News

Disqualified driver lucky to avoid jail

Published

7 years ago

September 6, 2017

A MECHANIC from Hakin was told that he was ‘very lucky’ to avoid going to prison after being caught drink-driving while disqualified.

Ian Evans, 28, of James Street, pleaded guilty to charges of driving while disqualified, driving while over the legal alcohol limit, and driving without insurance when he appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Sept 5).

Prosecuting, Vaughan Pritchard-Jones explained that shortly before 1am on August 18, police officers carried out a routine check on a Peugeot car in Prendergast. They smelled intoxicants on his breath and carried out a roadside breath test. After this gave a positive reading, Evans was taken to Haverfordwest Police Station, where a sample showed 68mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – almost twice the legal limit.

Mr Pritchard-Jones told the court that checks carried out at the police station showed that Evans had been disqualified for 38 months in 2015 and that had been the second disqualification within a 10-year period.

When asked why he had driven, Evans said that ‘she was too drunk to drive’. However Mr Pritchard-Jones noted that there had not been a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Mitigating, Jonathan Webb noted that Evans only had nine months to go on a 38 month ban.

“He had a flaming row with his partner after having consumed alcohol and drove his car,” he added.

“He is a mechanic who runs his own business, and he has now lost all of that.”

Mr Webb added that Evans had found work on a farm since his arrest.

Julie Norman of the probation service said that the vast majority of Evans’ previous offending had been alcohol-related.

“He had been drinking, had a argument with his partner, and decided to go into Haverfordwest to carry on,” she added, noting that he had driven ‘quite a considerable distance’ while intoxicated.

Ms Norman explained that Evans had ‘spoken at length’ about his drinking, which ‘continued to be a problem’.

“He knows he is someone who drinks too much, and this has caused him problems with employment and relationships,” she added.

Magistrates sentenced Evans to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

“We were seriously considering sending you to prison – consider yourself very lucky,” the Chair of the Bench warned him.

Evans was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity, disqualified from driving for a further 36 months, and made to pay a total of £320 in fines and costs.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 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

9 hours 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

10 hours 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.