Haverfordwest: Woman threatened to drive off Strumble Head

Published

10 years ago

April 11, 2015

Suicide threat: Strumble Head

A HAVERFORDWEST woman who threatened to kill herself and two minors by “crashing into the sea” took them on a terrifying car journey to Strumble Head near Fishguard, a judge heard on Friday (Apr 10).

One of the youngsters escaped after she parked overlooking the cliff edge and ran across fields in the dark to reach safety.

The 33-year-old admitted making a threat to kill.

Brian Simpson, prosecuting, told Swansea crown court how in February she split up with her partner.

The following day they exchanged angry telephone text messages and in one the woman said she intended to get drunk and drive off a bridge.

She then told the children that she was intending to drive off a cliff and into the sea.

The woman, who lives in Haverfordwest, drove them to Strumble Head and several times the boys tried to escape from the car, but she managed to stop them.

Once at Strumble Head one of the children made a successful attempt and ran across fields to a nearby house where the occupant called the police.

Officers came across the woman as she drove along the cliff trying to find the child.

David Williams, the barrister representing the woman, said she had behaved in an immature, selfish and ill-considered way and accepted that she must have caused the boys substantial fear.

Judge Keith Thomas told the defendant: “It could have been a dreadful tragedy if you had carried out the thoughts that were in your mind.”

He said he understood she was going through an emotional turmoil at the time but “getting drunk and wound up” was not the way to deal with it.

The woman, who was detained at Eastwood Park women’s prison following her arrest, was placed under supervision for two years and told to undertake a 30 day rehabilitation activity.

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

15 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

22 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

23 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.