News

Assault on police constable

Published

10 years ago

November 4, 2014

A MAN who damaged several windows, assaulted a police constable, used threatening behaviour and entered part of a dwelling as a trespasser was dealt with at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Andrew Rees Watkins, aged 20 of Tan Bank pleaded guilty to all four charges. Prosecutor, Ellie Morgan said: “On Saturday (Aug 9), officers on patrol in Haverfordwest were called to Stokes Avenue at 4.10am regarding a male throwing stones at windows. Police arrived and they were told by a lady, who was awoken by the noise, that she saw Watkins throwing the stones at her property, and some had gone through the glass. At 4.15am, somebody else called the police regarding somebody throwing stones at their windows but had left. At 4.53am, he was back outside the property and had stolen the house keys from inside the porch.

He also kept shouting and asking him to come out for a fight. “When officers arrived, they called at Watkins’ home address and he came out and shouted ‘F*** off will you’. he tried to shut the door in the officer’s face, but the officer had stopped the door with his foot. Other officers at the scene reported that Watkins was using all of his strength whilst trying to close the door. Officers used pepper spray on Watkins and forced the door open. They shouted at him to calm down and used an open palm to his face to stop him pushing. He continued to resist and was lashing out.

He became more and more aggressive and Officer Early felt a blow to her face. Her tooth had gone through her lip and she said it felt like her tooth was loose. The defendant instantly said sorry when he realised what he’d done. “He had been out for a drink with friends and had gone to Labyrith and Eddie Rocks. He had six double vodka and cokes and a pint of lager. He had gone back to his street and started throwing stones, and couldn’t explain why. He was shouting to get the male out of the house and said ‘I was p***** and stupid. If he came out I probably would have hit him’.

He says he doesn’t know how he hit the officer, but it must have been during a struggle and that it was unintentional.” Defence solicitor, Gareth Phillips said: “Watkins pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. He said sorry to the officer and apologised whilst in the police vehicle. In terms of the burglary matter, he’d been friends with the complainant since they were children. Text had passed between them and it followed on from there.He went into the porch and took the key, he didn’t enter the house. He thought it would be funny to hide his key in the garden, but of course, it isn’t funny at all.

He was trying to prevent the officers from entering him home. Drink was involved and he acted recklessly.” Probation officer, Julie Norman told the court: “This is not a very pleasant incident. He had finished work and gone out socialising with friends. He recently had a falling out with the complainant where he’d received texts from the day before that he’d ignored, but alcohol influenced his decision. He regrets the whole thing and hasn’t been out since the incident. He feels that when he drinks vodka it makes him irate so doesn’t drink it.” Magistrates told Watkins: ‘We believe this is a one off offence’ and imposed a 12 month community order with the requirement of completing 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £50 compensation to Officer Early, £85 cost and £60 victim surcharge.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 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

10 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

10 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.