News

Fine for assault on partner

Published

10 years ago

January 28, 2015

A PENNAR man who pleaded guilty to a charge of assault was fined a total of £230 at Court on Wednesday (Jan 14). Kofi Gidman, aged 20 of Stranraer Road, had originally pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault by beating which had been altered by the CPS. Prosecuting the case, Nick Newton said: “The complainant has never alleged a physical assault. The allegation of assault was put to him in the interview and a colleague of mine has made a mistake. “The two parties involved in this case are in a relationship and it is still ongoing.

“The incident happened at an address in Milford Haven when there was an argument over money. The couple went to sleep but when they woke up on the morning of October 23 the argument continued. “Gidman threatened to leave the property with the Christmas presents and he said to her: ‘you’re a c***, if you hit me, I’ll f****** kill you’.

“She rang the police while Gidman was pacing around the flat, then he raised his fist to her to punch but she moved out of the way. “He clenched his fist again but she left the flat. She was later seen outside the flat crying. “The police arrived and Gidman was arrested. He denied the threat in the interview as he claimed that the complaint was false and that the victim’s mother put her up to making the complaint. “His last conviction was in February 2014 when he was given a 12-month community order for an Affray.”

Defending Jonathan Webb said: “Upon the beating element of the charge being dropped the defendant pleads guilty. The parties were at home and a row ensued. He threatened to take the Christmas presents. He has made the threat and made fists, putting them towards the complainants face. He accepts this is a gesture. “He thought she had called him the N-word. Nevertheless this was a conditional threat and is at the lowest end of the scale.” Gidman was fined £110 for the offence, ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and costs of £100.

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.