News
An evening with Andy Powell in Neyland
FORMER Welsh international Andy Powell was guest speaker at Neyland Athletic Club on Friday night (Apr 27) offering an insight into one of the great characters of Rugby Union.
The event, attended by over 70 people, was organised by Jason Morgan, and hosted by Phil Howe; the comedian and actor with roles in Hollyoaks, Casualty and Eastenders. After his routine, Howe proceeded to interview Powell about his life, coaxing many anecdotes out of the 23 cap international known for his colourful career. Powell, 36, was selected for the 2009 tour to South Africa with the British and Irish Lions, as well as featuring for the Barbarians in their 2009 victory over the All Blacks. He represented ten different clubs in his Union career, as well as having spells with Wigan and South Wales Scorpions in Rugby League.
Powell told The Herald of his admiration for the Scarlets, as well as the West Wales side’s coaching staff, backing them to take over from Warren Gatland after the 2019 World Cup.
He said: “Wayne Pivac and Stephen Jones encourage their players to take their chances and back themselves.”
When asked of the success of the Wales Deaf side in Australia, lifting the Sevens World Cup after beating England in the final last week, Powell described it as: “a special moment. Going out there and beating England, they’ll always remember that.”
Powell is now coaching hometown club Brecon RFC in Swalec National League Division One East, set for a top three finish.
He spoke of his ambitions: “I’m there for the next two years, I’ve told them that, then I’ll look to move on, maybe abroad. I believe I can coach at the highest level.”
Powell felt the fact that he was ‘very hard to manage’ as a player gives him the insight needed to motivate individuals.
Regarding his reputation as a character, Powell said: “I was a little bit wild but got away with it, the story of my career until the M4.”
Of course talk soon turned to the infamous incident in 2010, when after the last gasp victory over Scotland, many Wales players went out for celebratory drinks. One thing led to another and Powell was arrested driving a golf buggy down the M4. Powell described the event as ‘costing him 20 caps’.
The evening is a continuation of famous faces acting as guest speakers in Neyland, after referee Nigel Owens spoke in January, whilst former All Black Zinzan Brook and Welsh international Rupert Moon visited last year.
The night also had a sports auction, with memorabilia such as signed prints and shirts sold, with the profits going to Neyland clubhouse. The event carried on well into the night, fitting for one of Welsh rugby’s great characters.
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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