News

Man with auditory hallucinations had knife

Published

12 months ago

January 11, 2024

TREVOR EVANS, a 23-year-old man from Gorsgoch, bravely called the police on himself late at night on October 16, fearing for his and others’ safety due to distressing auditory hallucinations. Evans was apprehended on a remote country road between Gorsgoch and Talgarreg, armed with a knife and carrying an aerosol can and lighter, as reported by prosecutor Georgia Donohue at Swansea Crown Court.

The police, responding promptly after midnight, were met by Evans who confessed that he was struggling with voices instructing him to harm himself and anyone nearby. This alarming revelation prompted his immediate arrest and subsequent hospitalisation for mental health assessment, followed by remand in custody for his protection.

Evans, with no prior convictions, pleaded guilty at the earliest instance to possessing a bladed article. His defence, led by Hannah George, emphasised his commitment to mental health improvement, having actively engaged with all the support offered by the probation service.

In a compassionate turn, Recorder Powell KC acknowledged Evans’ efforts in prison to address his issues, ruling out any intention on his part to harm others. Recognising the pivotal role of alcohol in Evans’ mental health struggles, the judge imposed a 12-month community order. This includes a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring program and 35 days of rehabilitation activities, alongside a £114 victim surcharge. Recorder Powell expressed optimism that Evans’ problems would largely resolve with abstinence from alcohol.

Evans himself, displaying a candid understanding of his condition, vowed to abstain from alcohol, recognising its detrimental impact on his mental state.

This case highlights the complex interplay of mental health and the criminal justice system, underlining the necessity for sensitive and informed responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Evans’ proactive and responsible action in seeking help potentially averted a more tragic outcome, while the court’s decision reflects a growing recognition of the need for treatment and rehabilitation over punitive measures in such cases.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

16 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

23 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

24 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.