Pembroke Dock man sentenced for assaulting woman infront of children

Published

3 years ago

March 6, 2023

A PEMBROKE DOCK man who assaulted a woman in front of young children has been sentenced.

On March 1, the bench at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard how on Saturday, February 4, Benjamin Beasley, 34, assaulted a woman at her home in Pembroke Dock, causing her actual bodily harm.

At a previous court hearing, Kelly Rivers for the Crown Prosecution Service told the court how the pair had been playing cards at the property and shared a few drinks when an argument broke out.

Ms Rivers added that Beasley had become aggravated and his ‘eyes narrowed’ which is something that happens when he becomes aggressive.

Beasley punched the woman to the side of her face followed by repeated punches to the side of her body.

The blows caused the victim to fall onto the bottom step of the staircase.

Ms Rivers then added how the defendant placed his arm around the neck of the victim and pushed into it, although she confirmed that the force used did not interfere with the woman’s breathing.

After the attack, Beasley went into the kitchen and smashed the cooker causing the glass in the door to shatter across the floor.

The court heard how there were seven children in the house at the time of the assault, Ms Rivers added: “A seven-year-old child called the police.”

Upon arrest, the defendant was found to be in possession of a metal knuckle duster.

Beasley pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing actual bodily harm, one charge of possessing an offensive weapon and one charge of criminal damage.

During mitigation, defending solicitor Mr Kelleher told the court that his client “seems to have a problem with excessive drinking” although he added “this isn’t something that happens regularly.”

Magistrates imposed a 12 month community order, for which they must comply with a rehabilitation requirement and complete 250 hours of unpaid work.

A forfeiture and destruction order was granted for the knuckle duster.

No compensation was granted for the damage to the cooker.

Beasley must also pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

Published

6 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.

Health

Ambulance delays and blocked beds putting Welsh patients at risk, watchdog warns

Published

14 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

AMBULANCE handover delays, long waits in emergency departments and delays discharging patients from hospital are continuing to put people at risk across Wales, Audit Wales has warned.

The public spending watchdog said urgent and emergency care remains under “constant pressure” despite extra funding and new policies aimed at improving joined-up working between the NHS, ambulance service, councils and social care providers.

In an article published today, Monday (Jun 22), Audit Wales said its work since 2024 had examined how health boards and the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust manage demand for urgent and emergency care, as well as how health boards and local authorities support timely discharge from hospital.

It found that pressures across the system are increasing patient safety risks and driving up costs.

Key problems identified include ambulance handover delays, lengthy waits in emergency departments, underused new services despite extra funding, and delayed hospital discharges which continue to result in hundreds of thousands of lost bed days each year.

Audit Wales also said workforce problems across health and social care remain a major factor in delayed discharges.

The watchdog warned that data is still not being shared effectively across the system, making it harder for public bodies to make informed decisions and manage pressure.

The findings will add to growing concern about the state of urgent and emergency care in Wales, with patients, families and frontline staff repeatedly warning that delays in A&E and problems arranging social care packages are leaving people waiting too long for treatment or stuck in hospital after they are medically fit to leave.

Audit Wales said staff and leaders across the system had made clear that “something must change”.

It has set out six questions for the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and local authorities to consider as they look at how urgent and emergency care can be improved.

The Auditor General for Wales is the independent statutory external auditor of the devolved Welsh public sector and is responsible for auditing most public money spent in Wales.

The Herald has asked the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda University Health Board for comment.

Entertainment

Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod

Published

29 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.

Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.

She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.

Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.

Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.

Caption:

Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.