News
Drink driver banned for 18 months
AT HAVERFORDWEST MAGISTRATES’ COURT on Tuesday (Nov 11), a man from Begelly who had been charged with drink driving and driving without insurance lost his licence for 18 months. Matthew David William Evans, aged 26 of Park Gardens pleaded guilty to both charges. Prosecutor, Ellie Morgan said: “Police on October 23 received a report at 11pm of a road traffic accident at Begelly roundabout. There was one vehicle involved that suffered damage to the passenger side. Officers made enquiries and checked the details of the driver, who gave an address at Park Gardens.
He said ‘I’ve been in an accident’, and during the conversation the officer noticed that Evans smelt of alcohol. He was arrested and taken to the police station. The breath test conducted showed there was 64 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. Other enquiries revealed the situation of no insurance. Evans was interviewed about matters, who said he had been driving the car, went round the roundabout and the car spun. He said he had two pints of lager in Narbeth and was going to pick girlfriend up in Tenby. He did not drink after accident. When he was asked about the insurance situation, he said his mum handles it, but something was amiss.”
Defence solicitor, Katy Hanson told the court: “Evans pleaded guilty at earliest opportunity and should be given full credit. He’d had the vehicle for less than a week, and his mum sorts out insurance. However, she forgot to change the insurance over. The more serious matter is that of drink driving. He had two pints of Stella, though he thought he’d be okay to drive. He’s not entirely sure what happened. No other vehicles were involved. His mum said that when he walked in after the accident, she gave him a small shot of brandy.
He doesn’t remember this, but it may have made a difference to the breath test result. He has been employed since leaving school at 16, but will not be in employment after disqualification. He lives with mother and is not regularly in trouble.” Magistrates told him: “You should not have been driving with excess alcohol” before imposing an 18 month ban and fining him £110, based on his ‘non existent income’. He must also pay £85 cost and £20 victim surcharge.
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
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
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.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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