News
Milford Haven: Prison van too small for fat paedophile to attend court
A FAT paedophile from Milford Haven has delayed his own sentencing hearing by putting on weight while in jail.
Gerald Picton, aged 66, has ballooned to 30 stone while on remand at Parc prison near Bridgend, south Wales.
Picton was due to be sentenced to a long jail term today (Apr 15) by Judge Peter Heywood at Swansea Crown Court.
But security staff sent to collect him from the prison left him there and reported back that he was “virtually immobile.”
James Jenkins, the barrister representing the prosecution, said there must have been a “considerable deterioration” because less than three weeks ago he was able to walk down to the cells after entering pleas of guilty.
Judge Heywood said understood Picton had been using crutches and now needed a wheelchair.
He refused to sentence Picton via a video link.
“I am told that Parc cannot produce him because of his size. He’s thirty stone and they could not provide adequate transport.
“I want him produced and he will be produced,” added the judge.
Picton, of Observatory Avenue, has admitted 12 offences of indecent assault on three girls aged under 14.
He was warned at a previous hearing to expect a prison sentence of some length.”
Picton will be sentenced next Friday—in person.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
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
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
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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kathryn Hodgson
April 15, 2016 at 5:39 pm
@ Kathryn:
he has admitted to indecent assault on these little girls, what more do we need to know!
jess
April 15, 2016 at 6:05 pm
@ Kathryn:
Describing him as”fat” is hardly offensive when he’s being defined as a paedophile…. Its a fair description if he cant haul ass in for sentencing because he’s too “fat”
Dennis
April 15, 2016 at 8:52 pm
Perhaps self-admitted kiddy fiddler with weight problem would be kinder, you think? @ Kathryn:
Sarah
April 15, 2016 at 10:18 pm
Goes to show prisoners are not living on bread & water! Pity school meals & hospital food is not given the same attention.
Major Trollston
April 17, 2016 at 8:10 am
@ Kathryn:
Spot the feminist!
Bob
May 2, 2016 at 9:35 am
Could always bring him in two or three vehicles.