News

Ban for drink driver

Published

10 years ago

January 6, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Drink driver: Tanya Davies

A DISQUALIFICATION period of 12 months was given to a Letterston woman who pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Dec 16).

Tanya Davies, aged 23 of Station Road, drove when the level of alcohol in her breath was 53 micrograms. Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said: “At 4am on November 23, following a call from a member of the public, police officers attended a 2-vehicle road-traffic collision on the A4076, Pope Hill. “The paramedics were already there when the officer arrived and he checked to make sure the driver of the other car was okay.

“The officer continued his inquiries after the ambulance had finished treating Davies for minor injuries. “A breath test was carried out, which returned a positive result. She was arrested for drink driving and she was taken to the station. Her lowest reading was 53 in breath. “She had finished work at around 8.30 and had agreed to meet her partner at the pub but he had driven off.

“She had a few drinks with friends and then drove home. She then had to drive her friend home to Johnston and on the way back from this the accident has occurred. “She says she had been to a garage but decided she needed to use the public toilets. A taxi has then hit her from behind.” Defending, Mark Layton said: “She has held a clean licence for seven years. She was returning through Johnston and she was indicating to go to the right. “The other vehicle was in the process of overtaking her and they have collided.

“Disqualification will cause her difficulty as she works as a carer. I would also ask that she be favourably considered for the drink drive rehabilitation course”. The chairman of the bench described it as a serious accident, saying: “You were driving with alcohol in your system – this is not the recommended thing to do and we hope you have learnt a serious lesson.”

Along with the disqualification, Davies was fined £220 for the offence, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £22 and court costs of £85. She was also offered the chance to take the drink drive course, which could reduce her ban by a quarter.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.