News

Newport: Driver jailed for ‘flagrant’ breach of suspended sentence

Published

10 years ago

May 1, 2015

A NEWPORT driver who escaped with a suspended prison sentence after using his car to harass a group of people has ended up in jail after all.

Craig Morgan Wilmott, aged 32, went on to take a car without the owner’s consent, drive while disqualified and refuse to provide police with specimens of breath to determine how much he had been drinking.

Patrick Griffiths, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court on Friday (May 1) that Wilmott, of Maes Ingli, had gone on trial last year accused of deliberately running his Mitsubishi 4×4 into the group after they had become annoyed at how close to them he had driven.

Wilmott was convicted of dangerous driving and sentenced to eight months in jail, suspended for 18 months, and banned from driving.

But on March 14 he went drinking in the Castle pub, Newport, and then took a Renault Clio belonging to Susan Lowe.

Mr Griffiths said at the time it was being used by her son who had left the keys in the ignition.

Wilmot drove to Haverfordwest where he was stopped by police purely by chance in Narberth Road, even before the car had been reported as missing.

Wilmot provided a roadside breath test which showed he was slightly over the drink drive limit.

But, added Mr Griffiths, after his arrest he refused to co-operate with a further test at Haverfordwest police station and had to be taken to the cells.

During interviews he said he knew the driver of the Clio and claimed at first he had been given permission to drive it.

Wilmott admitted all three offences, as well as driving without insurance.

His barrister, Janet Gedrych, said Wilmott had been going through turmoil in his life and at the time was facing an allegation of rape. He heard two days after his latest arrest that he would not be prosecuted.

Judge Keith Thomas said Wilmott had breached the suspended sentence in a “flagrant” manner.

The suspended sentence was activated, with an additional four months in prison for the latest offending, making 12 months in all.

Wilmott was banned from driving for a further 12 months.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

16 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

24 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

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.