News
Controlling partner’s sentence revoked ahead of new charge
IN A SURPRISING turn of events, a controlling boyfriend who had been handed a community order following an assault on his partner has had his sentence rescinded. This decision comes as the individual, Rhys Trott, is set to face new charges for another violent offence. Trott, 20 years old, appeared in Swansea Crown Court last Thursday and pleaded guilty to charges of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and three counts of criminal damage.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Trott had subjected his girlfriend of only two weeks to a vicious attack. He callously informed her, “You’re lucky – I could do more,” after pushing her to the ground and assaulting her. Responding to these disturbing details, Judge Recorder Richard Kember sentenced Trott to a two-year community order, which included requirements such as completion of the Better Building Relationships programme, 30 days of rehabilitation activity, and participation in an alcohol abstinence monitoring and risk programme. Additionally, Trott was ordered to pay £220 in compensation to the car owner, and a two-year restraining order was issued to protect his former partner.
However, just a day after the sentencing, Trott found himself back in court. It was revealed that he was due to be sentenced for a separate offence of assault by beating at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. The incident in question involved a different woman and was alleged to have occurred on or around 12th July of the previous year. Trott had already pleaded guilty to the charges in the lower court on 25th May, with his sentencing scheduled for 14th June in Haverfordwest.
Due to his incarceration while awaiting the second sentencing, Trott’s community order was rendered impractical. Recognising this complication, Judge Recorder Kember stated, “I entirely agree the sentence I passed yesterday now cannot stand. After that sentencing hearing, everyone found out something they did not know before. That is that you were on remand for an assault by beating matter on 14th June. Had I known that yesterday, I would not have taken the action I did. I have now to rescind that sentence. You will have to be sentenced all over again.”
Consequently, Trott’s re-sentencing will take place after the assault by beating case has been addressed in Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. This unexpected twist further underscores the seriousness of Trott’s actions and the need for a thorough evaluation of his crimes.
The Pembrokeshire Herald will continue to follow this case closely as it develops, providing future updates.
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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