News
Neyland: Man jailed for possessing and distributing child pornography
A NEYLAND man has been jailed for more than two years for possessing and distributing indecent images of children.
David Leonard Smith, of Kensington Road, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Apr 20) having previously pleaded guilty to possession of extreme images, making indecent images of children, distributing indecent images of children and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
He was sentenced to 28 months in prison.
The 49-year-old was arrested and charged when Dyfed-Powys Police’s online investigation team (POLIT) carried out a warrant at his home on Wednesday, February 28.
He was requested to provide all mobile and computer devices to officers to be examined, and a number of devices were triaged by POLIT officers at the scene.
Indecent images of children were located on a computer tablet belonging to Smith, who was arrested and conveyed to custody.
During examination of the tablet, a large amount of text-based chat on a social media platform was also found. Further work established that Smith had been distributing indecent images of children online.
Detective Sergeant Mathew Davies, of POLIT, said: “We are pleased with the sentence that was handed down to Smith on Friday. He was already subject to a sexual harm prevention order but was determined to continue offending by viewing these horrific images and sharing them with others.
“Many offenders believe that by viewing and sharing indecent images of children they are not causing any harm, but it is so important to remember that this is not a victimless offence. Children somewhere have been subjected to this abuse, which is captured on film and distributed online – and we will do all we can to put an end to it.
“We urge anyone who has any information about people who are involved in offences of this nature to please report it – either in confidence to Dyfed-Powys Police on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.”
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.
-
News2 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Top News5 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
Education3 days ago
Home Education: Delays and missed opportunities risk further tragedy
-
News7 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police launches attempted murder investigation
-
News7 days ago
Heroes of the storm: How Council workers rallied during rare red wind warning
-
Top News6 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News6 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged