News
No investigation into paedophile youth worker one year on
AN INVESTIGATION into how a convicted paedophile was employed by Pembrokeshire County Council as a youth worker has yet to have been carried out by the Cabinet.
The head of Pembrokeshire County Council’s youth services department gave paedophile Michael ‘Mik’ Smith a positive reference on an application to register as a foster carer.
The reference was given following two council investigations into Smith’s inappropriate conduct towards children, which had resulted in Smith being given a written warning.
The same council officer gave Smith the positive reference for a 2010 fostering application as had previously handed down Smith’s written warning.
In June 2017 the full report on Smith was made public, following a long campaign by Cllr Mike Stoddart.
However now, nearly one year on, a Cabinet investigation has yet to be carried out.
Cllr Stoddart said at the last meeting of Full Council: “Can the leader give a progress report on the investigation set up by Cabinet in June 2017 into the authority’s failures during its dealings with former youth worker Mik Smith?”
A meeting has been scheduled for June 4, he was told, after a previous attempt to start up a group had failed.
Cllr Neil Prior said: “We will be sitting down with a blank piece of paper to agree terms of reference so we can move forward – it’s been a difficult matter.”
Cllr Prior added that an independent chairman would also be picked for the task.
Cllr Stoddart, who had attended the previous meeting, then queried how much was budgeted for the group, adding: “There were three independent consultants at that meeting. I understand an independent consultant is to be chairman, I don’t recall that in the resolution of cabinet.”
Cllr Prior assured Cllr Stoddart that he will provide full details to all members.
The full report of Mik Smith can be read here.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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