News

Drunk driver who drove through scene of serious accident jailed

Published

2 years ago

March 7, 2023

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who drove through the scene of a crash, almost running into a police officer, has been jailed for 10 months.

Leanne Thomas, aged 41, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday, March 7, having previously pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court.

On January 29, there was a serious road traffic collision on Steynton Road and police had put up numerous signs and cones to indicate that the road had been closed.

Shortly before 9pm that night, Thomas drove through the closed road and an officer illuminated the blue lights on his car to indicate that she had to stop.

She did not and instead accelerated towards the officer who had come into the road and placed his arms across, shouting for her to stop. The officer then had to take evasive action to avoid being hit.

Shortly after she came to a stop at the traffic lights and was seen switching places with the passenger in the vehicle. A council worker had then placed a cone in front of their car in order to stop her from driving away.

When she was asked by officers she said that she was not the driver.

She was asked to do a roadside breath test and the reading was 48, the legal limit being 35.

Thomas was taken to Haverfordwest Police Station but she did not provide a sample in the required time.

The Judge said that the officer should be commended for his steps in attempting to stop the vehicle and asked if her driving through the debris had affected the course of the investigation. There was no indication that it had.

He went on to say that Thomas had ‘ignored a clear warning’ and that she had tried to ‘evade responsibility’ by switching seats.

Defending, Miss George said that Thomas did appreciate the seriousness of the offence and that her remorse was genuine.

She argued that any sentence should be suspended given Thomas’ mental health and her steps to help address those issues.

In sentencing, the Judge said that the offence of dangerous driving was the most serious and added the other offences were aggravating features.

He said that Thomas had a ‘very poor driving record’ and that the potential consequences of her actions were ‘unthinkable’.

Thomas was sentened to 10 months in prison for the dangerous driving offence and a further two months will run alongside for the offence of failing to provide a specimen.

No separare penalties were given for the offences of driving without a licence, driving without insurance and failing to stop.

She was also disqualified from driving for 2 years and five months, which takes into account her release date. Thomas will also have to pay a victim surcharge of £187.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

24 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

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.