News

Pembroke Dock: One of the longest running benefits fraud cases ever

Published

7 years ago

December 15, 2017

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has been jailed today for one of the longest running benefits fraud cases a court had ever heard of.

Andrew Johnstone, aged 66, admitted fiddling £121,874 from Pembrokeshire County Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Johnstone, of Front Street, got away with the fraud for 13 years by pretending he was living alone when in fact he was co-habiting with Marylyn Katra.

Laura Shepherd, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that Johnstone’s claims for income support, housing benefit and council tax relief had been fraudulent from the outset.

She said it began in February, 2003, and did not stop until he was found out in August, 2016.

During that period, she added, he had been required to notify both bodies of any changes in his circumstances that might affect his entitlement to benefits.

Not only did he fail to do that but in December, 2011, on reaching the age of 60, Johnstone tried to escalate the fraud by applying for pension credit by again claiming he was living alone and unable to work.

Johnstone admitted four offences of fraud.

His barrister, David Williams, said it was accepted that Johnstone’s claims had been false from day one and that only a prison sentence could follow because of the amount of money involved.

And it was also accepted that he continued the frauds after receiving a suspended prison sentence for the theft of money.

Mr Williams said Johnstone’s health had deteriorated because of stress since an incident when, as the manager of a public house, someone put the barrel of a shotgun into his mouth.

“He has made two serious attempts on his life,” added Mr Williams.

Judge Peter Heywood said the courts always took seriously offending that involved the public purse.

“Public services in this country have been under considerable threat for the last ten years. Those who are entitled to benefits can find difficulties in receiving them.

“The length of these frauds aggravates the situation,” he added.

Johnstone was jailed for 14 months with an additional six months for breaching the suspended sentence imposed in March, 2016.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

6 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

13 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

14 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.