News
Tiers cross: Businessman found guilty of common assault
A WELL-KNOWN businessman from Tiers Cross has been found guilty of common assault against his former partner.
Philip Stoddart, of Oakley house, had been bailed by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on November 19 after pleading not guilty to a charge of assault. The company owner, who runs Stoddart Tyres, will be sentenced on February 11.
At a trial at Haverfordwest court on Wednesday (Jan 21) the prosecution outlined the case. For the CPS, Vaughan Pritchard Jones said: “Mr. Stoddart’s partner was at his house with the children. There was an argument about child support and she left with them. There is no dispute that a cordless telephone came into contact with her head which caused a lump, and there were lines on her face consistent with the ridges of the phone. The prosecution says that the defendant was in a temper and struck her with the phone.”
“He says that he was going to make a phone call and said that she wanted to stop him so she grabbed hold of the phone and yanked it from him and the force of that caused her to hit herself in the face with the phone.
But Stoddart maintained his innocence, saying he had not hit is ex. On the stand he said: “I was waving the phone around so she could take the phone off me. She managed to grab onto the phone and I let go of it, and this caused her to be hit on the side of the head.”
But the magistrates did not accept his explanation. The chairwoman of the bench said at the end of the trial: “We find the case against Phil Stoddart proved, mainly because of the credibility of the main witness. We are satisfied that her version of events are the correct one.”
Stoddart was released on bail with the conditions that he does not contact his ex, except via a solicitor, or enter her street.
Just before Christmas, the 48-year-old was held by police and appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court for an alleged offence under the Bail Act 1976.
Philip Stoddart, of Oakley house, had been bailed by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on November 19 after pleading not guilty to a charge of assault. The company owner, who runs Stoddart Tyres, is due to appear at his trial later this month.
However, after police received information that the director had breached his bail, he was arrested on December 20. Llanelli Magistrates’ Court remanded Stoddart into custody. He then appeared on December 23 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from prison.
At the second hearing, the bench agreed to release Stoddart in time for Christmas; but only if he adhered to strict bail conditions. The conditions are that he wears an electronic tag, is subject to a curfew between 8pm and 6am daily, does not contact a witness in the case, does not enter a particular area of Haverfordwest, and that he resided at Talbenny Hall Farm, Pembrokeshire.
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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Charles
January 21, 2015 at 8:06 pm
My my how the mighty have fallen!
Joe Baldry
January 22, 2015 at 2:03 pm
Well known for his thuggery. Hope he gets the term he deserves.
G Davies
January 22, 2015 at 4:50 pm
Has a record for beating women.
jo
January 22, 2015 at 6:54 pm
Joe Baldry…people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones!!!!
Minors as I recall.
tomos
January 23, 2015 at 9:36 am
Is this guy related to the councillors?
ellis
January 23, 2015 at 1:29 pm
yes is prince Andrew related to the queen?
ellis
January 23, 2015 at 1:39 pm
hi charles he is still on his feet
J.Codd
January 27, 2015 at 7:57 pm
I loathe women-beaters.
joe bloggs
January 29, 2015 at 9:48 pm
Bully and a thug , about time they locked him up permanetly .
K.Milich
February 3, 2015 at 4:40 am
I’ll be going to ATS in future.
Mr Williams
March 8, 2015 at 1:50 pm
Good enough for the arrogant woman beater. And Baldry, you\’re no better than him, you worthless swine. You only saving grace is that you couldn\’t beat up a woman if you tried….even with your roid-pumped \’body\’. Faggot.