News

Milford Haven: Big brand train thief sentenced

Published

9 years ago

February 19, 2016

AN OPPORTUNISTIC thief who stole big brand items, including a high-value computer and designer aftershave, while on trains in South Wales has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Bradley Southall, of Cromwell Road, Milford Haven, committed the thefts on board two different train services on December 4, 2015. The first took place on a train between Swansea and Cardiff, while the second was on a service from Cardiff to Milford Haven.

Among the items stolen was a holdall containing a MacBook Pro, an Xbox games console with two controllers and leads, deodorant, aftershave and clothing. He also tried stealing a can of lager from the on-train buffet trolley during the course of the journey.

Suspicion was raised when the train guard spotted 40-year-old Southall rummaging through the contents of a bag. One of the victims then reported to the guard that she had found her bag in the toilets with its contents strewed on the floor.

Police were alerted and officers met the train at Haverfordwest, where Southall was arrested and searched. He was subsequently found to be in possession of a bottle of Paco Rabanne aftershave, a MacBook Pro, Xbox and various items of clothing.

At Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on February 9, Southall was sentenced to 12 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work on behalf of the community and told to pay £85 costs.

Speaking after sentencing, investigating officer PC Darron Sandell said: “Southall is an opportunistic thief concerned only with his own gain. He showed no remorse for his actions and spun a web of lies to officers throughout the investigation; having initially said the Xbox belonged to his son and the MacBook was his brother’s, he then changed his story, claiming he’d bought them after being offered the items for £200 by a man on the train.

“This case should serve as a stark warning to anyone who even considers removing someone else’s property from a train with the intention of keeping it for themselves. The railway network is a CCTV-rich environment and it is simply not worth the risk: you will be identified and you will be caught.

“British Transport Police works hard to reduce the theft of passenger property. Even though South Wales is one of the safest places in the UK to live and work, it’s always worth reminding passengers to keep their belongings nearby when travelling and, where possible, to always keep their luggage in sight.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 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

9 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

10 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.