News

Pembroke Dock: Former nurse jailed for 18 months

Published

8 years ago

November 16, 2018

A FORMER nurse from Pembroke Dock who lied to an inquest about the death of a vulnerable patient has been jailed for 18 months.

Lorraine Stevens, aged 62, told the hearing she had prepared a risk assessment on John Shelley, a mentally ill man prone to drinking harmful substances.

But she fabricated the assessment only after he drank a bottle of Fairy Liquid and died the following day.

Stevens admitted perjury.

Swansea Crown Court heard how Mr Shelley, aged 68, had been brain damaged at birth and needed constant care.

Mr Shelley’s brother Martin was told he was about to be transferred to 10 Church Close, in Begelly near Tenby, west Wales, a four bedroom bungalow for mentally ill patients.

Mr Martin Shelley, an engineer familiar with risk assessments, visited the premises and became alarmed at the lack of internal locks.

In particular, he didn’t want his brother having unsupervised access to the kitchen where he might find something harmful to drink.

Stevens, of Kitchener Close, Pembroke Dock, should have completed a risk assessment but didn’t.

Catherine Richards, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that on July 13, 2013, a kitchen window had been left open on the hottest day of the year and Mr Shelley reached in and drank from the Fairy Liquid bottle.

Stevens, the team leader and the only qualified nurse on duty, told staff to give him plenty of water to drink and, later, to give him ginger biscuits and milk.

Stevens left work early. The staff who took over became concerned and he was taken to Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

But his condition deteriorated and he died the following day through multiple organ failure.

Martin Shelley told the authorities he had not seen a risk assessment and Stevens suddenly produced one, assuring him that staff would have been shown it.

The report was produced at an inquest into Mr Shelley’s death held in 2014. Stevens told the coroner the four page report, which addressed Mr Shelley’s access to the kitchen, had been prepared on April 14, 2013.

Mr Shelley became suspicious because it had been signed only by Stevens herself when all staff should have signed to confirm they had read and understood it.

Police became involved and seized a computer from 10 Church Close which showed the report had been compiled on July 18, 2013, four days after the fatality.

After her arrest, Stevens maintained the report was genuine and dated accurately.

When she was told later about the computer findings she declined to answer any more questions.

Stevens’ barrister, Jon Tarrant, said she would live forever with the guilt and remorse she felt over Mr Shelley’s death, but described it as a tragedy without intention.

It was difficult to know, he added, if a proper risk assessment would have avoided the fatality.

Mr Martin Shelley was allowed to address the court and said he believed his brother might not have died if all staff had understood how important it was to keep him away from harmful liquid substances.

The bungalow, he said, housed four mentally ill patients but had not been purposely built for someone with his brother’s difficulties.

“I was assured that a risk assessment would be carried out before he moved in, particularly in relation to the lack of internal locks.

“He was let down in his hour of need.

“His death, pain, suffering and distress could have been avoided,” he added.

The court heard that Stevens had been struck off as a nurse.

Judge Keith Thomas told Stevens she had fabricated the report and then lied about it to avoid criticism.

“You did this to cover up the fact you had not made proper provision for the challenges posed by Mr Shelley.

“I am not dealing with you for causing the death but for you did cause additional distress and anxiety to his family.

“You were deceitful and your lies were persistent,” he added.

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

16 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

16 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

16 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.