News

Attempts to contact crisis team led to ‘drive of desperation’

Published

2 years ago

February 21, 2023

A KILGETTY motorist who spent over two hours attempting to contact the mental health Crisis team eventually decided to drive to the Bro Cerwyn health unit, Haverfordwest, despite being almost twice over the legal drink-drive limit.

On the morning of July 21, 2022, Nicholas Evans made repeated attempts to telephone the Crisis team from his home in Kingsmoor Common, Kilgetty. But after failing to get the help he required despite two hours of phone calls, Evans made the foolish decision to drive his Nissan Juke to Haverfordwest.

Upon his arrival at the Bro Cerwyn unit, an on-duty nurse realised his intoxicated position, and promptly rang 999.

“In the meantime, the defendant returned to his car and continued to drink more alcohol,” said Crown Prosecutor Simone Walsh.

Ms Walsh said that information supplied by Dyfed-Powys police officers confirmed that Evans, 49, had consumed around a box and a half of Budweiser beer, which amounted to some 27 beers.

Evans was unable to perform a roadside breath test as a result of him being a heavy smoker with breathing issues. He was subsequently taken to the police station where blood tests were carried out. These confirmed he had148 milligrammes of alcohol in his blood; the legal limit is 80.

Nicholas Evans was represented in court by Mr Stuart John.

“On the morning of the offence my client was trying to speak to the Crisis team but, as we’re well aware, they’re presently under extreme pressure,” he said.

“ After he failed to get any help from them for well over two hours, in some degree of desperation he decided to drive.

“Perhaps this was an emergency decision.”

After listening to the mitigation, Evans was banned from driving for 18 months. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £48 surcharge and £85 court costs.

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

1 day 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

1 day 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.