News

Guilty verdict follows Mothers’ Day stabbing

Published

11 years ago

November 11, 2013

MOTHERS’ Day 2012 in Hakin was not what it should have been when one mother stabbed another in the back, said a judge.

Stevie Jo Parkes, 20, had denied a charge of unlawful wounding but was convicted unanimously by a jury at Swansea crown court following a three day trial.

She was immediately remanded in custody and warned to expect jail when she is sentenced on November 22.

Rebecca Louise Davies told the court she had been in a relationship with Tace Davies, Parkes’ step brother, and had a child by him.

Their relationship ended but he was allowed to call at her home in Hakin and to spend time with the child.

On March 18, 2012 – mothers’ day – he asked for the first time if he could take their son to his grandfather’s home in Haven Drive.

Miss Davies agreed but warned him not to take the baby “anywhere near” Parkes.

A few hours later Parkes called round and asked for fresh clothing for the child.

Miss Davies responded by walking to Parkes’ home at 18 John Lewis Street and demanding the return of her son.

Tace Davies appeared at the door of the flat, and alongside him was Parkes holding a bread knife.

Miss Davies turned her back and walked away to protect herself but then felt a sharp pain to her back.

Parkes, she said, had slashed her with the knife.

She was taken to Withybush hospital for treatment and Parkes was arrested.

Parkes told the jury that Miss Davies disliked her and had invented the complaint, possibly injuring herself just to get Parkes into trouble.

After the verdict Judge Huw Davies said: “Mothers’ Day in Hakin was different, not what it should have been.”

Both Parkes and Miss Davies had delivered babies within days of each other.

Judge Davies said he was anxious about what start in life they had when people lose their temper and picked up knives to settle their differences.

Judge Davies said he noted that Parkes had received a warning for assaulting a police officer in June, 2009, and also been convicted of disorderly behaviour in July, 2012 and in October 2012 for common assault.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

20 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.