News
Woman pleads guilty to stealing 89-year-old’s purse
A MILFORD HAVEN woman has been sent to prison after she pleaded guilty to taking a purse from an elderly person.
Marion Picton, aged 39, of Willow End, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday (Oct 2).
Prosecuting, Mr Vaughan Pritchard-Jones told the Court: “The victim is a retired lady aged 89 and had gone to Tesco on September 8 to do some shopping. She took £50 out of the cash point and put it in her purse and then in her handbag and she put her bag into the trolley.
“She was shopping for 30 minutes and went back out to get a taxi and went to get her purse but realised it had gone.
“She went back into the store to see if anyone could help her and security checked the CCTV which showed the defendant taking the purse out of the trolley when the lady was looking in the other direction. She was traced and interviewed and admitted she took a purse that didn’t belong to her and made no comment to the other questions put to her.
“The lady says she lost the purse which cost her £30, £30 in cash and lost her keys which as a result she had to change the locks on her home. She is claiming £90 for the contents and £147.50 for the locks being changed.”
Defending, Mark Layton said: “This was a very unpleasant affair for someone of 89 years of age and Miss Picton has pleaded guilty. She has said from the outset that she would plead guilty. She says she was not aware of the age of the person and just saw the purse and took it.
“Whatever happens she will pay it and is genuinely sorry for her appearance in court.”
A probation officer did argue that a curfew would be sufficient to allow her to deal with her problems while Mr Layton added that a suspended sentence could have been imposed.
However, Magistrates said: “I do not think that stealing from an 89-year-old is a nice thing to do. You saw the woman and took the opportunity to steal her purse.
Picton was instead sent to prison for a period of 20 weeks. Once released she will also have to pay £237.60 in compensation and a £115 victim surcharge.
News
Milford Haven School celebrates U14 Pembrokeshire Hockey Championship victory
MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL’S Under-14 girls’ hockey team has been crowned Pembrokeshire Champions, delivering an outstanding performance and securing their title after a series of intense matches.
The team, consisting of 14 talented players, demonstrated impressive skill, resilience, and teamwork throughout the competition. Under the guidance of Miss Griffiths, they evolved their strategy and showcased their capabilities with each game.
A Day of Victories
The team’s first game against YBP was a close battle, with Milford Haven securing a narrow 1-0 win.
- Goal Scorer: Lola P
- Players’ Player: Annabelle G
- Coaches’ Player: Lilly J
In their second match, they faced Haverfordwest High and dominated with a strong midfield play and clinical finishes, achieving a 6-0 victory.
- Goals Scored: Olivia D (3), Ruby D, Lola P, Ameila C
- Players’ Player: Olivia D
- Coaches’ Player: Ruby D
After a brief interval, Milford Haven went on to face YHT, focusing on using the field’s width, which led them to a 4-0 win.
- Goals Scored: Lola P (2), Annabelle G, Olivia D
- Players’ Player: Annabelle G
- Coaches’ Players: Lola P and Macy B
In their final game of the day, the team played YGB, finishing with a decisive 7-0 win and showing relentless energy.
- Goals Scored: Ellie M (2), Olivia D (2), Annabelle G, Lilly J, Ruby D
- Players’ Player: Annabelle G
- Coaches’ Players: Lacey N and Ellie M
Miss Griffiths expressed her pride in the team’s achievements and her excitement for their future development: “It’s been fantastic to watch the team grow today, and I can’t wait to see how they progress.”
Thanks were also extended to Evans Coaches for sponsoring the team’s kit and ensuring safe travel throughout the competition.
News
St Katharine Church launches ‘Come and Make Angels’ challenge
As part of an ambitious “Come and Make Angels” challenge, the church has set a target to fill its sacred space with over 6,500 angels. Community members of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to participate by making and decorating their own angels. These creations will contribute to a record-breaking display that celebrates hope, unity, and the joy of the Advent season.
Workshops are being held every Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the St Katharine’s Church Hall, where participants can come together for a “creative Christmas cuppa” and join in this festive project. Free activities and refreshments will be provided, making it a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to create lasting holiday memories. Those under 14 are asked to attend with an adult or older sibling.
For those wanting to take part from home, the church has provided angel templates, along with simple instructions to cut, decorate, and assemble. Once completed, these angels can be brought to the church and added to the display, which will officially be unveiled on December 14.
The community is invited to visit and witness the spectacle of thousands of angels “flying” within the church, symbolising peace and goodwill.
In addition to the angel-making challenge, the Advent and Christmas calendar at St Katharine and St Peter’s is packed with events designed to bring joy and reflection during the festive season. All are welcome to attend and share in the warmth and spirit of Christmas.
For more information about the “Come and Make Angels” challenge, or other Advent and Christmas activities at the church, please visit the Roose Local Ministry Area Facebook page or contact Rev. Nicola Davies at 07508 915 432.
The church is also preparing to light up the Christmas season with its much-loved Annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, set to take place on Sunday, December 15, at 7:00pm.
And of course, the event promises to be even more magical this year, with a unique display of thousands of handmade angels crafted by members of the community.
Community
Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach
PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.
The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.
Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.
The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.
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