but as soon as we became aware, we wanted to take action to support our team.

“We want to ensure that all the men at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue can feel confident to come to work, knowing they will have the facilities they need to dispose of their incontinence pads.

“Talking about bladder leaks is never easy, but it’s so important for us to do this and reduce the stigma associated with it, because prostate cancer is so prevalent.

“We really hope having the bins will raise awareness of prostate cancer, as well as being a good reminder for men on our team to get their PSA checked at the GP sooner rather than later.”

More than 2,170 businesses and organisations across the UK have signed up to The BOG STANDARD, with more than 21,700 specially designed bins installed since the campaign launched in February 2023.

Matthew Brabin, chief executive of phs Group, said too many men were avoiding work, social events and everyday activities because suitable facilities were not available.

He said: “Whether it’s going to work, a conference, to their local sports club or even to the local for a pint, when there are no sanitary bins, men with incontinence are staying at home, when they should be with us.

“This is what our Dispose with Dignity initiative is trying to change, and we’re so pleased to see Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue join the fight by signing up to The BOG STANDARD Charter.”

Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Many men need sanitary bins so they can dispose of their used pads discreetly and hygienically — but often these bins are nowhere to be found in men’s loos.

“It’s causing men stress and shame, and keeping them from going to work and doing the things they love.

“Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue is making the organisation more welcoming and accessible for every employee, and we hope other organisations will follow.”

Anyone concerned about prostate cancer can contact Prostate Cancer UK’s Specialist Nurses on 0800 074 8383 or visit prostatecanceruk.org.

Community

Grant funding secured to restore Pembrokeshire’s last surviving tŷ unnos

Published

8 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE’S last surviving tŷ unnos is set to undergo essential repairs after the county council’s Museum Service secured a £20,000 grant.

Penrhos Cottage, near Llanycefn, Maenclochog, is a rare surviving example of an overnight cottage — a type of building deeply rooted in Welsh cultural history.

Tŷ unnos were traditionally said to have been built on common land between sunset and sunrise, often with the support of the local community, to provide shelter for those in need.

The grant from the Pilgrim Trust will fund specialist conservation work on the exterior of the historic cottage, including repairs to the traditional thatched roof, restoration of lime mortar walls, limewashing, and improvements to the immediate surroundings.

The first phase of work is expected to begin in June.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “This is great news for Penrhos Cottage and the wider county, adding to the historical and cultural offer provided by the Museum Service of Pembrokeshire County Council.

“This is an important project and hopefully an important step towards opening the cottage in the future.”

Cllr Simon Wright, who represents the Maenclochog ward, said: “The grant from the Pilgrim Trust is a fantastic amount to receive for the much-needed improvements to Penrhos Cottage.

“The Maenclochog Community Council has fought long and hard to access funds along with the Friends of Penrhos. They will be extremely happy to hear the good news and eager to see the works start.

“It is just a start also, as more grant aid will be needed, and I look forward to working with Maenclochog Community Council and the county council to secure those funds.”

Built in the early 1800s on the edge of moorland in the Maenclochog area, Penrhos Cottage was first intended as a modest dwelling and was later rebuilt in more durable materials.

It remained a family home until 1968 before being acquired by the local authority and opened as a museum in the early 1970s.

In recent years, financial pressures have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the building and operate it as a museum. In response, the Museum Service began working with the local community in 2023 to explore new ways of managing and sustaining the site.

The restoration project, called Hidden Gem: Penrhos Cottage: restoring Pembrokeshire’s last surviving tŷ unnos, aims to secure the future of the building while developing it as a valued museum and community asset.

The Museum Service is working with Maenclochog Community Council and the Friends of Penrhos Cottage group to support the long-term care, presentation and reopening of the site.

Peter Nicholas, of Friends of Penrhos, said: “I am delighted that funding has finally been secured to allow these essential repairs to be carried out at Penrhos Cottage.

“This crucial work will help safeguard the future of this iconic, traditionally built thatched cottage, ensuring it can continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations.”

Maenclochog Community Council said Bwthyn Penrhos was one of north Pembrokeshire’s hidden gems, offering an irreplaceable window into the past.

A spokesperson added: “We are thrilled that urgent expert repairs are now underway. Its preservation is not only vital for historical integrity, but also for the education and inspiration of future generations.

“Bwthyn Penrhos has the potential to become a vital community resource, creating opportunities for volunteering, partnership and shared learning.”

The work marks the first stage of a wider vision for Penrhos Cottage. Future phases, subject to funding, could include restoring the interior to reflect early 20th century life and reinstating the original cottage garden.

The long-term aim is for the cottage to open more regularly to visitors, supported by local volunteers, while remaining under the overall management of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Museum Service.

Local historian and author Hefin Wyn also welcomed the work.

He said: “Penrhos Cottage is very much an iconic part of the area’s heritage. Its presence, with its whitewashed walls, its thatched roof, its furniture and hearth, have been kept as they were when the last occupants lived there, thus reminding us of our history.

“It all reminds us of a way of life familiar to our forefathers.

“Indeed, some of the older generation still remember John Williams, Penrhos, and his family and will gladly relate the stories. As a result, Penrhos represents a visible link with our past.

“Poets and authors such as E. Llwyd Williams and Derfel Rees have heralded its distinctiveness.

“From the point of view of heritage, we are keen to preserve the cottage as it was, to be handed on to future generations, as testimony of what once was.”