A 46-YEAR-OLD man from Pembrokeshire will appear in Haverfordwest Magistrates’ court today facing multiple sexual offence charges, including rape, as the result of an incident alleged to have occurred in Narberth in 2022.

It is alleged that Richard Murray, of Dolau, Llandissilio, penetrated the mouth of a woman with his penis without her consent and without any reasonable belief that she was consenting.

In addition to the rape charge, Murray faces two further charges of a sexual nature.

The second charge alleges sexual assault on a female over the age of 16.

The prosecution claims that Murray intentionally touched the woman in a sexual manner without her consent and without reasonably believing that she was consenting.

The third charge involves an attempted sexual offence.

It is alleged that Murray attempted to cause a girl between the age of 13 and 15 to engage in a sexual activity without penetration, specifically by trying to make her place her hand on his penis.

Murray is expected to be present in the court for this initial hearing, it is likely that the case would be, due to its nature, adjourned to Swansea Crown Court.

WALES’ beer and pub sector supports 44,000 jobs but urgently needs the upcoming Budget to help it so it can keep people in work, the trade body has warned.   

These figures demonstrate that people around the country depend upon the industry to keep them in work and put money in their pockets, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said.    

But despite this, pubs make an average of just 12p on every pint of beer once taxes and costs have been deducted.    

Now the BBPA is calling for a reduction in soaring costs of doing business. It says the industry needs the Budget to help it continue to invest in business and people and remain a home away from home in communities across the country.     

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: “Our brewers and pubs are helping people around the country earn money, gain skills and experience, and support both the local and national economy. 

“From those pulling pints to the farmers growing the hops, so many rely on our treasured beer and pub sector for their livelihoods and careers.  

“But for the job market to flourish – and for us to keep supporting those jobs – it’s vital our sector is given the support it needs to continue.   

“We are urging the Government protect the Great British brewing and pub sector – the beating heart of our communities – to ensure it can remain a driving force for growth, jobs, investment and social value whilst keeping the price of a pint affordable for all.”  

The BBPA is calling on the Government to use the upcoming Budget to cut beer duty, reform business rates, and pledge to keep the 75% business rates relief so that pubs and brewers can keep people in work and support more jobs. 

A 5% cut in beer duty in the upcoming Budget would result in up to 12,000 additional jobs across the UK, mainly in pubs. This is due to the dynamic effects of increased prices at the bar reducing demand from consumers, who are sensitive to costs rising. Decreased demand for drinks in pubs leads to closures and job losses so keeping the price of a pint affordable will allow the sector to thrive and employ even more people.  

The industry is facing multiple burdens and restrictions in the form of proposed eyewatering packaging taxes and a potential beer garden smoking ban.   

The industry is one for the most heavily taxed business sectors per pound of turnover in the UK with tax making up 40% of UK brewing turnover and £1 in every £3 spent in pubs.   

The BBPA warns any additional price increases, on top of the inflationary pressures of the last few years, would tip many beer and pub businesses over the edge.  

WELSH rugby great Shane Williams, MBE, has thrown his support behind Wales Air Ambulance and four of its medics who will be taking on Ironman this weekend.

Like Shane, the Charity’s medics Mike Palmer, Ruby Thomas, Simon Cartwright and Caroline Arter, will push their bodies to its limit to take on the ultimate challenge of Ironman Wales – swapping their flight suits for tri-suits.

The gruelling long-distance triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile sea swim, a 112-mile hilly bike course and a marathon through the streets of Tenby.  

Shane’s new sportswear brand, AGILIS, has provided each of the medics with Wales Air Ambulance branded tri-suits free of charge, but the support doesn’t end there. The unique partnership will see AGILIS support the Charity in future events, providing discounted sportswear to enable the Wales Air Ambulance to raise even more funds.

Shane said: “I am very proud to say that myself and AGILIS will be working in partnership with Wales Air Ambulance. Obviously, it’s a fantastic Charity and cause, we’ve all seen the great work that they have done, how amazing they are and the difference they make to a lot of people’s lives, so I am very proud to be associated with them on this adventure.”

Since retiring from the professional game Shane has found a new passion for endurance sports. 

As part of the unique partnership between the brand and the Charity, the former Wales and British and Irish Lions international rugby player will show his support to the lifesaving Charity by wearing one of the Wales Air Ambulance tri-suits.

Shane continued: “I can’t wait to get out there with all the great fantastic people. I’ve met the crew taking part on Sunday, there are some real good triathletes there. I’m looking forward to seeing them do their business on the Ironman course and what’s exciting is that I’m going to be running and cycling in the Wales Air Ambulance colours, red and green! I’ve got the Welsh colours back on! It will be a very tough day, but I’m very proud.”

AGILIS will be supporting the Charity moving forward and has also donated hoodies for the medics to wear on the day. Shane will also be meeting up with the medics on Saturday, prior to the triathlon.

Mike Palmer, a Critical Care Practitioner onboard Wales Air Ambulance, said: “Shane Williams is not just a legend of rugby, but also of triathlon. It means so much to me and my colleagues to have the support and mentorship of someone who has pushed his body to the limits numerous times on one of the toughest Ironman courses in the world.

“To have been gifted the suits, and to wear the same as Shane on Sunday is remarkable. Balancing 12-hour shifts, a master’s degree and the intense training hasn’t been easy. There’s been many times that I’d be going for a long run before starting my shift at 7am, but we’re so near now and I’m so excited (and nervous) to step foot on that start line.

“We’re all so passionate about the Wales Air Ambulance, and me, Caz, Ruby and Simon continue to see first-hand the impact this charity has on people’s lives. So, on Sunday, when we feel like we can’t go any further, we’ll think of our patients and our supporters – and that’ll give us the push to carry on.

“Thank you to Shane, AGILIS and to all those who have donated to our challenge so far. If you can, please donate via our JustGiving page, and cheer for us on Sunday.”

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.  

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles. 

As a pan-Wales service, the dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care. 

The 2008 World Rugby Player of the Year has further shown his commitment to the all-Wales Charity by signing up to another event alongside his AGILIS colleagues. The trio will be raising awareness of the lifesaving charity next month in the second largest half marathon event in the UK, the Cardiff Half Marathon.

Laura Slate, Communications and Engagement Manager for Wales Air Ambulance said: “Every day, our crews deliver advanced medical care to people across Wales, and alongside the 12-hour shifts, Caz, Mike, Simon and Ruby have been training for this massive challenge and raising money for our charity.

“We are absolutely delighted to be working with AGILIS and Shane and are incredibly grateful for the donation of tri-suits for the critical care practitioners. The company and the Welsh rugby great have already shown their dedication to our cause, and I offer my heartfelt thanks to all those who have been involved in creating this partnership. We are a proud Welsh charity, and Shane is a proud Welshman – it’s a perfect match, and we’re excited to see how the partnership will grow.”

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.

Laura continued: “There are many ways in which individuals and organisations can support us. AGILIS is great example of how businesses can contribute to our lifesaving service by supplying goods and services at a reduced rate, alongside traditional fundraising activities. It all helps us to ensure that as much money as possible goes directly to our frontline service for the benefit of the people of Wales.

“Good luck to everyone taking part on Sunday, and a special thank you to Shane and our heroes of the sky.”

Show your support to the Wales Air Ambulance Ironman team by donating to their JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/page/caroline-arter-1710187476943.