News
MP welcomes Pembrokeshire Charity founder to Downing Street
PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb, welcomed a prominent local charity founder at the doors of Number 10 Downing Street for the annual St David’s Day reception.
Amanda Absalom Lowe – founder of Pembrokeshire, Care Share and Give – was invited by the Prime Minister to attend this prestigious event for Welsh businesses, cultural and sporting personalities following her recent Points of Light Award which she received from Rishi Sunak. Amanda was formally presented with her award last week by her MP, Stephen Crabb.
Amanda is the 1,985th person to receive the Points of Light award, which was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a positive change within their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.
Another prominent Pembrokeshire person who was welcomed to Parliament on St David’s Day was Toby Ellis, Station Manager of Pure West Radio based in Haverfordwest. Toby had been invited to present evidence as part of the Broadcasting in Wales inquiry being carried out by the Welsh Affairs Committee, chaired by Stephen Crabb.
The Welsh Affairs Committee heard from Welsh local radio stations including Pure West, to explore concerns about the loss of local content from commercial radio and its impact on Welsh Language broadcasting. Toby was able to discuss the radio’s role in the local community across the County, its work in establishing Haverfordwest High Radio, and sharing experiences of UK Government and Ofcom support.
Pembrokeshire businesses were also in attendance at the annual St David’s Day Dinner 2023 as part of the Wales Week in London events held at the Guild Hall. Fishguard’s Stena Line, Port of Milford Haven and St David’s Gin Distillery were represented at the dinner which involved over 500 Welsh businesses.
Commenting on the St David’s Day activities, Stephen Crabb MP said,
“I was delighted to welcome Amanda at this special event in Downing Street. Amanda is a wonderful example of the positive impact people can have in their local community, and in inspiring others. Amanda is a much-deserved winner of this prestigious Points of Light award and I am very pleased that she was part of the celebrations in London today.”
“It was good to have Toby Ellis in front of the panel of the Welsh Affairs Committee showcasing all the good work that he and his team have been doing at Pure West Radio to help strengthen and develop our community networks which is so important in our rural county.”
“ I am pleased that so many Pembrokeshire people were able to be part of the important St David’s Day celebrations and proceedings in and around Parliament – it all helps to provide the opportunity to fly the Pembrokeshire flag and for the County to be represented at these significant national occasions.”
Commenting on their social media site, Pembrokeshire Care, Share and Give said, “ Today Amanda had the privilege to visit no 10 with an invite from the Prime Minister. We all even got to get a selfie with Max Boyce. We also supported Toby at Pure West Radio today as Megan is part of the Haverfordwest High VC School radio. Thank you to Stephen Crabb MP and his admin staff for all their help and showing us around the Houses of Parliament. Its been a busy few days and we are proud to continue to support our community in Pembrokeshire.”
Pictured above: Stephen Crabb MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, pictured with Amanda Absalom Lowe outside Number 10 Downing Street before the Prime Minister’s St David’s Day reception.
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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