News
Birth of child was no excuse
A THIEF who said he could not attend a probation appointment because his partner was giving birth was sentenced to twelve weeks in prison at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jan 6). Matthew Adams, aged 23 of Carr Terrace, Pennar had pleaded guilty to four charges of theft from vehicles on October 22, 2014, on December 9. On that occasion the Magistrates felt that a presentence report should be prepared, but he did not attend on the date that was given. Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said: “On October 22, vehicles were broken into during the early hours of the morning.
“From a Nissan Micra and a Toyota Avensis, he stole a wallet and cards. “From a Toyota Yaris he stole a rucksack, £50 in cash and other property including identity cards, and he stole loose change and two mobile phones from a Volkswagen Up. “All of the vehicles had been left unlocked. “One of the victims had certain information about a person he thought might have been involved and he went round to this person’s house and looked through the window. He noticed his rucksack inside and called the police.
“The other items were found when the police arrived and the defendant was arrested. “At the time he had also been smoking cannabis, and whilst on his way home from Pembroke and Lamphey he discovered that the wallets had no money in them and he threw the wallets over the hedge. He wanted to keep the phones for himself. “He also had about £15 in change from the cars, which he spent at a chip shop. He said he wanted to check the phones as he was being nosey but he found that they were locked.
“In interview he told the officer he went for a walk at around 1am and was looking in cars for money. “He explained that he had checked a number of cars and says he took the items for his own use going on to say, ‘I’ve been struggling for money, it’s no excuse I know’. Defending, Matt Greenish said: “His appointment was on December 18 but his partner gave birth on that day. “He should have been in contact with the court but his mind was with his partner at that time. He has had a shortage of money and there have been a number of ongoing issues”.
Matt Greenish asked the Magistrates to adjourn the case for three weeks to allow for a report but they were not prepared to wait and he was sent to prison for 12 weeks. He was also ordered to pay £50 in compensation to Shaun Griffiths and an £80 victim surcharge.
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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