News

Pembroke Dock: Pensioner told to expect ‘substantial’ prison sentence for abusing kids

Published

10 years ago

May 15, 2015

A 74-YEAR-OLD man from Pembroke Dock has been warned today to expect a “substantial” prison sentence after a jury convicted him of sexually abusing children for 15 years.

Reginald Henry Turner was found guilty of all the 20 charges remaining against him after a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Turner, of High Street Close, will be sentenced after a probation officer has prepared a report aimed at helping the judge to decide if he still poses a danger to the public, and to children in particular.

Turner’s offences included four of rape—involving two separate girls—and indecent assault, indecency with a child and sexual touching.

Turner showed no response as the foreman of the jury spoke “guilty” 20 times. The verdicts were all unanimous.

The jury returned verdicts of not guilty on four lesser charges on the direction of the judge

The jury heard how one of his victims eventually found the courage to make a complaint to police.

A local newspaper report detailing Turner’s arrest and his first appearance in court was seen by a second victim and then a third, and they too made statements to police and gave evidence to the jury.

Patrick Griffiths, prosecuting, had told the jury that Turner’s victims “had no reason whatsoever to make up the allegations against him.”

The sexual assaults began in the early 1990s and stopped in about 2008.

Although most of the charges involved his first victim it was his last victim who first made a complaint, added Mr Griffiths.

Children, he told the jury during his opening address, were vulnerable and sometime found it impossible to prevent these sort of actions from taking place.

“Children may not properly understand what is happening and may not say anything at the time to others for a variety of reasons.

“They may feel fear and be embarrassed,” he said

“But the memories may not be forgotten and later the victims may summon up the courage to tell others.”

Some of the offending, added Mr Griffiths, took place when Turner lived in Gwilliam Court, Monkton.

Turner gave evidence during the trial, and told the jury all the allegations were completely untrue.Following the verdicts, Judge Huw Davies warned Turner he would receive a substantial prison sentence at a hearing scheduled for June 5.

Turner was immediately remanded into custody.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

7 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

14 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

14 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.