News

Dock drug dealer ‘thinks he could charm his way out of any situation’ – Judge

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2023

ZAMURD HUSSAIN, a Pembroke Dock drug dealer who profited £15,000 from the sale of cannabis, has been ordered to repay a mere £1.

In January, Hussain, 40, was convicted at Swansea Crown Court for possessing cannabis with intent to supply and for involvement in the distribution of cannabis. Officers had intercepted a vehicle travelling through Monkton with Hussain as a passenger. On interaction, officers detected a strong scent of cannabis. Hussain swiftly discarded a black bag from the vehicle, later found to be filled with a significant quantity of cannabis.

Furthermore, Hussain faced conviction for possessing £1,500 in what was deemed as criminal earnings. Originally from Ramsden Court in Monkton, he received a 21-month suspended sentence, which was deferred for 18 months, on February 13.

The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) instigated proceedings to recover the funds Hussain accumulated from his illicit drug sales. Although there was consensus on Hussain’s £15,000 profit, there was contention regarding the ownership of the £1,500 seized — whether it belonged to him or his sister. Prosecutor Alycia Carpanini clarified to the court that the said amount was indeed Hussain’s sister’s property. Thus, the total sum eligible for confiscation from Hussain was set at a symbolic £1.

Additionally, Hussain faced allegations of missing mandatory appointments linked to his suspended sentence, specifically on March 28 and April 4. He refuted these claims. Defence counsel Hannah George presented Hussain’s stance: he claimed not to have received prior notice for the initial appointment due to a recent change of address and had an understanding with his probation officer to substitute the subsequent appointment with extra work hours. This claim was disputed by his probation officer during her testimony.

Complicating matters, Hussain later produced a retrospective sick note for the absences. Weighing the conflicting narratives, Judge Paul Thomas remarked it was a matter of credibility.

Judge Thomas expressed his scepticism, stating, “I don’t find Mr Hussain credible in the slightest. He’s consistently tried to circumvent the system he’s been subjected to. Despite the leeway granted, he’s manipulated it to his advantage. Evidently, he perceives himself as someone who can charm his way out of any situation. I remain unconvinced by his words.”

Consequently, Judge Thomas reinstated and executed Hussain’s previously suspended sentence, incarcerating him for 15 months.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

10 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

17 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

18 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.