News

Johnston: Internet chat led teenage girl to meet up with convicted rapist

Published

10 years ago

May 22, 2015

Swansea Crown Court

A TEENAGE girl from Johnston agreed to meet a man she “met” in an internet chat room without knowing he was a convicted rapist, a judge heard on Friday (May 22).

Michael Jones, aged 30, collected her from the local railway station and took her back to Bristol.

Jones admitted sexual activity with a child and was warned he faced up to five years in jail at Swansea Crown Court.

Jim Davis, prosecuting, said the girl and Jones started to communicate via the Kick website and both became aware of each other’s true age.

At one stage her mother became aware of the conversations and confiscated her mobile telephone.

But she was later given back her computer tablet and resumed the conversations, in which she told Jones she was unhappy and wanted to leave home.

Jones arranged to meet her at Johnston railway station, where he gave her £30 and passed her a note telling her to buy a ticket to Bristol.

Mr Davis said although they sat together on the train Jones did not speak a single word to her.

Once in Bristol he took her to a flat and she performed oral sex on him that evening and the following morning, added Mr Davis.

He said they discussed having full sexual intercourse but the girl was not willing.

After a short time it was realised the girl was missing and she was traced to Jones’ home.

Judge Paul Thomas, who was told that Jones suffered from autism, said the case was not ready for sentencing, partly because Jones was at risk of a five year sentence because of his previous conviction for rape.

He would also have to determine if Jones posed a danger to women as defined by law.

And in addition he wanted a report into Jones’ medical condition.

On being told that Jones was about to move to Scotland, Judge Thomas said, “He’s not going there.”

Jones was ordered to remain in Bristol until the sentencing hearing towards the end of next month.

He was granted bail meanwhile, but warned by Judge Thomas not to be under any illusion about the sentence he would receive

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.