News

Police team win award for murder case

Published

11 years ago

October 13, 2013

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire officers DC Fred Hunter (left) and Detective Inspector Anthony Evans.

A POLICE operation which investigated the abduction and murder of five-year-old April Jones is the first recipient of a new award.
Dyfed Powys Police has been named the winner of the Police Federation National Detectives Forum’s (PFNDF) Policing Excellence Award for Operation Tempest.
Two of the officers involved in the investigation, DC Fred Hunter and Detective Inspector Anthony Evans, who are stationed in Haverfordwest, were part of the team who received the award.
In October 2012, April was abducted as she played near her home in the small Welsh town of Machynlleth and then murdered.
More than 100 detectives and specialist police staff and officers from around the country were drafted in to support the investigation, which resulted in a murder conviction and life prison sentence for 47-year-old Mark Bridger.
The investigation was one of the most sensitive, meticulous and high profile in recent years, with the rural area presenting a raft of other challenges caused by the extremities of the location.
Following Bridger’s conviction, the investigation was praised by both barristers, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), politicians and members of the community.
PFNDF Secretary Paul Ford said: “This investigation brought out the very best in true team working to deliver justice for April, her family and the local community.
“PDNDF wish to recognise the truly outstanding policing excellence displayed by Dyfed Powys Police, the wider police family and those who supported this investigation and helped in the delivery of justice.”
Detective Superintendent Andy John, who led the investigation, said: “We are delighted as a team to have been presented with this award. Our focus was always to secure justice for April and her family, and we could not have achieved this without the support and assistance of so many officers and staff in Dyfed Powys, but also all the other forces and agencies throughout the UK – it was a huge team effort.”
The award was presented at a ceremony at Old Trafford on Thursday, October 3.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

14 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

21 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

22 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.