News
Crashed scooter on drink and drugs
AFTER DRIVING under the influence of drink and drugs on a motor scooter without insurance or a valid licence, Stephen James Rees from College Park in Neyland was disqualified from driving for 42 months.
The 29-year-old appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 3) to plead guilty to four charges; driving without thirdparty insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving when alcohol level above limit, and driving while proportion of specified controlled drug above limit.
Prosecutor Ellie Morgan said that Rees was involved in a single vehicle collision on Neyland High Street on March 13, just before 5pm.
The defendant had lost control of his scooter while going around a corner and collided with a lamppost and railings. No lasting damage was caused.
Without a helmet on, Rees was thrown from his scooter and was badly injured so he was taken to Withybush Hospital.
He was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, so doctors at the hospital took a specimen of blood. This revealed not only 181mg of alcohol, but 3.9mg of cannabinoids in a litre of Rees’ blood as well.
Police checks also revealed that the defendant did not have a valid licence or third-party insurance permitting him to ride the motor scooter.
In interview, Rees admitted that he’d had ‘a few cans’, ‘topping up’ from the night before. He told officers that he had lost control going around the corner.
Matthew Greenish, defending Rees, said that his client had bought the scooter a few days previously with the intention of getting his licence. He said that Rees had smoked some cannabis the night before and that it had obviously stayed in his system.
“He decided to ride his bike, it was a stupid thing to do,” said Mr Greenish.
Magistrates said: “This is a very serious offence, you were lucky it was a lamppost and not a small child.”
Rees was fined £120 for the insurance charge and a further £40 for driving without a licence. Magistrates also fined him £80 for driving under the influence of alcohol and £100 for driving with cannabinoids in his system.
Three points were attached to Rees’ licence due to the insurance charge and he was disqualified from driving for 42 months for driving under the influence of drink and drugs.
Rees will also have to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs, meaning that he owes the court £445.
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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