News
Defendant may be unfit to stand trial in attempted murder case
THE QUESTION of whether a man accused of attempted murder is fit to stand trial remains unanswered as more time is deemed necessary for assessments. William Jones, a 70-year-old resident of Llawhaden near Narberth, faces charges of attempted murder in connection with an incident that occurred on June 20 of the previous year in the Llawhaden area.
The case returned to Swansea Crown Court after a 28-day adjournment last month, allowing for the completion of psychiatric reports. Concerns had previously been raised regarding Jones’ ability to stand trial, prompting Huw Bowden, Jones’ representative, to request a further adjournment due to the pending completion of these assessments.
Judge Paul Thomas acceded to the request and postponed the proceedings until Friday, June 16, allowing ample time for the assessments to be concluded and a determination regarding Jones’ fitness to stand trial to be reached.
The initial arrest of William Jones took place in the morning of Monday, June 20, carried out by officers from Dyfed-Powys Police. Following the incident at a property in the Llawhaden area of Narberth, two individuals were transported to the hospital. One of the hospitalized individuals was subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police stated, “Dyfed-Powys Police is currently investigating an incident that took place at a property in the Llawhaden area of Narberth on the morning of Monday, June 20, 2022. In connection with this incident, two individuals were taken to the hospital. One of them has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.”
Given the gravity of the charges, the court aims to ensure a fair and just trial for all parties involved. The additional time allotted for the completion of psychiatric assessments will aid in determining Jones’ mental capacity to stand trial, ensuring that the legal process proceeds in accordance with the principles of justice.
As the case develops and more information emerges, it will be imperative to monitor the court’s decisions and subsequent developments to ascertain the fate of William Jones and the resolution of this attempted murder case.
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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