News
Pembrokeshire County Council: Leader’s coronavirus update, Wednesday, 8th April
Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Councillor David Simpson,
has provided a further coronavirus update for Wednesday, 8th April,
as follows:
‘Once again I want to reinforce this week’s message which is “stay
home and save lives.”
‘Over the Easter weekend Council officers will be visiting
accommodation providers and checking “hot spots” to monitor and
assess compliance with the legislation.
‘Enforcement action may be considered where it is necessary and
proportionate. I can confirm that our officers will also be liaising with
the police.
‘During these unprecedented times we are asking people not to visit
Pembrokeshire. We are all aware that our county is a beautiful place
and it will still be here awaiting visitors once this pandemic is over.
‘Everyone should avoid all unnecessary travel.
‘I will be on Radio Pembrokeshire tomorrow (Thursday) to emphasise
the Authority’s messages. I want to ensure that our key messages,
service updates and Covid-19 developments are shared with as many
people as I can across our county.
‘We have a dedicated Covid-19 page on our website which is
constantly updated.
‘I urge you all to view the information published to enable you to keep
up to date with developments, service updates and press releases.
‘I want to thank our web team and press department for all their hard
work in keeping the information flowing as I am aware that these
updates are keeping people well informed. I have also received
messages thanking us for the updates which are much appreciated
and they have been forwarded to the teams.
‘We are appealing for people to join our Social Care emergency
response team during this challenging time to help support some of
the most vulnerable members of our community.
‘We urgently need a large number of home care (domiciliary) and
residential care workers to work with us on a temporary basis starting
immediately. Full details can be found on our website at:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/workinsocialcare
‘I want to thank everyone who is helping to tackle this virus. What I
am seeing and hearing is heart-warming. Everyone is pulling together
and I want our communities to know we are all here to support each
other.
‘Remember: together we are stronger and together we will get
through this.
‘Public Health Wales is updating and adding to their resources
regularly. Please find all assets here:
https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-
covid-19/coronavirus-resources/
‘Press releases issued since my update yesterday are:
Smarter Working For A Smarter Workforce:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom/smarter-working-
for-a-smarter-workforce
Star Wars Message for Young Musicians:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom/star-wars-actor-
has-stellar-message-for-young-musicians
‘Also, please keep an eye on our newsroom at:
https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom
‘Stay Safe. Thank you.’
Useful links:
www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coronavirus
www.sir-benfro.gov.uk/coronafeirws
https://phw.nhs.wales/
Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru – Coronafeirws Newydd (COVID-19)
– Cyngor hunan-ynysu
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-
19-list-of-guidance
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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