News

Suspended sentence after pub altercation leaves victim with fractured skull

Published

2 years ago

August 8, 2023

A MAN underwent a distressing ordeal on the 8th of September, 2021, when an ostensibly routine evening at a local pub took a violent turn, resulting in a fractured skull. Wesley Griffiths, a member of staff at the Bush Inn in Tenby, was left injured and unconscious after being punched by his inebriated acquaintance, Craig Jones.

The Magistrates’ Court heard this week that Mr. Griffiths was relishing a day off from his duties, enjoying a leisurely evening at the very establishment he was employed. The tranquility of the evening was shattered around 11 pm, as the pub prepared to shutter its doors for the night. A task was delegated to Mr. Griffiths to prevent any latecomers from entering, a responsibility he carried out during his smoke break outside.

Among the hopeful patrons seeking entry was Craig Jones, a friend who had partaken in the evening’s libations. Mr. Griffiths, executing his duty, politely denied Jones’ entry, a decision met with hostility. Witnesses recounted that Jones, clearly under the influence, engaged in a verbal exchange with Griffiths, accusing him of being overly earnest in his role.

In an alarming escalation, Jones brazenly snatched Mr. Griffiths’ glasses before resorting to physical violence. Onlookers noted that Jones appeared to be deliberating his actions for a brief interval before delivering a powerful punch. The impact left Mr. Griffiths incapacitated and unconscious, causing him to collapse and sustain a severe head injury upon impact with the unyielding floor.

Jones promptly fled the scene, leaving Mr. Griffiths vulnerable and in a distressed state. Upon regaining consciousness, Mr. Griffiths initially provided the authorities with misleading information, attributing the incident to an accidental fall. However, the truth emerged, eventually leading to Jones’ confession to the authorities.

In his statement, Jones attempted to justify the assault as an act of self-defense, asserting that Mr. Griffiths had displayed physical aggression and employed offensive language. This narrative, however, was debunked in court, as evidence indicated that Mr. Griffiths was the victim of an unprovoked and brutal attack.

Medical evaluations revealed the gravity of Mr. Griffiths’ injuries. Despite initially declining medical attention, his condition worsened, necessitating his admission to a hospital on the 9th of September. Subsequent examinations, including a CT scan, unveiled two brain bleeds and a depressed skull fracture. The extent of his injuries underscored the perilous nature of the incident.

In a surprising turn of events, Mr. Griffiths expressed a compassionate stance towards his assailant. This sentiment was conveyed in an updated victim personal statement, wherein he expressed his reluctance to see Jones incarcerated for his actions.

During the legal proceedings, Jones’ defence solicitor, Jon Tarrant, shed light on his client’s history of substance abuse, specifically his excessive alcohol consumption and cocaine use. Tarrant argued that the delay in the legal proceedings had allowed Jones to demonstrate his commitment to rehabilitation, evident in his compliance with a previous community order.

Presiding over the case, Recorder David Harris delivered a stern message to Jones, emphasising the severity of his actions and the life-threatening consequences that followed. The judge also acknowledged Jones’ initial attempt to downplay the incident by claiming self-defense.

In the culmination of the legal process, Jones received a suspended sentence of 10 months, offering him an opportunity for redemption on the condition that he adheres to strict requirements. These mandates include completing 200 hours of unpaid work, participating in a 10-day rehabilitation programme, and adhering to a 120-day alcohol abstinence monitoring obligation.

Community

Crowds line streets as tractor run hailed a festive success

Published

3 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CROWDS lined streets and pavements across Pembrokeshire on Saturday evening (Dec 20) as Clarbeston Road AFC’s illuminated Christmas tractor run was hailed a resounding success.

More than 200 tractors took part in the event, travelling through villages and towns including Newmoat, Maenclochog, Llys-y-frân, Walton East, Clarbeston Road, Wiston, Newbridge, Poyston Cross, Crundale and Haverfordwest, where large crowds gathered to watch the festive convoy pass through.

Families, children and residents wrapped up against the cold to enjoy the sight of tractors decorated with Christmas lights and festive displays, with applause and waves greeting drivers as they made their way through built-up areas and rural roads alike.

The convoy set off from the Clarbeston Road AFC Knock Playing Fields at 5:30pm and concluded at the County Showground in Haverfordwest later in the evening. At the end of the run, refreshments were available and the raffle draw took place at the Park House building, which was open to the public.

Organisers said the turnout from both drivers and spectators exceeded expectations, with the event once again bringing communities together while raising funds for local causes, including The Catrin Vaughan Foundation, In It With Isaac, and Wales Air Ambulance.

Clarbeston Road AFC thanked tractor drivers, volunteers, sponsors and members of the public for their support, as well as residents and road users for their patience while the convoy passed through.

The illuminated tractor run has become a firm fixture in the local festive calendar, with Friday night’s event described by many spectators as one of the best yet.

