News

Police officer in charge of paddleboarding firm arrested and bailed for manslaughter

Published

4 years ago

November 9, 2021

FOUR people have now been confirmed dead and another arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after a group of nine paddleboarders got into trouble in the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest last month (Oct 30).

Officers are calling the investigation into the incident Operation Eildon.

The Herald understands that a serving police officer, 36-year-old Nerys Bethan Lloyd, is the person arrested and bailed over the incident.

She is the sole director of the company which organised the excursion- Salty Dog Co Ltd.

Body Boards at the scene of the tragedy (Image Martin Cavaney)

Under The Police Regulations 2003, a serving officer must have permission from the Chief Constable before undertaking a business venture whilst working for the police, to avoid conflict of interest.

The Herald understands Ms Lloyd was one of the paddleboarders who got into difficulty and was rescued.

The Herald asked South Wales Police if they had suspended Ms Lloyd because of her arrest for a serious offence.

We also asked the force if she had been given special permission by the Chief Constable to operate a water sports and clothing business while serving as a serving police officer

A senior communications officer for South Wales Police told The Pembrokeshire Herald that they could not release any information saying only: “This is an on-going investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police, and it is not appropriate to comment.”

The news of the arrest came as police confirmed that 41-year-old Andrea Powell from the Bridgend area – who was in hospital following the incident had sadly died.

Police said on Friday: “Our thoughts are with her family, and all those involved in this tragic incident. “We are supporting her family and would ask for their privacy to be respected at this very difficult time.”

Andrea Powell’s family released a statemetn on Tuesday (Nov 9), saying: “As a family we are distraught by the loss of Andrea, she will be deeply missed. She was a loving mother, wife, daughter and sister, who loved life. We would like to thank everyone for their support at this horrific time. As a family we would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy to do so.”

Andrea Powell – died in hospital following the River Cleddau tragedy (Pic: Family)

WHAT IS GROSS NEGLIGENCE MANSLAUGHTER?

The offence for which the serving officer has been arrested is complex.

It can be summarised as the breach of an existing duty of care that gives or should give rise to a serious and obvious risk of death.

The degree of negligence needs to be very high before the conduct can be considered to be a crime, according to the CPS guidance

If the elements of gross negligence manslaughter are made out, it is no defence that the deceased’s death was caused in part by their own conduct. However, evidence to that effect may be relevant to the degree of the defendant’s culpability and, as such; relevant to the question of whether they were grossly negligent.

News

Baby in critical condition after Fishguard emergency

Published

23 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenagers arrested as police investigate circumstances

A BABY remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition after being taken from Fishguard by air ambulance following a medical emergency at a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received information that the baby had been taken to hospital in the early evening of Saturday (May 2).

Police were formally informed of the incident at around 10:10pm the same evening.

An investigation into the circumstances is underway.

A man and a woman, both aged eighteen, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

They have since been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

No further details have been released at this stage.

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.