News

Police officers assaulted in young man’s violent outburst

Published

6 years ago

October 4, 2018

A MILFORD HAVEN man who took his mother’s and aunty’s help the ‘wrong way’ and kicked out at a police officer has been fined.

Harry Holmes-Thompson, aged 19, of Coombs Drive, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday (Oct 2) to plead guilty to a charge of assaulting a police officer.

Prosecuting, Mr Vasughan Pritchard-Jones told the Court: “Just after 7pm in the evening on September 16, this young man’s family drove him to Haverfordwest Police Station as they were concerned about he wellbeing and were concerned he had taken some drugs.

“When they got to the police station a member of the public informed police there was shouting coming from the car and the officers went out to see what was going on.

“Whilst one of the family was explaining her concerns the defendant became agitated and was saying ‘how is this going to get me help’ and he became abusive saying to one of his family ‘you f***ing b***h’.

“The officer opened the door of the car to arrest him to prevent a breach of the peace but whilst he was being taken into the station he tried to run away. Whilst he was being restrained he kicked out at the officer making contact with his leg causing him to lose his footing and fall to the floor.

“The officers continued to try and control him by the legs but he kicked out again making contact with the officers left hand which caused grazing to his knuckles.

“He then started spitting at the officers but no contact was made. He was then put into leg restraints and carried into the police station where he continued to be abusive to the officers. This is unfortunate as he is of previous clean character but he should know he can’t behave in this way.”

Defending, Jonathan Webb added: “This is not a matter where he entertained pleading not guilty to and his copybook has been well and truly blotted.

“This was a difficult period for him and drinking hasn’t helped. On this evening his mum was very concerned for him and took him to the police station. He had had more than a good few and was taken to the police station before being arrested for a breach of the peace. This was not a great reaction from him but the spitting didn’t hit anybody.

“This is a very unfortunate incident but lessons have been learnt and it is unlikely he will be before the court again.”

Magistrates complimented his family for trying to help him saying they had a ‘great deal of concern for you’ but adding ‘you unfortunately took it the wrong way’.

He was fined £80 for the offence and will also have to pay £85 in court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.
Holmes-Thompson will also have to pay £100 in compensation to the officer.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.