News
Church cash box thief jailed
A MAN, who admitted stealing a money box from St Katherine’s Church in Milford Haven, has been jailed for 12 weeks.
Sam Maguire, aged 33, of no fixed abode, will also have to pay back the money that was in the box.
He appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday (Jul 9), via video link from Swansea prison, to plead guilty to a charge of theft by finding.
Prosecuting, Mr Abul Hussain told the Court: “On March 24, Mr David Roland noticed that the metal pricket stand and the cash box was missing. He viewed the CCTV and noticed a male taking the items.
The police attended and they identified the person from the footage. The items haven’t been recovered. The defendant was shown the footage and although he can’t remember the incident he said he was sure it is him in the footage. He has little recollection of the incident but he does accept he did it.
“Compensation is being sought in the sum of £575.”
Defending, Mark Layton added: “He has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and I am sure you will give him credit.
“The items concerned, a metal pricket stand that has spikes used to store candles and the cash box was connected in some way.
“He said he stole the stand because the cash box was connected to it. He owed somebody some money and saw this as a way to pay off that debt.
“He has moved out of the area but I am sure he is no longer welcome at the church under any circumstances but he has no desire to go back there.
“This is his first custodial sentence and he tells me he is finding it extremely difficult to manage.”
Mr Layton had suggested that the Magistrates could impose a 2-year conditional discharge to leave this hanging over his head should he re-offend.
Magistrates did not agree and sentenced him to 12 weeks in prison. They said they had done this because the offence was committed whilst he was on a community order and that it was a breach of the public trust.
Maguire will have to pay a £115 victim surcharge and £575 in compensation.
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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