News
32 months jail for intentional strangulation, harassment and assault
A 28-YEAR-OLD resident of Middle Hill, Saundersfoot, has been found guilty of charges of strangulation, harassment, and assault. The court heard how George McBeth verbally abused and physically attacked a woman at an address in Pembroke Dock on February 28, prompting a swift police response and subsequent trial.
Prosecutor Alycia Carpanini outlined the distressing events that took place during the altercation. It was revealed that an argument had erupted between McBeth and the complainant, resulting in her attempting to leave the room. However, McBeth aggressively followed her, pushing his way through the door. The situation escalated further when he threatened to damage the televisions in her home.
The main assault on the victim took place, the court heard, upstairs where McBeth pushed the victim on the bed and threw all the contents of her room at her.
When the female tried to ring for help downstairs McBeth not only seized the woman’s phone and threw it, but he also proceeded to strangle her, leaving her with visible marks. Shockingly, a child present at the scene attempted to intervene, only to be pushed away and scratched by McBeth.
The police were eventually called, by another child in the house who had been hiding upstairs – but the perpetrator had fled the premises before the arrival of the police. McBeth was later apprehended on March 2.
During the trial, McBeth vehemently denied the charges levelled against him. He claimed the marks on the complainant’s throat were a result of her own actions, involving “hot water bottles,” and denied any involvement in harming the child or damaging the woman’s phone.
Despite being released under investigation and being ordered not to contact the woman, McBeth ignored the court’s instruction and continued to communicate with her through third parties. The situation reached a disturbing climax when he waited outside the nursery attended by one of her children, verbally berating her as she left the premises.
In a victim impact statement read out in Swansea Crown Court last Thursday (Jul 20), the woman revealed the harrowing toll the incident had taken on her mental and emotional well-being. Sleepless nights haunted her following the traumatic encounter.Despite McBeth’s insistence on his innocence, Magistrates in Haverfordwest court had earlier found him guilty of the charges.
NO REMOSE
The pre-sentence report was damning in its assessment, suggesting that McBeth displayed an unwillingness to recognise the gravity of his actions.
Presiding over the case, Recorder Neil Owen-Casey delivered a firm sentence, sentencing McBeth to 32 months in prison for intentional strangulation. Additionally, he received a one-month sentence for harassment. Two further sentences, each running concurrently, were imposed for assaulting the woman and the child.
The court issued a five-year restraining order to protect the complainant from any future contact by McBeth.
This measure aimed to safeguard her and her children from potential harm.
The case sends a stark message about the consequences of domestic violence and harassment. It serves as a reminder that such abhorrent behaviour will not be tolerated.
READ THIS WEEK’S PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD HERE:Crime
Police hunt driver after dog walker killed in Carmarthenshire hit-and-run
A PEDESTRIAN walking his dog has died after being struck in a hit-and-run collision on a Carmarthenshire road on Monday (December 23).
The incident occurred in Llanpumsaint, near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel, between 6:45pm and 7:45pm.
The road remains closed, and police are urgently appealing for information to locate the driver of a blue vehicle believed to have fled the scene.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are actively searching for the driver of a blue vehicle with noticeable damage, which was involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire. The driver left the scene, and locating them is now our top priority.
“We are appealing directly to the driver to do the right thing and come forward. Additionally, we urge anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.
“This collision, which tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian, happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm on Monday, December 23, as the man was walking his dog.
“Our investigation indicates the vehicle was travelling northbound through Llanpumsaint at the time of the incident.”
The road is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries continue. Police stress that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in identifying and locating the driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.
News
Pembrokeshire County Council invites public feedback on budget plans
PEMBROKESHIRE County Council is calling on residents to share their views on the upcoming budget as it faces significant financial pressures.
The consultation, open until January 5, aims to identify which services are most valued by the community and where savings could be made.
An update on the provisional funding settlement from the Welsh Government was presented to the full council last week. Councillor Joshua Beynon, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiencies, noted that while the 3.6% increase—equating to an additional £8.1 million—was more favourable than expected, it still leaves a funding gap of approximately £28.1 million.
