News

Still banned after changing name

Published

10 years ago

February 5, 2015

AFTER finding out his real name from his birth certificate, a Pembroke Dock man tried his luck and applied for a new driving license under his original name even though he was banned from driving.

Shaun Coleman, aged 26, of Coronation School, was previously known as Brown but applied for the license when he found out his name was Coleman.

Coleman appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jan 20) to learn his sentence after he pleaded guilty to a charge of obtaining a driving license whilst disqualified and also being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

Coleman had been on a night out in Wrexham in November but, realising he had nowhere to sleep, he called the police reporting an incident and when they came he asked to be arrested so that he could have a place to sleep.

The court also heard how Coleman had no intentions of driving and that he simply used the provisional license for ID purposes.

Prosecuting, Nick Newton told the court: “On November 27, at around 11:30pm this man has rung the police to report an alleged burglary and assault. However, when the police arrived he shouted: ‘Come on then, arrest me’. It turns out that he had called the police for no other reason than to be arrested. He was asked to move on but he continued to be abusive and he was arrested and taken to the police station in Wrexham. They found a bank card in the name of Shaun Brown but they also found a provisional license under the name of Coleman. Under the name of Brown he was disqualified from driving for three years and he was arrested on suspicion of obtaining a license whilst disqualified. He accepted that he was drunk and that he got himself arrested in order to have a bed for the night. He also accepted he has previous convictions under the name of Brown and he accepts the latest charges. He wasn’t driving at the time and he simply used the license for ID.”

Defending, Mark Layton added: “He does have previous convictions under the name of Brown but when he saw his birth certificate he realised his name was Coleman and he took that as the name he would like to be known as. Driving was not in his contemplation. He didn’t think he had done anything wrong in applying for the license. It was simply to legitimise his birth name and it was not intended for driving purposes. This is a serious offence but it is not aggravated by excessive culpability.”

Magistrates fined Coleman £40 for both offences. He was also ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

5 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

12 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

13 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.