News
Elderly Motorist Cleared
An elderly motorist from Letterston has been cleared of causing the death of a motorcyclist.
Arthur Edwin Hunter, of Gurndifog, had denied causing the death of Benjamin Bowen by careless driving.
Following a retrial at Swansea Crown Court the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.
It was the second time Hunter had stood trial. The jury in the first case could not agree on a verdict.
The court heard how Hunter, aged 89, had turned into the path of Mr Bowen’s motor cycle on the A40 in February, 2014.
He was seen to stop in the road and indicate a right turn into a lane leading to his home.
Dyfed Thomas, prosecuting, told the jury how two motorcycles had been heading in the opposite direction.
Hunter, he said, allowed the first to pass but turned his Ford Focus into the path of the second bike, ridden by 27 year old Mr Bowen.
Mr Bowen’s red motorbike fell on its side and he slid into the front of a Peugeot 308 driven by Julie McAdam, an agent for Hockey Wales and head coach of the Fishguard and Goodwick team.
Mr Bowen suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
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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Phil McFadden
September 25, 2015 at 7:46 pm
Once again a motorcyclist is killed by a driver who fails to take adequate observation, and yet again a decision is made by a bunch of drivers who think “I could’ve been that driver.”
The point is that they weren’t that driver: someone who should still be enjoying life and the company of friends and family has been slaughtered because someone in a big steel box couldn’t be bothered to look properly before launching it at him. This is not justice: it declares that it is alright to kill others through negligence and it is disgusting.
David
September 25, 2015 at 11:30 pm
Disgusting so this happens again and he walks Scot free !
Now if it was a motorcyclist that killed a 89 yr old pensioner with his bike…… He would be serving time in prison. You magistrates and judges and pathetic jurors are a waste of tax payers money. Mine. Get a grip.
Tomos
September 26, 2015 at 9:30 am
the facts given in the report make it clear it wasn’t an “accident” .Maybe the court felt sorry for the old guy but if they remember “justice” statues are always seen to have ablindfold – maybe they should have worn them in this case?