News

Stinger and dogs ended dramatic chase

Published

9 years ago

July 16, 2015

stinger POLICE stopped a car with a stinger and used dogs to find the driver, during a vehicle chase across two counties, a court has heard.

Matthew Ace, aged 27, of 22 Banwell Street, Morriston, pleaded guilty to taking a car from Aberaeron without the owner’s consent, and driving without third party insurance, when he appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates on Wednesday.

The court heard that owner Huw Evans had advertised the car on websites, with pictures showing the number plate, and had provided two interested parties with his address and postcode.

He was only given one key went he bought the car in March.

Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, said police were called after the owner of a Vauxhall Astra saw the car being driven away from his driveway and disappearing down the street, after hearing its alarm going off.

The car was spotted in Crymych, following a silver car reported to have attracted suspicion at the scene, and police units were deployed from Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

A stinger was set up at Penblewin roundabout, which caused the silver car to stop.

Miss Morgan said: “The silver car came to a stop on the roundabout and the driver ran off. The stolen vehicle carried on driving and went towards Whitland followed by the police with blue lights and sirens.

“It overtook a couple of vehicles, despite having flat tyres.”

The car eventually stopped and officers and dog handlers followed the driver into fields. They found him hiding among brambles, covered in mud.

Ace stated he had been asked to collect the car, and had been given the key and address, believing that he had the consent of the owner.

Craig Davies, defending, said: “We know that the vehicle in this case was taken with the key. There was a misunderstanding over the owner. The vehicle was returned with a limited amount of damage.”

Mr Davies added that his client, who works in the motor industry, believed he would be covered by traders’ insurance to drive the car, as he thought he had a legitimate reason to collect it.

Following a probation report, Ace was sentenced to an18 month community order with a 35 day rehabilitation activity requirement and 200 hours unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for six months.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs , £160 compensation, a £15 victim surcharge £60 and a court charge of £150.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

3 hours 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

10 hours 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

11 hours 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.