News
Irish Ferries welcomes return of JAMES JOYCE to Dublin–Holyhead route
Vessel to be largest and fastest cruise ferry on the Irish Sea
IRISH FERRIES has announced the addition of a new cruise ferry to its fleet, confirming the purchase of the STAR 1 from Tallink Hansaway Limited. Built in 2007 in Finland at the same shipyard as the ULYSSES, the vessel previously operated with Irish Ferries under charter and will now return to service under its former name, JAMES JOYCE.
The JAMES JOYCE will rejoin the fleet in May, operating on the Dublin–Holyhead route alongside the ULYSSES and the DUBLIN SWIFT.
With capacity for more than 2,000 passengers and 2,380 lane metres for cars, coaches, and freight vehicles, the JAMES JOYCE will become the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish Sea. It also boasts the largest onboard retail space on any cruise ferry in the region, with over 17,000 square feet dedicated to shopping, making it a key destination for duty-free bargains.
Designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, the ship features a blend of classic and modern interiors. Facilities include ample cabin accommodation, a Club Class lounge, a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a bar, gaming area, pet-friendly spaces, a children’s play area, and amenities tailored to freight drivers.
One of the standout features of the JAMES JOYCE is its top speed of 27.5 knots, making it the fastest cruise ferry with the largest passenger capacity on the Irish Sea. This speed advantage will allow Irish Ferries to offer both passengers and freight customers a quicker and more reliable journey between Ireland and the UK.
Irish Ferries Managing Director, Andrew Sheen, said:
“We are delighted to announce the return of the JAMES JOYCE to our fleet. This new ship will be a fantastic addition to our service, offering customers the very best in terms of comfort, speed, and onboard facilities. Combined with the usual benefits of ferry travel—no luggage restrictions, no long security queues—we’re confident the JAMES JOYCE will become a firm favourite among passengers and freight drivers alike. We look forward to welcoming them on board.”
The JAMES JOYCE will enter service on the Dublin–Holyhead route in May, with fares starting from €138 / £132 for a single journey with a car and one adult. With its combination of scale, speed, and state-of-the-art amenities, it is set to become the premier choice for travel across the Irish Sea.
Irish Ferries also operates sailings between Rosslare and Pembroke Dock in Pembrokeshire, and frequently rotates vessels across its routes—so who knows, we may one day see this fine vessel serving the people of West Wales too.
Crime
Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident
A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.
Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.
The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:
- Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
- Common assault
- Assault by beating
No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.
Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
Defendant remanded in custody
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.
David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- A second count of assault
- Criminal damage
- An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
- A public order offence
Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.
Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”
A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing
A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.
Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.
During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.
Charges Include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Intentional non-fatal strangulation
- Common assault on a woman
- Criminal damage in a domestic context
- Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
- Breach of bail conditions
Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.
Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.
No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.
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