News
Man jailed following charity box theft
A THIEF who stole a charity box belonging to the Morgan’s Fight Charity appeal has been jailed at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court.
Robert Williams, aged 26, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one charge of theft in court and sobbed as he was led away by custody officers for a two-month sentence.
Whilst in court, a letter was read out on behalf of Morgan’s family who stated that they did not expect this type of crime to happen in the county whilst adding that they hoped justice would be served.
On February 16, Williams stole the charity box which was located at the Cash It In store in Bridge Street, Haverfordwest, which contained a value of £28.
Prosecuting, Mrs Sian Vaughan told the court: “He made full admissions that he had thrown the box away and received the contents of the box which contained £28. His last offence was in October 2017 for a similar offence for which he served a term of imprisonment.”
Defending, Mr Jonathan Webb added: “The defendant has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity but there is some concern that his most recent offences all involve dishonesty. This is a matter, the theft of the charity box, that is an emotive subject at the best of times but he is not trying to underplay what he has done.
“This came about as he did not have any money, he saw the box and he took it.
“He does suffer from depression, he doesn’t receive any benefits and is living hands to mouth but today is the first time he has asked anybody for help. He needs and wants the help and he is still subject to a post sentence supervision.”
Probation officer, Mrs Julie Norman added that she had seen Williams at a probation meeting and said she found it worrying that Williams would say one thing and then do another stating that he said he had applied for benefits before revealing he hadn’t.
On sentencing, the chairman of the bench stated that they had considered suspending the custodial sentence but because the theft occurred whilst he was on license, they sentenced him to two months in prison.
He was also asked to pay £28 in compensation, £115 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.
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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