News

Milford Haven: 55-year-old accused of raping visitor whilst she was sleeping

Published

9 years ago

April 25, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Swansea Crown Court

A MILFORD HAVEN man has gone on trial today accused of raping a female visitor to his home.

A jury at Swansea Crown Court heard that she complained that she woke twice to find Graham Alfred Davies, aged 55, sexually assaulting her.

Davies denies one charge of rape and one of sexual assault by penetration.

Ian Wright, prosecuting, said the woman had accepted an invitation to spend the weekend at Davies’ flat shortly after New Year, 2014.

“She made it perfectly clear that nothing of a sexual nature was going to happen. He replied that he did not expect anything of a sexual nature to take place,” said Mr Wright.

Davies allowed the woman to sleep in his bed while he slept on a settee.

Mr Wright said the woman went to bed fully clothed in jeans, a top, knickers and a bra.

But during the night she woke to find Davies had put his hand down her knickers and inserted a finger into her vagina.

He said Davies pulled his hand away when she woke.

The following night, it was alleged, she again went to bed fully clothed and woke in the middle of the night to find that Davies had pulled down her jeans and knickers and was having intercourse with her.

“He was raping her,” said Mr Wright.

“She told him to stop and he asked her if she wanted him to. She said ‘of course’ but he continued for a short while before stopping.”

“She felt disgusted. She had made it clear there would not be sex between them.”

Mr Wright said that on returning home she confided in a friend and a few days later contacted the police.

After his arrest Davies told police it had been understood at the start of the weekend that sex was not on the agenda.

He said that nothing had happened on the first night but the following night he felt cold on the settee and decided to sleep in his own bed.

There was some kissing and cuddling and then consensual sex, he said, but after a few minutes she said ‘no’ and he stopped.

Davies now works in England and gave his address as Sawyers Close, Windsor, near London.

The trial continues.

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.