News

‘Bad Saundersfoot Santa’ and his ‘naughty elf’ land up in court

Published

5 years ago

April 3, 2019

A FATHER and son, dressed as Santa and his elf, have ended up on the Christmas naughty list after collecting cash on the streets without a charity permit.

Clifford and Luke Evans, have been ordered to pay over £1,500 after admitting collecting the money for mental health charity, MIND, without a street collections licence and without the charity’s knowledge.

Llanelli magistrates heard that in December 2017 the pair were approached by a council licensing officer in Ammanford Town Centre whilst collecting money in sealed containers displaying the charity logo, an expired charity number and marked with the words ‘Mind for better mental health’.

The officer asked Evans (senior), of Pennant Avenue in Saundersfoot, who was dressed as Father Christmas, if he had a street licence but he claimed he was collecting ‘as a surprise’ for the charity. The 50-year-old then claimed he didn’t think he needed a permit even though he had been issued with a warning letter 12 months earlier for a similar incident. Street Collection Permits need to be produced on request.

When the officer approached his son who dressed as an elf, and carrying a similar blue and white collection box, the 25-year-old, from Kingsmoor Common, Begelly in Kilgetty, said he didn’t need a permit because he was collecting for his father.

Both were escorted by police and a licensing officer to Evans’ (senior) car. In the boot they found another fancy dress costume and an open bucket of cash, along with a spare ‘MIND’ collection box. The buckets, containing £99.65, were seized after the licensing officer contacted the charity who confirmed it was unaware of a collection taking place.

The pair were also caught on CCTV dressed in the same costumes collecting money two days earlier in Merlin’s Walk in Carmarthen Town Centre despite denying they had collected elsewhere.

In mitigation the pair’s solicitor claimed they pair had intended giving the money to the charity and that Clifford Evans had collected for various charities for around 10 years, having previously sky dived for Help for Heroes. The solicitor also claimed that whilst Clifford Evans had been warned previously by the council, he was illiterate and did not understand the requirements. In addition he said the case had had a detrimental impact on Evans’ (senior) life and business.

The father and son were each fined £400 and both must pay £544.11 costs and £30 victim surcharge. The court also ordered that the £99.65 be paid to MIND.

The council’s executive board member for public protection, Cllr Philip Hughes said: “It is against the law to collect money from people on the streets without the proper permit. This is something Clifford Evans had previously been made aware of but despite this he continued to collect with his son, having no proof that the money was actually going to the charity. We are very happy to assist anyone who wishes to collect for a charity to ensure they are doing so within the law.”

News

Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor

Published

1 hour ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE family of a woman has paid tribute to a “beautiful, funny, lovely person.”

Sian Batchelor, aged 32, was found on a beach near Pennar, Pembroke Dock on Tuesday evening, April 30^th, 2024.

Her family has issued a statement to say: ‘We are devastated by our loss. Sian was a beautiful, funny, loving person. We will treasure the good times we had with her.

“We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”

The circumstances surrounding Sian’s death are being investigated and police would like to hear from anyone with information, sightings of Sian or contact from Sian, between Thursday April 25 to Tuesday April 30.

Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: DP-20240430-284

Entertainment

Carew Castle Car Show: A timeless journey on wheels

Published

1 hour ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

The Carew Castle Car Show is gearing up to offer an enchanting day for automotive enthusiasts and families alike. Scheduled for Monday, 6 May, from 10 am to 3 pm, the event promises to showcase a splendid array of classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, and military vehicles, all set against the historic backdrop of Carew Castle and Tidal Mill.

This year, the event is drawing participants and spectators from across South Wales, each eager to feast their eyes on the mechanical beauties that symbolize different eras of motoring history. The show, which has become a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for automotive culture, is also a celebration of community and craftsmanship.

Adding to the vehicular allure, the event will feature live performances by the popular Pembrokeshire folk band ‘Razor Bill’, known for their vibrant and engaging musical style. Attendees can also enjoy the thrills of funfair rides brought by Pembrokeshire Attractions, ensuring that there’s something enjoyable for every age group.

For families, the Brilliant Birds Treasure Trail offers a delightful educational experience, allowing children and parents alike to explore the natural and historical richness of the area. Culinary treats will be available as well, with fresh Welshcakes and bacon rolls being served from the opening hour, perfect for those looking to indulge in local flavors.

Despite the excitement, the organizers remind attendees that the show’s occurrence is weather-dependent. However, with hopes high for a sunny day, the community is buzzing with anticipation.

Visitors should note that normal castle admission fees apply, but the ticket includes access to the car show, making it a value-packed day out. While the show is fully booked for exhibiting vehicles, showcasing the high demand and popularity of the event, there are plenty of reasons for spectators to attend and enjoy the varied offerings.

For those planning to attend, it’s an opportunity not just to admire the craftsmanship of vintage and classic vehicles, but also to immerse in the cultural and festive atmosphere that only Carew Castle can offer. With its combination of history, entertainment, and community spirit, the Carew Castle Car Show is set to be a highlight of this spring season in South Wales.

Health

Junior doctors secure strike extension in pay negotiations with WG

Published

1 hour ago

May 2, 2024

Tom Sinclair

BMA Cymru Wales has confirmed a positive development in its pay negotiations announcing that Junior doctors have secured a three-month extension to their overwhelming strike mandate.

This means that junior doctors in Wales now have the right to enact industrial action over their pay until 17 September 2024 instead of 17 June when the mandate was due to run out.

Recognising the strength of feeling amongst junior doctors and the overwhelming 98% vote by members in favour of industrial action back in December 2023, employers have agreed to honour this extension to allow talks with the Welsh Government to continue.

Co-chairs of the Welsh Junior Doctor Committee Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey said of this development:

“We are pleased to be able to secure an extension to our overwhelming strike mandate. Whilst we hope to put an end to our pay dispute through pay negotiations by reaching a credible deal and restoring our pay, it was important to secure more time for our mandate.

“The extension allows us to focus on talks but also provides us with the scope to get organised and enact our legal right to strike should we need to. This is about honouring the emphatic mandate of our members.

“Doctors have experienced real terms pay cut of almost a third since 2008. They voted overwhelmingly to put an end to the devaluing of their service, they know they are not worth a third less than their predecessors and they know the time is now to stick up for the profession and turn the tide of the continued erosion of their pay once and for all”.

The Welsh Government and NHS employers have agreed to the extension as part of ongoing pay negotiations where all parties hope to reach an end to the pay dispute with junior doctors, SAS doctors and Consultants in Wales.

Last month, BMA Cymru Wales announced it was suspending forthcoming industrial action for Consultants and SAS doctors and putting plans on hold to announce more strike dates for junior doctors to allow pay negotiations to take place*.

The decision to enter pay negotiations was based on a significant proposal from the Welsh Government to form the basis of talks to end the pay disputes with all secondary care doctors including Consultants, SAS, and Junior doctors, with the aim of reaching deals which can be taken separately to their respective members.

In August last year, the BMA’s committees representing secondary care doctors in Wales voted to enter separate trade disputes with the Welsh Government after being offered another below inflation pay uplift of just 5% for the 23/24 financial year. SAS doctors on some contracts were offered as little as 1.5%. This was the lowest pay offer any government in the UK offered and less than the DDRB, the pay review body for doctors and dentists, recommended last year.

As part of their disputes, SAS doctors, consultants and junior doctors carried out successful ballots for industrial action. Since then, junior doctors have taken part in 10 days of industrial action since January this year.