Ex-paddleboard firm owner in court after deaths

A former police officer and ex-paddleboard tour company owner has appeared in court charged with gross negligence manslaughter after four people died in a river three years ago.

Nerys Bethan Lloyd, 39, of Jersey Quay, Port Talbot, was released on unconditional bail to appear at Swansea Crown Court on 3 January.

Paul O’Dwyer, Andrea Powell, Morgan Rogers and Nicola Wheatley died following an incident in the River Cleddau, in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, in 2021.

District Judge Mark Layton said Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court could not deal with the case, as the charges were too serious.

Ms Lloyd, former owner of Salty Dog, the company operating the tour, has also been charged with one offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Mr O'Dwyer, 42, from Port Talbot, Ms Rogers, 24, from Merthyr Tydfil, Ms Wheatley, 40, of Pontarddulais, died in the incident.

The fourth paddleboarder, Ms Powell, 41, from Bridgend, died a week later in hospital.