News
Wine theft blamed on ‘a bad day’
A WOMAN who stole two bottles of wine from Tesco on her birthday appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Feb 2).
Charlotte Rees, aged 36 of Coombes Drive, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to the charge, which also meant that she was in breach of an existing community order, imposed on November 10, 2015.
Prosecutor, Ellie Morgan told the court: “On January 12 at Tesco in Milford haven, police received a call to attend due to a female shoplifter.
“They told the police they saw Rees take two bottles of wine and made no attempt to pay.”
The court heard that in interview, Rees made full admissions and said that she realised she didn’t have enough money to pay for the wine. She said she was “having a bad day,” and took it.
Defence solicitor, Johnathan Webb said: “Rees has ‘bad days’ as a result of a bereavement. Her other half died from a road collision at the Rath in Milford Haven.”
Rees’ other half, Luke John Allerton, passed away in April 2014, after crashing into the Fisherman’s monument on the Rath at speed on his motorcycle. In a coroners report in October 2014, it was said that Allerton was travelling at such a speed, that the force of the crash was enough to rip the bike’s front forks from the headstock before it landed on the footpath.
Rees appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court the week before, however did not mention that she would be appearing again to anybody at the court.
Probation officer, Julie Norman said: “We can only work with people who are honest with us. She said she didn’t tell us she would be reappearing because she was scared, but I’m going to find out anyway because I’m here all the time.”
Magistrates told Rees that “this is an unfortunate habit” before revoking and resentencing her existing community order. She must also complete a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, which will last 25 days, and must complete 50 hours of unpaid work.
In addition to this, Rees must also pay £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.
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.
Crime
Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm
THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.
Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.
The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.
A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.
“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.
“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.
“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”
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