News

Top cop warns court of growing number of physical and verbal assaults on police

Published

1 month ago

November 19, 2024

DYFED-POWYS POLICE’S Chief Constable, Dr Richard Lewis, has issued a strongly-worded statement to Haverfordwest Magistrates in relation to the growing number of physical and verbal assaults carried out on police officers.

“Police officers and police staff are people,” he said. “They are fathers,mothers, sons and daughters and when they are attacked, they become victims, just like everyone else. But they are victims who are trying to help and protect society.”

Dr Lewis said that in 2024, no fewer than 175 assaults have already been committed against on-duty officers in the Dyfed-Powys Police force division, resulting in the loss of 363 sickness days.

Chief Constable Lewis’ statement was presented to Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday after 22-year-old Hope Phillips of Coach House, Cartlett, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker by beating in the early hours of November 1.

Police officers had been called to the County Hall car park in Freemans Way, Haverfordwest, where other officers were attempting to restrain a male.

“The defendant was trying to get in the officer’s way and when she was asked to stand back she grabbed [the officer] by the arms and slapped her to the face,” said Crown Prosecutor, Nia James.

In a statement read out to the court, the officer said her left cheek had been slapped by Phillips, resulting in an ‘immediate sting’.

“It shocked me,” she said. “I didn’t expect to be assaulted and it took me by surprise how quickly the situation escalated. It left me feeling disappointed.”

Meanwhile Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis said that an increasing number of officers are putting themselves ‘in harm’s way’ as they attempt to safeguard the public.

“All too often police are subjected to assaults, and the impact on society never changes,” he said. “But it’s never acceptable to assume that assaults on police officers should be accepted.”
Chief Constable Lewis said the assaults are impacting on the officers’ physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as their professional and personal morale.

Meanwhile a probation report read out to the court said that Phillips was heavily intoxicated at the time of the offence and has no idea how she ended up in the County Hall car park.

“When she discovered what had happened, she was horrified and now wants to express her remorse for what happened,” said the probation officer.

This was endorsed by Phllips’ solicitor, Jess Hill.

“The defendant had spent the evening celebrating Halloween at a friend’s house, but unfortunately this was how it all ended,” she said. “This has been a wake up call for her and has scared her.”

Philips, who has no previous convictions, was sentenced to a 12 month community order, during which she must carry out ten rehabilitation activity requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work. This was uplifted from 80 hours because her victim was an emergency worker. She was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer, £85 costs and a £114 court surcharge.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.