News

Resident disarmed knife-threat attacker

Published

10 years ago

January 13, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Jailed: Shaun Lee Roberts
threatened to slit his girlfriend’s throat

A BRAVE Milford Haven man who disarmed a knife wielding neighbour was praised by a judge on Tuesday (Dec 23). Shaun Lee Roberts, aged 37, had attacked his girlfriend and was threatening to slit her throat when neighbour Mark Harris went to her aid. He grabbed Roberts’ arm, rolled his body into him and elbowed him in the face until he dropped the large kitchen knife.

Mr Harris, and fellow neighbour Rachel Crane who also went to help after hearing screams, were praised for their bravery by Judge Paul Thomas at Swansea crown court, when Roberts was sentenced. Roberts, of Telegraph Cottage, Gorsewood Drive, admitted assaulting Katy Walker, threatening to kill her and wounding Mr Harris, who suffered a cut to his hand while disarming him.

He was jailed for two years. Dean Pulling, prosecuting, said Roberts had been in a four year relationship with Miss Walker and they had a daughter together. But he was possessive and jealous and she had to regularly send him text messages whenever she was out of the house. On August 22 this year they went to a pub in Milford Haven and Miss Walker spoke to a man. Roberts discovered she had also talked to him at a gym and his mood changed.

On the way home he walked in the road, pushed her and called her names. At home he became more aggressive and repeatedly threatened to kill her. At one stage Miss Walker picked up a kitchen knife to protect herself, but put it down when he appeared to become calmer. But Roberts threw her to the floor and, while wearing boots, kicked her in the face several times. He then picked up the knife, put the blade to her face and said he was about to slit her throat.

The attack was interrupted by loud bangs on the front door as Mr Harris and Miss Crane arrived. After his arrest, Roberts told police he had little recollection of what had happened. During an interview he accepted he could be jealous and insecure about his relationship with Miss Walker, which was now “completely at an end.” David Williams, Roberts’ barrister, told the court that Roberts himself had received facial injuries during the prolonged incident.

Judge Thomas said that was hardly surprising as Miss Walker had tried to defend herself and Mr Harris had struggled to get the knife from him. Mr Williams said Roberts was “haunted” by what he had done. Judge Thomas said Roberts, a pipefitter, had carried out a “particularly bad episode of domestic violence” during which he had held a knife to Miss Walker’s throat to add to the terror. Mark Harris and Rachel Crane had acted bravely, he added. Roberts was also made the subject of a restraining order and banned from contacting Miss Walker, unless through his parents and only in relation to their daughter, and from entering a named street in Hakin.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 days 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.