News

Youth cleared of teen rape

Published

10 years ago

December 3, 2014

Swansea Crown Court

A YOUTH was cleared on Thursday (Nov 13) of the underwater rape of a teenage girl. The 17 year old, who cannot be named because of a court order, was accused of pulling aside her swimming costume and forcing himself on her while they were in the sea off the beach at Saundersfoot. The youth told a jury at Swansea crown court that while there may have been some kissing involved there had not been any sexual contact.

Ian Wright, prosecuting, said the pair had been in a group enjoying a day out at the beach. At one stage the rest of the group stopped swimming and returned to the beach, leaving just the youth and the girl in the water. The defendant was alleged to have touched her legs and to have pulled her with such force that she went under the water. Then, said Mr Wright, he exposed himself while holding her around the waist. Despite trying to bite him, added Mr Wright, he managed to pull her towards him and to have sexual intercourse with her.

Mr Wright said he stopped only when other members of the group reentered the sea. Mr Wright said the girl immediately complained to her cousin about what had happened. The cousin told the jury she had been surprised to see them kissing while in the sea. She confirmed the girl told her that the boy had had sex with her. But when she advised her to be careful before making allegations she appeared to brush away the matter. She said she had watched the couple while they had been in the water and had not been aware of anything sexual taking place. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty, which sparked celebrations of relief amongst members of the public.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 hour 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

9 hours 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

9 hours 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.