News

Haverfordwest: Synthetic cocaine pair sentenced

Published

10 years ago

January 17, 2015

Admitted offences: Pleas were changed at the last minute

TWO Pembrokeshire men who continued to deal in a “legal high” even after it had been classified as illegal have been sentenced today at Swansea Crown Court.

Kevin Firth, who once ran the Pembs PC computer shops in Haverfordwest and Pembroke, and Daniel Cobbinah had been due to stand trial before a jury charged with possessing APB, a drug incorporating benzofuran, with intent to supply, but changed their pleas to guilty at the last moment.

Robin Rouch, prosecuting, said the men began dealing when APB was considered to be a “legal high.” But in June, 2013, the Home Office placed the drug on a prohibited list making it a class B drug, “and they would have known immediately about the ban.”

They may have continued to deal the synthetic cocaine, added Mr Rouch, partly because of the investment they had made in expensive machinery to produce it.

Today’s ruling included the confiscation of a sophisticated pill press found at a company called Pier Engineering.

Mr Rouch said police searched Cobbinah’s home at Flat 5, 15 High Street, Haverfordwest, and found a black bag in a bedroom containing the ingredients necessary to make APB.

He said it was difficult to estimate the value of the drug, but it could have been as high as £3,500.

They also found another high known as Diet Coke, which was still legal, plus weighing scales.

Mr Rouch said at Firth’s home at The Green, Tenby, officers found a stainless steel funnel which could be connected with the pill making machine.

Firth, he added, had spent sometime in jail after his arrest as he was recalled to prison for previous drug related offending.

Judge Paul Thomas said he accepted that at some stage APB had been considered legal.

But he warned Firth, aged 45, and Cobbinah, 43, that when people became involved in the supply of drugs “things happen to them.”

Firth and Cobbinah were made the subject of 12 month community orders. Firth was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work for the community and Cobbinah 80 hours.

Both will also pay £60 government surcharges.

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.