News

Paedophile’s Heatherton outing

Published

11 years ago

November 21, 2013

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock was remanded in custody at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Barry William Hollingsworth, 71, of Old Coronation School, Meyrick Street admitted to one charge of breaching a Sex Offenders Order. The order, issued by Chester Crown Court following a previous conviction, prevents Hollingsworth going to a place frequented by children under the age of 18.

The prosecutor told the court:

“Between July 18 and July 21 the defendant was at Heatherton seeking to approach a child which was a breach of the order imposed in Chester on June 25, 2009.”

“Hollingsworth is a registered sex offender who in 2004 was found guilty of three charges of indecent assault against a five year old girl. He had befriended her family when he was a Meals-on-Wwheels delivery driver, regularly dropping off hot meals to the girl’s grandmother.”

“In 2009 he exposed his penis to a 7 year old girl, and indecent images were found on his personal computer. He was jailed, but released on August 24, 2012. Detective Constable Lovett was appointed as his dedicated police officer to supervise his behaviour post release, and he was further subject to notification requirements.”

The prosecutor continued: “On July 25 this year, police received a telephone call from Andrew McDonald at Heatherton reporting the suspicious behaviour of a male on his own, that male being the same man who had aroused the suspicions of a customer the previous week. Witnesses had observed Hollingsworth avidly watching children.”

“Another witness had said that the same man had been watching children for prolonged periods of time. A Heatherton employee had noted that Hollingsworth had followed a party of school children to the Scalextric track at around 3pm on July 19. Hollingsworth had been standing about 1 metre to 1.5 metres away from a young girl” he said.

“The police approached Hollingsworth and after they carried out a computer check realised that he was in breach of an order. He was arrested and conveyed to Haverfordwest police station.

In interview, Hollingsworth told police: “I was watching them and having fun. I get mentally aroused by girls of between 8 and 10 years old. I have fantasies of touching them and cuddling those youngsters.”

“This man should be remanded in custody” the prosecutor concluded.

Defending solicitor Phillip Huxtable from Wilson Devonald Swansea said:

“I concur that my client should be remanded in custody. He has 20 convictions, including 7 of a sexual nature. Most of his recent offending has been of a sexual nature. Your sentencing powers for this breach of order are six months in the magistrates’ court but five years in the crown court.”

Hollingsworth was remanded in custody to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on November 22.

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

1 day 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

1 day 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.