News

£23,500 ‘disappeared’

Published

8 years ago

December 16, 2016

A FORMER racing driver, who was made bankrupt over an insurance payout she received following an accident, appeared before Magistrates in Haverfordwest on Tuesday (Dec 13), charged with concealing more than £20,000 from creditors.

Sarah Louise Johnston, 37, of Heol Preseli, Fishguard, pleaded guilty to a charge of concealing £23,500 from the sale of a house after an unsatisfied judgement of £49,376 was obtained against her by the National Autograss Sports Association (NASA).

The court heard that Johnston was previously an autograss racer, and a member of NASA, who, as part of this membership, had an insurance policy.

In 2010, she was involved in an accident which resulted in her right hand being crushed. As a result, she was given an interim insurance payment of £5,000.

At a medical examination, she told the doctor that she was unable to compete as a driver as a result of this injury, even with a modified vehicle, and, as a result of this and the examination, the prognosis was made that a ny stiffness and loss of strength and mobility in her dominant hand was likely to be permanent.

As a result of this, Johnston received a further £45,000 insurance payout. However, it subsequently came to light that she had been racing in 2012. The doctor who examined her then said that if he had known this, he would not have described the injury as permanent.

After she was sued by NASA for the recovery of the money, Johnston was declared bankrupt.

It then emerged that, in 2014, she received £30,000 following the sale of a house, which she transferred through different bank accounts until it ‘disappeared’.

In February of this year, Johnston was invited to attend an interview with the investigating officer, but responded saying that she had nothing to say, and didn’t understand what was happening. The officer replied that he would be happy to explain this over the phone, but received no further communication, and Johnston was charged with the offence.

Johnston’s solicitor Mike Kelleher described the case as ‘very complicated’. He pointed out that NASA must have been aware that she was driving in 2012, given that they had issued her with a licence to do this.

However, the court heard that Johnston had been involved in a subsequent crash which had left her with ‘far more severe injuries’, including serious damage to her spine and arm. Following this, she had been in a wheelchair for 12 months and had spent five months in a spinal injury rehabilitation unit.

Mr Kelleher explained that when she was allowed home, her current house was ‘unsuitable for her needs’. Alternative accommodation was found, but it was largely unfurnished, so when Johnston received the money from the sale of a property connected to a previous relationship, she viewed it as a ‘Godsend’, and spent it on adapting and furnishing the new house.

Regarding the initial judgement, Mr Kelleher remarked that considering the extent of Johnston’s disabilities, it was ‘perhaps not surprising that she didn’t turn up’.

“She has pleaded guilty for putting her head in the sand and not dealing with these problems,” he added.

“She was not dishonest – she was simply desperate – and she needed this money to make her life liveable.”

Magistrates told Johnston that, while the offence passed the custody threshold, they were willing to suspend the 26-week sentence for a year. She was also ordered to pay £2,900 in prosecution costs and a surcharge of £80.

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

2 days 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

2 days 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.