Councillor Beynon said: “Difficult decisions lie ahead despite the improved settlement. We need to prioritise services that matter most to our residents.”
Detailed reports on the settlement’s impact and the projected funding shortfall will be discussed by the cabinet and scrutiny committees early next year, before being presented to the full council in February.
Residents can have their say by completing an online response form available on the council’s website. A budget modelling tool is also provided for public use.
Paper copies of the response form can be requested by calling 01437 764551 or emailing [email protected].
All responses must be submitted by January 5.
Business
Holyhead closure: Storm damage could delay reopening until March
HOLYHEAD port faces an extended closure following significant storm damage, with fears it may not reopen until March. The disruption has caused widespread consequences for trade, travel, and postal services across the Irish Sea.
The Terminal 3 berth, used by Irish Ferries, sustained extensive damage during Storm Darragh earlier this month. Drone footage revealed a ‘dolphin’ platform had fallen into the sea, exacerbating the situation and impacting the adjoining terminal used by Stena Line.
Currently, all sailings are suspended until January 15, though experts warn this date may be overly optimistic. Garrett Bridgeman, managing director of An Post, Ireland’s national postal service, said: “I don’t think January 15 looks like the date. If you look at the level of work that needs to be done and the safety checks required afterwards, February or March seems more realistic.”
Stena Line stated their priority remains resuming operations safely, while the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is conducting an inquiry into the incident. A spokesperson for MAIB confirmed inspectors are reviewing evidence to understand the circumstances that led to the damage.
The Welsh Government has implemented contingency plans, with additional sailings arranged from Wales and the Mersey area despite challenging weather conditions. Welsh Transport Minister Ken Skates said: “This is a challenge we have never faced before, but we’ll continue working with UK and Irish governments to support businesses and travellers.”
Increased pressure on Fishguard and Pembroke ports
With Holyhead out of action, Pembrokeshire’s ports—Fishguard and Pembroke Dock—are facing increased pressure to handle additional sailings. Stena Line and Irish Ferries have already announced extra services from these ports to help ease the disruption.
Irish Ferries has confirmed it will launch a new service from Fishguard, while Pembroke Dock is also experiencing heightened activity with extra crossings scheduled. Passengers and freight operators are urged to check ferry company websites for the latest updates.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates praised the efforts of ferry operators and local authorities in managing the surge in activity at Pembrokeshire’s ports. “Both Fishguard and Pembroke Dock are playing a crucial role in maintaining the flow of goods and passengers across the Irish Sea during this unprecedented disruption,” he said.
Local authorities and Transport for Wales are working to ensure traffic flows smoothly around these ports, with additional measures in place to minimise congestion and delays.
Meanwhile, the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has expressed growing frustration with the lack of clear communication from Holyhead Port authorities. IRHA President Ger Hyland said: “We need correct and true information with a definite timeline. The piecemeal updates have been unhelpful.”
Hyland highlighted the financial toll on hauliers, with some operators facing losses of up to €3,000 per vehicle weekly. He urged ferry companies to increase their efforts to ease the crisis and called on the Irish government to explore financial compensation for affected businesses.
The situation has been escalated to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with calls for direct intervention to expedite repairs and alternative arrangements. Minister of State James Lawless, who met with haulage industry leaders, acknowledged the urgent need for clarity and support.
With Pembrokeshire ports now under increased strain, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, awaiting updates from Stena Line in mid-January.
-
News4 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Education5 days ago
Home Education: Delays and missed opportunities risk further tragedy
-
Business5 days ago
Pembrokeshire care home group hit by £150,000 budget blow
-
News6 days ago
Rift between Neyland councillors now ‘as wide as Grand Canyon’
-
News6 days ago
Labour’s refusal to compensate WASPI women sparks outrage
-
News7 days ago
Plaid Cymru calls for HS2 funding as disruption sparks debate
-
Community5 days ago
Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas
-
Politics6 days ago
Pembrokeshire Long Course Weekend changes could be made