News
Sex offender who has been incarcerated for breach of order
DYFED-POWYS POLICE have released the photograph of a west Wales sex offender who has been incarcerated due to his repeated defiance of a sexual harm prevention order.
Shaun Smith was placed under a 10-year sexual harm prevention order when he was sentenced to 15 months in prison on December 20, 2018, for attempting to meet a girl under the age of 16 following grooming, and attempting to induce a female to partake in sexual activity without her consent.
As a stipulation of his sexual harm prevention order, Smith was prohibited from erasing any browsing history on his internet-connected devices.
On June 29, two officers visited Smith’s residence on Park Street in Ammanford to conduct a risk assessment.
Upon request, he surrendered his phone and when questioned about potential deletions, he confessed to removing the Telegram application.
Smith claimed he had been “engaged in conversation with a woman” on the app and through a third-party explicit website, but then eliminated the app and its history.
He informed the officers that his actions were in response to “an attempt to defraud [him],” stated prosecutor Harry Dickens.
“Yes, I made an error. I accept responsibility for it,” Smith conceded to the police, subsequently leading to his arrest.
Smith, who has amassed seven prior convictions for 11 offenses, had previously violated the order on two occasions.
The first instance involved using an internet-capable phone without notifying the police, and the second was related to acquiring a PlayStation 4 – which connects to the internet – without informing the authorities.
Rhiannon Lee-Meredith, in defence, pointed out that Smith had immediately provided the information to the officers and admitted his transgression.
“He is cognizant that this marks the third breach of this court order. He acknowledges the possibility of a custodial sentence. He is fully aware and consents,” she remarked.
“He has expressed his intention to now adhere to any court-imposed directive.”
Recorder David Harris indicated that this recent breach represented “an escalation of the violations.”
He sentenced Smith to one year in prison and imposed a £187 surcharge.
(Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)
Community
Over 5,600 elderly at risk of Losing winter fuel payments in Pembrokeshire
IN Mid & South Pembrokeshire, over 5,600 residents aged over 80 face the prospect of losing their Winter Fuel Payments. This follows recent government cuts, revealed by the latest official statistics released on the 24th of September.
The Pembrokeshire Liberal Democrats have urged the Labour government to urgently reconsider its stance. The party’s spokesperson, Andrew Lye, highlighted the critical situation, stating that many pensioners are now forced to make a distressing choice between heating their homes and buying food. “Thousands of pensioners here in the Mid & South Pembrokeshire constituency are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter,” said Mr. Lye. He described the cut as the “completely wrong thing to be doing” in the face of such dire circumstances.
According to the data, 5,622 local pensioners who do not receive pension credit will be affected by the discontinuation of the Winter Fuel Payment—a benefit that previously granted them £300 each to assist with their energy bills during the colder months. Last year, pensioners over 80 in the area received a total of £1,702,500 in support, with a broader constituency figure reaching £4,072,500.
The figures indicate a significant reduction in financial support for the elderly, a demographic that Age UK warns will be in “serious trouble” this winter. The charity has previously reported that across the nation, around 2.5 million pensioners could suffer greatly due to the withdrawal of these essential payments.
The Liberal Democrats have called for a reversal of these cuts, urging the government to protect vulnerable pensioners amid increasing living costs. Mr. Lye emphasized the urgency of the situation: “It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals, and protect vulnerable pensioners here in the Mid & South Pembrokeshire constituency, this winter.”
With the local community and advocacy groups raising alarms, the issue has garnered considerable attention, placing pressure on the government to address the potential crisis looming over some of its most vulnerable citizens this winter.
Crime
‘Sheer luck’ that out-of-control car did not hit mother and baby
IN MILFORD HAVEN a woman and her baby were on the way to the local shop on Saturday (Sept 28) when what was described at the scene as a “drunk driver” veered off the road, mounted the pavement, and struck the telegraph pole just next to them.
The pole, in Milton Crescent was damaged, causing heavy duty trunking to break off and hit the pram, damaging it, but narrowly missing the baby.
It seems Deanna Potter and her baby, Danny, were only saved by the fortunate position of the pole – which took a heavy impact – preventing the large black Audi from ploughing into them.
After the collision, the woman said, the driver “attempted to flee”, but her car was too damaged. She then exited her vehicle and walked away, “seemingly indifferent to the near-fatal accident” she had caused.
Police soon arrested the driver, and are investigating the incident.
Mother and baby are said to be doing fine, but are obviously shaken-up by the ordeal.
The police have been asked to comment. (Images: Facebook)
News
Milford Haven honours fishermen with annual memorial service
MILFORD HAVEN held its annual Fishermen’s Tribute Service on Saturday (Sept 28) at The Rath, in a heartfelt event that drew members of the community to honour its maritime legacy.
The Milford Haven Town Band played, adding to the solemnity of the occasion, attended by Mayor Councillor William Elliot, who laid a wreath on behalf of the town.
This year’s service, led by Reverend Samuel Patterson, focused on commemorating those connected to the fishing industry, reflecting on their contributions to the town’s prosperity. The event underscores the challenging conditions faced by fishermen and the pivotal role the fishing industry plays in Milford Haven’s economy and culture.
As part of the ceremony, attendees paid their respects at the memorial, which bears the inscription, “A Tribute to Our Fishermen,” affirming the community’s gratitude and remembrance of their efforts.
(Photos Lloyd Jones / Fiona Galliford)
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