News

Pembroke Dock: Town’s most prolific offender facing jail for non-payment of fine

Published

9 years ago

March 14, 2016

A PEMBROKESHIRE man with almost one hundred criminal convictions is to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court today (Mar 14) to explain to magistrates why he has not paid a court fine.

Richard Fairbrass, of London Road, Pembroke Dock, now out of jail after being caged last year, has been summoned for failing to pay £630 that was imposed on 17 July 2013.

Fairbrass appeared at Swansea Crown Court in July to be sentenced for his 96th, 97th and 98th offence.

He admitted assaulting an acting police sergeant and to threatening to kill a sergeant and his family.

Fairbrass, aged 50, became involved in a scuffle with another man inside the Prince of Wales pub in Pembroke Dock on April 1.

Police responded and used CS spray to part the men and calm the situation, but in the process Fairbrass punched acting sergeant Sean Doble in his face.

After his arrest and while he was being driven to a police station, Fairbrass became “extremely abusive, ranting and raving and swearing at the police.”

But the ranting turned more sinister when he asked about Sgt Hamish Nicholls, who was not involved in his arrest or even on duty.

He threatened to kill him, and said, “Lock me in a cell with him and I will be the only one to walk out.”

Fairbrass said he knew Sgt Nicholls’ wife was a serving officer and that they had three children. “When I find out where she and the children live I will kill them as well,” he said.

The court heard that Sgt Nicholls became concerned to discover that Fairbrass was aware of his family’s make up.

Judge Peter Heywood, the sentencing judge, was also told that Fairbrass already had 95 previous convictions to his name, including one for a threat to kill for which he received a three year jail sentence.

And he was in breach of a conditional discharge for obstructing a police officer.

Dyfed Thomas, the barrister representing Fairbrass, said he had been drunk and made “foolish, nasty remarks while in the back of a police car.”

He had never intended to carry out any of the threats.

Mr Thomas said Fairbrass lived in the locality and had children and grandchildren within the community.

Judge Heywood told Fairbrass, “You had been on the pop and made drunken but sinister remarks.

“The drink was in and the wit was out. You have been in trouble for most of your life, although your offending has been falling away in recent years,” he added.

Fairbrass, whose bail address was given as in Cornwall, was jailed for two months for the assault and 12 months for the threats to kill, making a total of 14 months.

He could be re-jailed if he does not clear his debt to the court.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

19 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

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.