News

Suspended sentence for ‘amateur’ £10k blackmail plot

Published

6 years ago

October 15, 2018

Tom Sinclair

A LETTERSTON man tried to blackmail £10,000 from a man who had sexual activity with him when they were both children.

Peter Williams, aged 49, threatened to “put it all over Facebook and ruin your life.”

Williams, of Station Road, admitted blackmail.

Judge Paul Thomas said it was an exceptional case and jailed Williams for 15 months but suspended the sentence for 18 months. Williams must also complete 20 sessions of rehabilitation and 200 hours of unpaid work for the community.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Williams was four years younger than the other man and when they were schoolboys they engaged in sexual touching.

Although in the years later they saw each other around Cardigan from time to time they were never friends.

Helen Randall, prosecuting, said that on November 1 last year the man received a telephone call from Williams “out of the blue.”

Williams told him, “You ruined my childhood. You were older. I’ve been reading the papers. It is what you owe me.

“I want ten thousand pounds or I will put it all over Facebook.”

When told that was blackmail Williams replied, “Call it what you want. I call it hush money.”

The man went to see a solicitor who advised him to contact the police.

The following morning Williams called again, this time leaving a message saying, “It’s not going away. I will come in and make a scene.”

Williams was arrested.

Miss Randall said the man was questioned by the police about Williams’ allegations of sexual activity. He agreed there had been contact by mutual consent.

There was a dispute, she added, about how old they had been at the time, but in the event the Crown Prosecution Service had decided not to take any action over the matter.

Ian Ibrahim, Williams’ barrister, said he should have gone to the police with his complaints and not resorted to blackmail.

Judge Thomas said it was a serious matter and would normally warrant an immediate jail sentence.

“Blackmail is an ugly offence.

“There is no doubt you were sexually abused by him when young and you have been brooding excessively about this.

“It was blackmail but it was very amateurish,” he added.

Community

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.