News

Haverfordwest man’s suspended sentence for failing to provide sample of breath

Published

2 years ago

January 21, 2023

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been handed a suspended custodial sentence after pleading guilty to a charge of failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

On Tuesday, January 17, District Judge Mark Leyton heard the case of 32-year-old Martin Ash.

Kelly Rivers for the Crown Prosecution Service told the court how on December 10 of last year, an on duty police officer spotted the defendant had a defective rear brake light.

The officer could smell alcohol and Ash, of Slade Lane, Haverfordwest, admitted to having “a few pints”.

A roadside breath recording a reading of 136mcg of alcohol per 100mls of breath, the legal limit being 35, making the defendant just shy of four times over the limit.

Ms Rivers added how the defendant was taken into custody and a second test provided a reading of 117mcg per 100mls.

As per the criminal justice procedure, two readings must be taken whilst in custody, however the defendant failed to provide the second specimen.

Judge Leyton silenced defending solicitor Mr Kelleher, during mitigation, when he told the court that the defendant was experiencing a panic attack and this is why he was unable to supply a specimen.

Instead he turned to the defendant and gave him a stark warning about the seriousness of the charge.

He said: “This is a deliberate refusal and a very high reading and I have no doubt you were a danger to the public.

“The reading warrants nothing short of a 12 week immediate custodial sentence.”

Probation was asked to compile a pre-sentence report.

Julie Norman from the probation service told the court how Ash, was of clean character and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and asked the Judge to consider suspending any custodial sentence as the defendant has a real chance at rehabilitation.

Judge Leyton gave Ash credit for the early guilty plea and sentenced them to eight weeks in prison suspended for 12 months.

Ash must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work and pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £154.

The defendant was disqualified from driving for 30 months.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.