Jailed Pembroke Dock paedophile loses bid to be set free

Published

6 years ago

October 12, 2018

AN AGEING Pembrokeshire pervert caught with a huge stash of child porn and a paedophile handbook has failed to convince top judges to set him free.

Andrew Durrant, 63, of Pembroke Dock, was jailed for 18 months at Swansea Crown Court on June 25.

He admitted three counts of making indecent photos of a child and one of possession of prohibited images of a child.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of extreme pornographic images and possessing a paedophile manual.

Police searched Durrant’s home in June last year and seized computer equipment, Mrs Justice May told London’s Appeal Court today.

A total of 33,061 still and moving images were found, including 335 in the very worst category of obscenity – some depicted children aged just two or three.

Also discovered was a paedophile handbook, including chapters headed ‘sex with kids’ and ‘penetration training’.

The judge who jailed him said Durrant had a ‘long-standing paedophile inclination and interest’.

The ‘scale and nature’ of his offending meant only immediate imprisonment could be justified.

Lawyers for Durrant argued his jail term should have been suspended, given his age, previous good character and time he had already served.

But Mrs Justice May said the crown court judge ‘was entitled to take the view that appropriate punishment could only be achieved’ by an immediate jail term.

Sitting with Mr Justice Stuart-Smith, she pointed to the large quantity of images and the extreme youth of some of those depicted.

His crimes were ‘persistent’ and there was the ‘additional and very worrying offence involving the possession of the paedophile handbook’.

“For these reasons we dismiss the appeal,” concluded Mrs Justice May.

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day 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.