News
Rape trial at Swansea Crown Court expected to last three weeks
KEVIN OFFLAND, a 45-year-old man currently of Nichols Road, Great Yarmouth, stands accused of a series of grave sexual offences spanning over two decades.
The trial, unfolding at Swansea Crown Court, sees Offland vehemently denying eighteen charges levied against him, including the rape of three women and a child, alongside multiple counts of sexual activity with a child. The alleged offences trace back over a 24-year period in both Pembrokeshire and Shrewsbury.
The prosecution, led by Mr Davies, paints a chilling portrait of Offland as a “sexual predator” who allegedly exploited the vulnerability of women and children.
According to the charges, Offland’s spree of abuse began in February 1998 when he is accused of anally raping an 18-year-old woman after binding and gagging her.
A pattern of predatory behaviour emerges with further accusations detailing the anal rape of another woman between December 2000 and December 2003, under circumstances of restraint.
Disturbingly, the charges extend to the abuse of minors, with Offland accused of raping an 11-year-old girl between 2008 and 2009, allegedly after intoxicating her with vodka and Red Bull.
Another instance in October 2014 involved a complainant who suspected her drink was spiked by Offland in Pembrokeshire, leading to her waking up in pain without recollection of the preceding events.
Further allegations involve sexual abuse against two young girls, aged 14 and 15, across different time periods and locations in Pembrokeshire.
Offland is accused of forcing one girl to perform a sex act on him in Milford Haven and of sexually abusing her and another girl on multiple occasions.
The prosecution claims that Offland took advantage of his position to inappropriately touch the girls under the guise of massages and applying fake tan.
The trial, presided over by Judge Catherine Richards, is expected to last three weeks.
The case continues
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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