News

Burns victim remanded in custody following flat fire

Published

7 years ago

January 17, 2018

DESPITE needing specialist medical care, a Pembroke Dock woman was remanded to prison by Haverfordwest Magistrates on Tuesday (Jan 16).

Hayley James suffered significant and ‘life-threatening’ burns in a blaze she is alleged to have started in her flat in Commercial Row, Pembroke Dock.

James is charged with arson with intent to endanger life regarding the fire, which began at around 6.30am on December 2.

No pleas were entered by the defendant The Crown alleged the accused put not only herself but the occupants of other flats at significant risk of harm.

As she had now been discharged from hospital after weeks of treatment, the Prosecution submitted that James should be remanded in custody.

Responding to prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard-Jones’ request that his client be remanded to prison, defence solicitor Mark Layton pointed out that his client had only recently been discharged following intensive treatment, which had included a tracheotomy: “On her most recent ward, she was given a great deal of flexibility. Her partner, the gentleman at the back of the court, has been visiting her.

“She has been allowed freedom to go out and have a cigarette she can’t walk so far as she suffered significant burn injuries.”

After pointing out that his client’s mobility was severely restricted and she was unable to get about without a stick or wheelchair, Mr Layton continued: “Miss James has suffered significant injuries in this incident. Putting her in prison is not going to be of assistance to her.”

Mr Layton suggested a range of bail conditions and pointed out that his client was not subject to strict supervision of the ward, while she was an inpatient: “My client was arrested on discharge from the ward, prior to that she was not treated with the normal degree of supervision.”

Mr Layton told the court: “The care she needs is simply not available in a prison environment. We would like to think that is the case, but I would suggest very strongly is that the care you will receive at liberty, would be better than the case you would get at liberty. When you have serious burns you need a level of care, I do not think that level of care would be available.

“I would suggest that in those circumstances that the interest of justice can be properly served with the imposition of bail conditions. The concerns the Crown and court will then be properly met.”

After retiring to consider their decision, the Chairman of the Bench told James of the Magistrates decision to remand her to prison.

Expressing sympathy for her condition, he reflected on the seriousness of the charges faced and told the accused: “We are remanding you in custody for your own protection after these dreadful events.”

James is to appear at Swansea Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on February 13, at 10am.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

8 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

15 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

16 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.