News

Drink driver refused breath test

Published

10 years ago

March 3, 2015

A MAN from Pembroke Dock who failed to give a breath sample to officers has been disqualified from driving for seventeen months.

Christian Parnell, aged 34, of Well Hill, pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to provide a specimen at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday (Feb 17).

Parnell had pulled up on the side of the road when he saw the police and then got out and ran away.

When they caught up with him they could tell he was intoxicated but he failed to give a breath test. He was taken to the police station where he was asked if he wanted a solicitor. He said he did and waited for him to arrive before giving the breath test.

However, officers did not tell him that they didn’t have to wait for the solicitor to attend and no effort was made by him to provide a sample.

Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said: “At 1am on Thursday January 15, officers were on patrol on High Street in Tenby and they pulled up outside the Mountain Warehouse shop. They spotted a woman and Mr Parnell approaching a vehicle but when they spotted the police they walked away from the car. This caused the police to be suspicious and a short while later, they noticed a vehicle approaching which pulled in and parked. They noticed it was the same car as earlier and they spotted Parnell getting out of the car and running away. They found him on Upper Park Road in Tenby and they could tell that he was clearly intoxicated as his eyes were glazed and his speech was slurred. He also had the keys for the car in his possession. He was asked to provide a roadside test but failed to do so. He was taken to Haverfordwest Police Station shortly after 2am but the defendant failed to provide a sample of breath. He was stood next to the intoxilyzer machine with his hands folded. He was warned and asked if he understood what he was required to do and he said he did. However, he made no effort to provide a sample and still refused when the pipe was handed to him. He is a man of good character prior to today.”

Defending, Miss Lewis said: “He has failed to provide a specimen but there were 4 or 5 attempts made at the roadside but there was not a sufficient sample so this is not a case where he has outright refused to do so. He also suffers from a nasty gag-reflex which does affect him. My client was also asked if he required legal advice and he said yes. He thought he needed a solicitor there to tell him what to do. No explanation was given to him that the police didn’t have to wait for the solicitor to attend before he gave his specimen. He thought he could wait for the solicitor to arrive before doing so. It was his honest belief that he was entitled to legal advice. It was honestly held but it was an unreasonable excuse.”

Miss Lewis also told the court that Parnell is not currently working as he is on a course in Cardiff which will enable him to be an ultrasonic testing engineer at refineries.

For the offence Parnell was fined £200 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.

He was disqualified from driving for seventeen months but he was offered the chance to take the drink drive course which will reduce his ban if completed.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

24 mins 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

8 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

8 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.