News
Email from Councillor prompts Pembroke Dock mayor to resign
AN EMAIL enquiring to why the Mayor of Pembroke Dock had been absent from his civic duties has led to confirmation from the town hall that he has now resigned.
Cllr Paul Dowson had sent an email on Thursday explaining that many in his ward were expressing concern that the Mayor had not been seen in a while
His email to the Pembroke Dock Town Council read as follows: “I am somewhat concerned about the situation regarding The Town Mayor Mr Terry Judkins. It appears he is not performing any mayoral duties or attending civic functions, although I am not a member of Pembroke Dock Town Council, As a county Councillor for the town I am seeking an explanation for this highly unusual situation.
“It appears that I am not the only person to notice the absence of the Mayor, as there is a great deal of speculation within the town and we could do without any unnecessary scandal or untruths circulating on the subject.
“I would be grateful for an explanation regarding this matter.”
Cllr Dowson said he then received a message to say that the Mayor had resigned.
The Town Clerk told The Herald by telephone on Friday morning: “The Mayor has resigned and will be replaced temporarily by Cllr Josh Beynon as Acting Mayor. The resignation was for personal reasons.”
The Town Council said that they would send an official statement in due course, following their next meeting.
Cllr Joshua Beynon said: “As the Mayor of Pembroke Dock has resigned from the office of Mayor of the town, as Deputy Mayor, I have administered the mayoral oath of office and I have been sworn in as the Interim Mayor of Pembroke Dock.
“It’s an honour to be the youngest Mayor in both the town and Pembrokeshire’s history and I look forward to promoting the town and the values I hold dear of compassion, equality and kindness.
Sarah Scourfield, Town Clerk has released a statement saying: “It is with regret that the office of Pembroke Dock Town Council has been informed that the Mayor Cllr Terry Judkins will be stepping down as Mayor with immediate effect. “Cllr Judkins has thanked Councillors for support during his short term, but due to personal reasons and extra work commitments this has resulted in him being unable to attend events and give his full attention to the role.
“He therefore felt it was best for him to step down and allow the Deputy Mayor Cllr Beynon to take over the role for the remainder of the term to allow for events to be represented in events throughout the County.
“Cllr Joshua Beynon will undertake the role as interim Mayor until the next meeting of Full Council which will take place on Thursday 2nd December 2021 where the official voting will take place for Mayor and Deputy Mayor, who will remain in office until May 2022.”
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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