News

Banned drink driver jailed

Published

10 years ago

January 5, 2015

A 21-YEAR-OLD man was sent to prison for 18 weeks after he pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified. Armands Nikiforovs, of Crundale, also pleaded guilty to driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and driving without insurance on December 7. Prosecuting, Dennis Davies said: “At five to four in the morning police on duty saw this man drive out of Castle Lake car park in Haverfordwest and turn left on to Barn Street which is a one way street.

As a result the officer stopped the driver and a breath test was conducted. This was positive and at the station he blew a lower reading of 65. It also transpired that this man was disqualified and that he was driving without insurance. He was with his two mates on a night out and was driving home when he was stopped and the owner of the car was sitting next to him.

He has been disqualified on two previous occasions and his last conviction was in December 2013 for which he was banned for four years and he has also served a term in jail. This is aggravated because he was driving with alcohol.” Defending, Mr John said: “He has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and has co-operated fully with the police.

He is unable to provide an excuse or good reason for getting behind the wheel and accepts he has done something which was extremely foolish. He has resigned himself to his sentence as this is a similar offence to his last one but I would ask that you give appropriate reduction for his cooperation and an early guilty plea.” The Magistrates sent Nikiforovs to prison for 18 weeks for driving whilst disqualified. He was also sentenced to 18 weeks for drink driving which will run concurrently with the other term. There was no separate penalty for driving without insurance and he was banned from driving for a further five years. Nikiforovs was also ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge.

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.