News

Suffolk man to be sentenced after stabbing victim in the back in knife attack

Published

2 years ago

May 27, 2023

GARY GRANT, a 51-year-old resident of Briarwood Road in Lowestoft, Suffolk, will soon face sentencing after a vicious knife attack that left his victim with multiple stab wounds. Grant appeared in court on Wednesday (May 24) and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. However, he did admit to the lesser charge of unlawful wounding.

The prosecution was granted time to determine whether they would proceed to trial on the wounding with intent charge or proceed directly to sentencing for the unlawful wounding offense. Ultimately, it was decided that Grant’s guilty pleas were acceptable.

During the proceedings, Magdalena Biglou, Grant’s defense attorney, requested a pre-sentence report to be prepared. Biglou argued that the incident was a result of emotional distress and grief experienced by Grant following the death of a family member.

In response to the request, Judge Paul Thomas granted the application but issued a stern warning, stating, “No-one should go away thinking that a non-custodial sentence will be passed.”

Grant was released on bail by Judge Thomas, and his sentencing has been scheduled for July 21.

The case was initially brought before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court but was subsequently transferred to Swansea Crown Court. Earlier this week, concerns were raised regarding Grant’s fitness to stand trial, but these concerns were ultimately dismissed.

As the sentencing date approaches, the court will carefully consider the circumstances of the case and the severity of the charges against Grant. Justice will be sought for the victim, who suffered significant harm as a result of the knife attack.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

7 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

14 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

15 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.