Community

Charity tractor and car run set to raise funds for Macmillan and Paul Sartori

Published

4 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A CHARITY tractor and car run in memory of Charles Rees is set to take place in Pembrokeshire later this month, with funds raised supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Charles Rees Tractor & Car Run will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, starting and finishing at Dudwell Farm in Camrose.

Participants are being invited to “start their engines” in aid of the two charities, with gates opening at 9:00am and the convoy leaving promptly at 10:30am. Organisers have confirmed that the run will operate with no halfway stops, returning to Dudwell Farm at the end of the route.

The event will begin and finish at Dudwell Farm, Camrose (SA62 6HJ), and is open to tractors and cars. Registration and cash payment will take place on the day, with the price to be confirmed nearer the event.

Additional donations can also be made locally in the run-up to the event at Camrose Country Hardware and Croesgoch Stores.

The run has been organised to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides vital care and assistance to people living with cancer, and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which supports patients and families across Pembrokeshire during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Organisers say more information will be released closer to the event and are encouraging the local community to support the run, whether by taking part, donating, or lining the route to show support.

The event is expected to attract strong local interest, continuing Pembrokeshire’s tradition of community-led fundraising in support of much-valued charities.

News

Late Griffiths strike caps dramatic Clarby fightback in nine-goal thriller

Published

5 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Herald Sport

CLARBESTON ROAD staged a remarkable comeback to edge out Pennar Robins in a breathless Division One contest that delivered nine goals, wild swings of momentum and a hat-trick that ultimately counted for nothing.

Despite falling behind on three separate occasions, Clarby showed resilience and attacking intent to secure a 5–4 victory, sealed late on by Emyr Griffiths after the hosts had earlier trailed 3–1 in the first half.

For Pennar, the result was a bitter one. Jack Jones struck three times and the Robins led at 1–0, 3–1 and 4–3, but each advantage slipped away as Clarby refused to lie down.

The opening exchanges hinted at little of what was to come. Ben ‘Rocky’ John tested Pennar goalkeeper Ryeley Clark early on, while Tom Davies dragged an effort wide at the other end. The game burst into life after nine minutes when Pennar opened the scoring following a slick team move. Nicholas Willis drove forward down the right, combined neatly with Kieran Smith and Noah Davison, and was tripped inside the box. Jack Jones made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Clarby responded almost immediately. Player-manager Matthew Ellis, keen to atone for conceding the penalty, rose to head home Travis Jones’ corner at the near post just two minutes later.

Pennar regained control midway through the half. Tom Grimwood’s curling corner was met by Jones, who nodded in at the back post, and moments later the same duo combined again as Jones completed his hat-trick, finishing from close range after Grimwood beat his marker and cut the ball back.

Crucially, Clarby struck back before the break. Matthew Bowen delivered an inviting cross from the left and John powered a header past Clark to give the hosts renewed belief heading into half-time.

With the wind at their backs, Clarby came out flying after the restart. John levelled matters by cutting inside and firing low into the corner, before sustained pressure saw Matthew Davies have a goal ruled out for offside and substitute Josh Woods flash a shot across goal.

Against the run of play, Pennar edged back in front on 69 minutes when substitutes combined — Adam Phillips delivering a cross that Conner Phillips met unmarked to head home.

Once again, Clarby refused to fold. Jack Ashman drove forward from the edge of the area and thundered a high finish into the net to make it 4–4, before the decisive moment arrived 12 minutes from time. Griffiths broke through the Pennar back line and showed composure to lift the ball beyond Clark, completing a stunning turnaround.

Clarby managed the closing stages well to see out a vital win ahead of the Christmas break.

Man of the match: Jack Jones
Despite ending on the losing side, Jones’ clinical finishing and constant threat were impossible to ignore. Kieran Smith and Noah Davison were also influential in Pennar’s first-half dominance, while Ben John was central to Clarby’s revival before limping off with a knee issue.

Clarby player-manager Matthew Ellis said: “It’s a huge three points. After nine goals your head’s spinning a bit, but you’ll take it when you’re on the right side of the result. Pennar caused us problems early on, but we really turned it around after the break.”

Pennar manager Craig Butland said: “The second half wasn’t good enough. Individual errors are hurting us and conceding just before half-time changed the momentum. We’ve got to see games out better.”

Clarbeston Road: Rhys Mansell, Matthew Bowen, Greg Brown, Matthew Griffiths, Samuel Hurton, Jack Ashman, Emyr Griffiths, Matthew Davies (capt), Matthew Ellis, Ben John (Jake Wesley 62), Travis Jones. Sub not used: Joseph Jones.

Pennar Robins: Ryeley Clark, Nick Willis (Ryan Walters 80), Alex Wheeler (Adam Phillips 53), Ethan Ball, Bobby Jones (Conner Willis 53), Connor Roberts, Tom Grimwood, Kieran Smith (capt), Noah Davison, Jack Jones, Toby Davies.

Referee: Stefan Jenkins.