News

Drink driver banned

Published

10 years ago

January 5, 2015

A NEVERN man was banned from driving for 46 months after he pleaded guilty to a charge of drink driving. Paul Ladd, aged 50, of Penrallt Isaf pleaded guilty to the charge at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said: “At 6.20pm on Friday November 14, on the B4582 near Penrallt Isaf, an officer in an unmarked police vehicle noticed a Ford Fiesta.

“The officer illuminated his blue lights and the Fiesta immediately pulled off. The driver turned up a lane and then stopped. The officer was about to get out of his car when he noticed the reverse lights of the Fiesta had come on. “The Fiesta then came out and drove further up the road. The officer followed and the driver eventually came to a stop outside a house.

“The officer went to speak to the driver and noticed a strong smell of alcohol. “The driver told the officer that he had only had his last drink around five minutes ago, and therefore had to wait until twenty minutes had elapsed before being tested at the road side. “He was taken to the station where his lowest reading was 86 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

“There are two previous matters on his record, one in 2003 and the other in 2008, when he received a three year ban.” Defending, Gareth Phillips said: “I have asked probation to provide a report but they feel it is not needed. He has two previous convictions, one of those is relevant. “He has been living with his mother who is partially blind and suffers with dementia. He is stressed with looking after his mother and he has been diagnosed with depression.

“On the day in question he had been out for a drink, but he only lives around five minutes away from the pub and he could have walked home.” The Magistrates disqualified Ladd from driving for 46 months and fined him £110. Ladd was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £20 victim surcharge. Magistrates also offered him the chance to take the drink drivers rehabilitation course.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

17 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.