News

Johnston man guilty to assaulting an emergency worker by beating

Published

1 month ago

November 19, 2024

A COURT has heard how a Johnston man became ‘overwhelmed’ when four police officers arrived at his house to question him about an unrelated matter.

The officers were called to Richard Atwell’s property in Maes yr Ysgol, Johnston, in the early hours of November 1.

“A female was standing outside who was very upset,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“Officers took brief details from her and went to speak to the defendant and when he came to the top window, he was shouting.”

The defendant, Richard Atwell, 31, was told to be quiet, and then proceeded to open the back door of the property and allowed the officers inside.

But Crown Prosecutor Nia James described his behaviour as ‘obstructive’.

Police video footage was shown to the court, where Atwell could be heard telling officers that he had been assaulted by the female who was outside his property.

“I chucked her out because I’d had enough of her,” he was heard saying. “I locked her out and I’ve been sitting in my bedroom ever since. I never hit her nor assaulted her. It was she who hit me.”

When the officers told him that he was going to be arrested, he resisted.

“No I’m not,” he said. “I’m in my own house and I’ve done nothing wrong.”

As tension between Atwell and the officers continued to mount, the defendant was seen walking into the hallway and was surrounded by the four officers. He pushed out at one of them, causing her to fall backwards. Magistrates were told that no physical harm was caused to the officer.

Atwell pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker by beating and was legally represented by Michael Kelleher.

“The defendant was overwhelmed and confused about what happened,” he said. “Police came into his property, and he didn’t know why. They went to arrest him, and he should have simply gone along with them, but he was completely at a loss and resisted the arrest. There were four police officers there in total and maybe in the course of the movement, he pushed one of them. But whatever happened, it was unintentional.”

Atwell was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 court surcharge. No compensation order was made to the police officer.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day 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.