News
Pembroke: Teen sent to young offenders institution for attempted robbery
A HAKIN youth who hammered on the front door of a couple in their 70s threatened to kill them if they didn’t give him the keys to their Jeep.
Jordan Probert, aged 18, punched Keith Francis in his chest and tried to fight his way into their bungalow home in Bush Hill, Pembroke.
But Mr Francis fought back and after a struggle managed to push him out of the house.
Probert, of Romily Crescent, admitted attempted robbery and was sent to a young offenders institution for eight months.
Dean Pulling, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Jun 10) how Mr Francis and his wife Sylvia were woken late on December 27 by the sound of Probert banging on the front door.
When Mr Francis opened the door Probert, a complete stranger, told him, “I want the keys to your Jeep.”
Mr Francis refused and Probert became more aggressive, telling Mr Francis, “I’m coming in. I want the keys or I’m going to kill you.”
Mr Pulling said Mr Francis punched Probert to his mouth and pushed him out.
The couple telephoned and police and gave a description of Probert, who was arrested soon afterwards in High Street, Pembroke Dock.
Jon Tarrant, representing Probert, said he had been drunk and could not remember the incident, let alone explain it.
“I don’t think anyone knows what was in his head at the time. I don’t think even he knows,” he added.
It would appear, he added, that Probert had wanted transport home.
Judge Peter Heywood said Mr and Mrs Francis were entitled to feel secure in their own home.
Probert needed to be punished, he added, and others needed to be deterred from such behaviour.
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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