News

Conditional discharge for young mum

Published

10 years ago

January 6, 2015

A NEW mum was given a twelve month conditional discharge at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wesnesday (Dec 17) after she pleaded guilty to stealing a Super Dry top from retailer Trendz. Amy McGee, aged 22, of Brodawel, Solva, went in to the store on April 16 and stole the top worth £19.99. The court heard how she was already the subject to a suspended sentence, but this offence occurred before that was issued. The Magistrates felt they needed to hear from a probation officer about the matter, who told the bench that her work with the service has been extremely positive.

McGee had pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing on September 9 but changed her plea in court. Defending, Mark Layton said: “Up until the imposition of the suspended sentence she had been coming to court far too frequently. “Things have now changed, she has now become a mother and she has taken to parenting very well. This has given her the opportunity to be at home and not get into trouble. “She is looking forward to the future; this is a new start for her now she has changed her ways”.

Prosecuting the case, Vaughan Pritchard-Jones said: “She went into the Trendz store with a friend. They have had a discussion with the shopkeeper about prices of various items. “Mrs McGee had put an item into her bag and left without paying. The item was recovered”. The Magistrates were very encouraged by what they had heard and along with the conditional discharge she was ordered to pay £200 in court costs and a £15 victim surcharge. Another young woman, from Crundale, who was charged with the same offence did not show up in court. The case was adjourned in the interests of justice but a warrant was issued for her arrest.

Angharad Davies, aged 24, of Dingle Close, did not attend Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 17). The police will now arrest Davies and bring her before the court unless she surrenders to custody beforehand.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.