News

M-CAT user made ‘stupid mistake’

Published

9 years ago

January 5, 2016

ON TUESDAY (Dec 22) at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, 22-year-old Luke Dean Probert from Catshole Quarry in Monkton pleaded guilty to possessing 8.36g of Chloromethcathinone or M-CAT. On October 18 at around 5.30pm, officers on patrol stop checked a Ford Focus, which was being driven by Probert. Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, told the court that the defendant’s eyes were dilated and he seemed nervous. He was asked if he had taken any drugs and he admitted that he had taken M -CAT over the weekend.

His vehicle was searched and two small bags of drugs were found. One of the bags was open, with a £5 note protruding from it. The defendant told the police that the drugs were M-CAT and that he had poured water into the bag in an effort to destroy the drug, as he no longer wanted it. In interview, the defendant told the police that he had bought the Class B drug in the early hours of the previous Saturday. He said it was stupid of him to take the drugs and that he had bought the two bags for about £100 in Pembroke.

Defending Probert, Matt Greenish said that his client had been stopped for an unrelated matter. “He is devastated to be here today because he has been trying to stay out of trouble. He has very little recollection of purchasing the drugs and they had very little effect on him,” said the lawyer, “He’s gutted, it was a stupid mistake.” Magistrates said that it was very unfortunate that Probert had found himself before the court before fining him £255. He will also have to pay £85 in prosecution costs, a £26 victim surcharge and a £180 criminal court charge.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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.