News

Drink driver ‘posed a significant risk’

Published

10 years ago

January 5, 2015

A WOMAN, who had 115 micrograms of alcohol in her breath, ‘posed a significant risk’ to other road users, Haverfordwest Magistrates heard on Tuesday. Nicola Thorpe, aged 43, of West End Cottages in Robeston Wathen, was disqualified from driving for 28 months after she pleaded guilty to drink driving which on the afternoon of November 18. Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said: “At half six on Tuesday, November 18, Officer Cousins was on duty in an unmarked police vehicle.

“He came behind a silver BMW, which he describes as being almost stationary. The officer moved closer and at this point the driver pulled away. “The car veered across the white lines in the centre of the road and the officer was so alarmed at this he called for a marked police car to attend the area. “The car then veered out on to the wrong side of the road and narrowly missed another vehicle coming in the opposite direction. “They travelled through Robeston Wathen before the driver pulled off into the car park of the Bush Pub. “On speaking to the woman the officer could immediately smell alcohol and a road side test returned a positive result and she was then arrested. “She told the officer that she had had a couple of drinks of wine. “The officer then went back to the area where he first saw her and noticed silver paint on the wall, but there was no damage to it. “At the station, the lower reading of alcohol in her breath was 115 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath.”

Defending, Mr Phillips said: “He has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and I ask that you will consider her for the drink rehabilitation course, and deal with this by way of a community order. “On the day in question, she was in Narberth celebrating a birthday with friends. She had a telephone call from her daughter to say there was a fire in the village near their home, and she felt she needed to get home. Unfortunately she now finds herself in this situation.” Probation officer, Julie Norman was asked to prepare a report on Thorpe. She said: “This was a high reading. She had gone to Narberth and had a few drinks. She pre-arranged for her husband to pick her up at 6. “At around 5pm she received a call to say that there was a fire.

Her house was only a mile and a half away. “She had a high level of alcohol in her system and was a high risk to other road users. She is remorseful for her actions and denies any drinking issues as she does not normally drink and drive.” The chairman of the bench said: “We are treating this as a very serious offence, the reading was very high and you did pose a significant risk to others. “We can see you are remorseful and feel a community order would not be suitable.” Magistrates gave her a fine for the offence of £160. She was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £20 victim surcharge. She was disqualified from driving for 28 months, but was offered the driver rehabilitation course, which could reduce her ban by a quarter.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

4 hours 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

11 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

12 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.