News
Milford Haven: Fishermen protest for a fair post-Brexit deal
FISHERMEN in Milford Haven have been part of a UK-wide day of action to support their industry amidst uncertainty now that Brexit is less than one year away.
The protest took place between on Sunday morning (Apr 8) on Milford Marina in support of fishermen who are worried about the impact of potential a bad Brexit deal on their industry.
Around fifty protestors peacefully demonstrated with banners and placards, as fishing vessels steamed up and down the haven releasing red smoke flares.
Members of the media, including local news photographers and an ITV camera crew were invited to board one of the vessels to film the protest from the sea.
Posing for the cameras, the protest culminated with demonstrators burning a European Flag on the Mackerel Stage.
Organised by 14-year-old Rhys Wonnacott, who wants to be a fisherman when he leaves school, the protest involved a flotilla of fishing boast of all shapes and sizes. The teenager told the press: “I am organising this protest at Milford Haven, alongside protests taking place up and down the country, to show the anger and disappointment of the UK commercial fishing industry,”
Rhys says that he has concerns about potential changes to the industry post-Brexit and that Government policy in general is not working to support the industry.
Also at the protest was UKIP’s Howard Lillyman. He stood against Stephen Crabb MP in the last general election, coming third place with 4,257 votes. He told the Herald that he was attending the protest to support the fisherman but said he had “no confidence that the current government could deliver the best deal.”
He added: “The point of today’s protest is to support the Pembrokeshire fishermen and the fishermen in Wales so they can come out of the Common Fisheries Policy.
“Our fishermen are being constrained by rules from Europe which are not allowing them to catch enough fish.
“They are constrained by quotas, and it is totally wrong. Once we leave the EU, I want us to come out of that. I am hopeful it can be sorted by I can see it being ‘signed away by the present government.”
A Fishing for Leave spokesperson said: “Brexit creates a golden opportunity to regain 70% of the UK’s fisheries resources and rejuvenate a multi-billion pound industry for the nation – becoming as sustainable and successful as Norway, Iceland and Faroe.
“Although June the 23rd was a great and historic day it was merely a signal of intent – Brexit must now mean Brexit.
“As our purpose remains, we will continue to pursue our objectives undaunted and fight to ensure this golden opportunity of a brighter future is realised.”
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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