News

Police officer denies perverting the course of justice

Published

8 years ago

September 19, 2016

swansea-crown-court

A SERVING OFFICER in Dyfed-Powys Police has denied perverting the course of justice at Swansea Crown Court.

David Norman, 52, of Kensington Gardens, Haverfordwest, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on September 9 to confirm his name and address.

He entered a not guilty plea to a single charge of perverting the course of justice.

The Herald understands that PC Norman attended an argument between neighbours in Wentworth Close, Fairfields, Milford Haven, on Jan 21.

A local resident, Anthony Craig, told The Herald that the argument broke out after his ex-partner accidentally drove into a wheelie bin belonging to another resident in the street.

Following the bump, in which no damage was caused to either the bin or vehicle involved, profanities were exchanged in the street, according to Anthony Craig, and this led to that neighbour’s subsequent arrest by PC Norman.

Anthony Craig told The Herald: “My neighbour and I were both arrested for a breach of the peace, but as I understand it he was never charged with any crime.”

Dyfed-Powys Police told The Herald: “As a result of an investigation by the Dyfed-Powys Police Professional Standards Department, a male officer has been reported for an offence of perverting the course of justice.”

The facts of the case involving Anthony Craig were these: On April 19, 51-year-old Craig admitted assaulting three members of a family who live on his street and damaging a plant pot worth £15.

Dennis Davies, prosecuting during the trial, told the court that a verbal altercation took place in Wentworth Close between a member of Craig’s family and a neighbour, with whom there had been a long-standing neighbour dispute.

The male complainant had been shouting abuse in the street on January 21, so Craig called the police and said that he required attendance. He warned the police to be quick, or he would take matters into his own hands.

Unsatisfied with the time it took the police to arrive, he went to his neighbour’s home, calling him a ‘one-eyed paedophile’.

The defendant pushed the male complainant and swung a number of punches, causing him to fall into his partner, and his partner to fall into her daughter.

The family were then said to have been putting up their middle fingers in the window towards Craig, so, in anger, he threw a plant pot at the complainant’s car.

Due to the assault, the male was slightly bruised with small grazes.

Matthew Greenish, defending Craig at the trial, said: “My client has suffered two years of abuse. On the day, the complainant had been shouting foul language towards his daughter, who has learning difficulties.

“This is the third case I’ve dealt with involving the other side – there’s no smoke without fire. Things came to a head this day.”

Mr Greenish added that this was Craig’s first time before a court.

It is not yet known how this neighbourhood dispute ended up with an officer being charged with perverting the course of justice.

PC Norman will be put on trial on January 16, 2017.

He was released on bail.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

22 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.