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Milford Haven: Gareth Mann ‘deserves every day of his jail term’ says top judge

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High Court on the Strand, London.

High Court on the Strand, London.

A PEMBROKESHIRE man caught red-handed as he threw cocaine out of his house during a police raid has been told by top judges he deserves every day of his jail term.

Gareth James Mann then tried to pay someone to take the rap for him after being arrested.

The 39-year-old, of Charles Street, Milford Haven, was caged at Swansea Crown Court on November 28 last year.

He admitted possession of cocaine and supplying the drug to his co-defendant David John Phillips, as well as cannabis possession and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Officers were preparing to search Mann’s property on April 4 last year, when they noticed Phillips arrive and then leave again soon after.

They searched Phillips and found nine grams of cocaine, Mr Justice Sweeney told London’s Appeal Court.

Refused appeal: Mr Justice Sweeney

Refused appeal: Mr Justice Sweeney

Mann then threw a bag containing 13 grams of the class A drug into the street.

When they searched his house, police found 10 grams of cannabis, as well as scales and plastic bags used for preparing drug deals.

While in custody on remand, Mann wrote to a friend and offered money to anyone who would be prepared to take responsibility for the cocaine found in the street.

The letter was discovered by officers during a search of the friend’s house, but the friend had taken no action after receiving it.

Phillips, of Trafalgar Road, Milford Haven, admitted having the small amount of cocaine found on him and was given a community order.

Mann had ‘numerous’ previous convictions and was jailed for four years in 2011 for possessing a ‘substantial quantity’ of cocaine with intent to supply.

His barrister, Tom Scapens, said the crown court judge didn’t take enough account of his admissions of guilt or his ‘lesser role’ in the wider drugs operation.

But, dismissing his appeal, Mr Justice Sweeney said there was ‘no merit’ in the arguments.

Sitting with Lord Justice Treacy and Mr Justice Picken, he added: “It seems to us that with all the knowledge before him the judge was clearly entitled to reach the conclusion he did as to the gravity of Mann’s drug offending.”

“Given Mann’s record, the amount of drugs involved and the gravity of the perverting offence it seems to us that the overall sentence was wholly within the appropriate range.”

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Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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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)

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Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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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)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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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.

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