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Suspended sentence for drunk driver

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Screen Shot 2016-02-11 at 14.54.12A PENNAR MAN who drove his father’s BMW while drunk, despite never having had a driving lesson, damaged five vehicles, and ran away from the scene of the crash was given a suspended prison sentence by M agistrates in Haverfordwest on Wednesday (Jan 27).

Elliot Lewis, 20, of Stranraer Road, pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated vehicle taking, drink-driving, driving without insurance or a licence, failing to stop after an accident, and failing to report an accident.

Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said that Lewis had caused serious damage to a VW Golf, including snapping the suspension, severely denting the driver’s door and breaking an alloy wheel.

He also broke the wing mirror of another vehicle, scratched and dented a Ford Fiesta, and damaged a Vauxhall Astra when one of the other vehicles he hit came into contact with it.

Ms Morgan said that after they were alerted to the accident, they traced the car registration to the house where Lewis lived with his parents. Lewis’ mother had no idea that the car had been taken.

An officer found a red hoodie in the kitchen, and a bloodied kitchen towel. A witness has claimed to have seen a man wearing a red hoodie leaving the scene of the crash.

When speaking to the police, Lewis admitted that he had been drinking, but denied taking the vehicle. He made no comment when told that his DNA matched a sample found on the car airbag.

The court heard that this Lewis had a previous conviction for a similar offence, as well as convictions for theft and possession of a class A drug.

A representative of the Probation service said that Lewis had been undergoing ‘pressure’ as a result of difficult family circumstances.

She added that Lewis was ‘extremely remorseful,’ and had apologised to his neighbours.

Magistrates told Lewis that the offence was ‘extremely serious,’ and that he was ‘lucky not to have killed someone.’

Lewis was given a six month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, undertake 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity, and was banned from driving for three years.

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Business

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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Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

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THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”

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