News

Pembrokeshire postmaster cleared of fraud by the Court of Appeal

Published

5 years ago

July 19, 2021

A FORMER sub-postmaster from Roch who was part of the Horizon computer system scandal has finally cleared his name after an 11 year battle.

Tim Brentnall from Roach, Pembrokeshire, was one of 736 former Post Office managers who were prosecuted due to the flawed Horizon computer system.

In part of a landmark case, Mr Brentnall was one of 31 cases heard at the court of appeal on Monday (July 19) who had their convictions overturned.

There were 12 sub-postmasters who had their names cleared by the Court of Appeal on Monday (Pic Sky News)

The flawed system wrongly showed shortfalls in sub-postmasters’ accounts leading the prosecution of 736 sub-postmasters between 2000 and 2014.

Mr Brentnall, who took over the post office aged just 22, said it has taken 16 years to clear his name and get his conviction overturned.

After a Post Office audit at his branch in 2009, showing a £22,000 shortfall, Mr Brentnall was then prosecuted in 2010 for false accounting.

Speaking on the ordeal, Tim Brentnall said: “I was immediately suspended and within a few days taken to Haverfordwest police station for interviews,” he said.

“It was horrific. I felt totally alone and helpless.”

Despite protesting his innocence, Tim said he was told to plead guilty to the charge to lessen the sentence.

He was sentenced to an 18-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to undergo 200 hours of unpaid work.

Mr Brentnalls parents even tried to take out a loan to cover the £22,000 shortfall to prove their son’s innocence, but Tim was prosecuted shortly after.

Two years after his prosecution, Tim learned he was not alone and that many other sub-post masters also fell foul to the flawed system.

Flaws that made it seem that money was going missing from Post Office branches.

The scandal is believed to be one of the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history.

The Post Office confirmed they would not be contesting the appeal for Mr Bretnall overturned conviction.

An independent inquiry into the scandal has been given extra powers and many are still waiting to find out if they will receive any compensation from the ordeal.

Mr Brentnall told how he faced backlash in his small local community following the conviction and struggled to gain any further employment.

He said: “I didn’t want to go to the village pub because people were talking and saying ‘he says he hasn’t done anything, but he’s pleaded guilty, so there’s no smoke without fire’.

“I lost sleep for a number of years, lost friendships, and all because people didn’t believe what I was saying.”

His father StJohn Brentnall said: “The stigma of a conviction and the character assassination that Tim has had to bear for the last 10 years, it has been horrible to see him lose his self-confidence.

“But he stood it, he got through it and we feel very proud of him.”

Speaking after having his conviction overturned, Mr Bretnall added: “I can stand with my head held high again and say to everyone I was right – I haven’t done anything wrong and it was this system that the Post Office forced on people.”

“There’s still a fight to try to hold the people who did this to account.

“There are people who’ve known what was going on but tried to sweep it under the carpet. I don’t want to rest until people have been brought to account.”

News

Heatwave disruption: Train cancellation warning for Pembrokeshire travellers

Published

42 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Rail operators urge passengers to check before travelling as extreme heat threatens delays and cancellations across Wales

RAIL passengers from Pembrokeshire are being warned to expect disruption this week as soaring temperatures place pressure on Wales’ railway network.

Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway and Network Rail have all issued warnings as an extreme heat alert remains in force across much of Wales, with temperatures forecast to reach the high 30s in some areas.

While no services in Pembrokeshire have been cancelled, passengers travelling to Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol and London are being advised to check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.

Transport for Wales has already suspended services on two routes in south Wales due to the forecast conditions, while further disruption is expected elsewhere on the network.

Rail operators say extreme temperatures can cause overhead power lines to sag, increase the risk of trackside fires and, in severe cases, lead to rails buckling. Temporary speed restrictions may also be introduced, resulting in delays and cancellations.

Jake Kelly, deputy chief executive of Network Rail, said: “Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first.

“We’re asking passengers to check before travelling and only travel if absolutely essential during the peak of this weather event.”

Great Western Railway has also advised customers to travel only if necessary on Wednesday (June 24) and Thursday (June 25).

The operator said reduced timetables may be introduced during the hottest parts of the day, with fewer trains running and journey times taking longer than normal.

To help passengers affected by disruption, ticket restrictions have been relaxed, allowing some tickets to be used on alternative travel dates.

Passengers are being urged to carry water, plan ahead and check the latest service information before setting off.

Education

Pembs parents watch closely as Carmarthenshire schools shut in extreme heat

Published

1 hour ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE parents are being urged to check school messages as neighbouring Carmarthenshire prepares to close all secondary schools on Wednesday and Thursday because of extreme heat.

The move in Carmarthenshire has raised questions across west Wales about whether schools in Pembrokeshire could also be affected as temperatures continue to rise.

All secondary schools in Carmarthenshire are set to close for two days, with some primary schools also deciding to shut. There has been no blanket closure decision for primary schools in that county.

In Pembrokeshire, no county-wide secondary school closure announcement has been made at this stage.

Parents should check directly with their child’s school for the latest information, including texts, emails, school apps, websites and social media pages.

The situation may vary from school to school, depending on building conditions, ventilation, classroom temperatures and local circumstances.

The closures in Carmarthenshire come as Wales faces exceptional weather conditions, with concerns about pupil and staff welfare during the heatwave.

Many school buildings, particularly older sites, can become extremely hot during prolonged periods of high temperature.

A Wales-wide picture is now emerging, with schools in several counties considering closures, early finishes or remote learning.

For Pembrokeshire families, the key message is not to assume schools are closed unless official confirmation has been received.

The Herald will continue to monitor updates from Pembrokeshire schools and the county council.

Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

Published

6 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”