News

Keyboard theft case dismissed

Published

10 years ago

January 5, 2015

MAGISTRATES have dismissed a case of theft of a computer keyboard against a Fishguard man after they could not prove the case. Peter Bromley, aged 39, of West Street, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for his trial after he had pleaded not guilty to the charge on July 8. A second charge of fraud, to which he had also pleaded not guilty, was dropped by the prosecution. Prosecuting, Dennis Davies said: “Bromley had been recommended to a Mr Glastonbury to help him dispose of items from a number of sheds at a property, and in one of those sheds was a keyboard.

“Mr Glastonbury used to rent his property from where the alleged theft occurred, but in April of this year he moved out. “The keyboard was taken but was recovered from Bromley’s property, who told the police he was given the keyboard. “Mr Glastonbury said he had given him permission to take some items but not the keyboard itself.” Mr Glastonbury then gave evidence, saying: “I was looking for someone to give me assistance with painting and gardening jobs and I would pay him a daily rate for helping.

“There are a number of sheds at the property, and in one of them was a computer keyboard which I put there when I upgraded to a wireless keyboard. I put it in the shed with the intention to sell it at a future car boot sale. “I wrapped the keyboard in bubble wrap and put it in a plastic bag to keep the damp off of it. “I told him he could get rid of the scrap metal and I also gave him paint brushes and rollers, which I said he could have with my compliments.”

Defending, Mark Layton suggested the keyboard was given to Bromley when he gave him the paint brushes and rollers, but Mr Glastonbury told the court that he gave him the paint brushes and rollers on a separate day and that the keyboard was not part of that. Bromley then also gave evidence saying: “He gave me the keyboard, paint brushes and rollers. The keyboard was wrapped in a bag on top of the box with all the paint.

“We were emptying the shed and I noticed the keyboard and said ‘I need a new one for my computer, is there any chance I could have this keyboard?’, and Mr Glastonbury said yes.” Bromley continued: “All he was doing was getting rid of old stuff, he was with me when I sorted the shed out. I took it home and set it up with my computer. Police then came round the next day saying that the keyboard was on a list of things that had gone missing”.

Summing up the case, Mark Layton told the magistrates that there were a significant number of doubts in the case and that they should rule in favour of the defendant. The Magistrates returned after a short time to tell the court that they could not prove the case beyond reasonable doubt and the case was dismissed.

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.