News
Local politicians divided on car smoking ban
PEMBROKESHIRE’S local politicians were split this week, following the House of Commons vote that will make it a criminal offence to smoke in cars when children are passengers.
The Bill was passed on Monday, February 9th, with a majority of 269 and with the Shadow Health Minister calling it ‘a great victory for child health’.
Preseli and Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb, who voted in favour of the Bill, spoke of his reasons for supporting the ban.
“I take a relatively liberal view on smoking but we’ve all become a lot more educated about the dangers of second-hand smoke. Back in 2009, I was one of a minority of Conservative MPs who voted for a full ban on smoking in public places. I received a lot of criticism at the time but I don’t meet anyone these days who would want to go back to the days of smoking indoors in public spaces. Far fewer people smoke since that ban was introduced and I think it is right that we legislate to protect children from any other harmful, avoidable situations.”
He was supported in this view by Paul Miller, the Labour candidate for the Preseli Pembrokeshire constituency at the next General Election, who said:
“The ban on smoking in public places was an excellent piece of legislation. I’m all for it extending to cars where children are present.”
However, Mr Crabb’s fellow local Tory MP, Simon Hart stated:“Prohibition is rarely as effective as education. Of course smoking is bad for children; in cars, houses, or any other private place. Why do we not ban it altogether? Why do we not ban smoking whilst pregnant? Or, for that matter, any other activity that can potentially endanger minors? Because we try and strike a balance between protecting the public but stopping short of being bossy. There comes a time when we must resolve these issues by persuasion not the (often ineffective) tool of criminal sanction”.
Fellow party member and Assembly Member, Angela Burns, spoke of her concerns:
“I can’t see how it can be enforced. Quite how a passing policeman will be able to tell I’m not sure, and it’s the endless criminalisation of ordinary people of which I’m wary. I’d much rather see the money being spent on educating people so we change our cultural norms.”
Perhaps, unsurprisingly, Simon Clark, director of smokers’ lobby group Forest, said that although smoking in cars with children was ‘inconsiderate’, perhaps there was ‘a line the state shouldn’t cross when it comes to dictating how people behave in private places’.
Paul Burstow MP (Lib Dem, Sutton and Cheam), chair of the All Party Group on Smoking and Health, said:
“This is the most important step forwards for tobacco control since the end of smoking in workplaces in 2006. A powerful cross-Party campaign in both the Commons and Lords has triumphed over a well-funded and mendacious campaign by the tobacco industry and its front groups. Children will be protected from tobacco industry marketing and from smoking in cars. The regulations to put these new powers into effect cannot come soon enough.”
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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