News
Milford Haven: Woman who assaulted police for second time this year jailed
A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted assaulting two police officers was sent to jail on Friday (Jun 14), ‘for a deliberate attack on public servants carrying out their duties’.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that it was the second time this year that Santina Evans, 25, of Howarth Close had been arrested for similar offences.
The first time she narrowly missed being sent to jail. Instead she was given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for one year.
That was for assaults by beating on PC Gareth Potter 1118, and PS Lucy Johnston 164.
During that first hearing, the court was told that a crowd had gathered as Evans kicked out several times while being arrested, catching an officer on his legs, while shouting and swearing.
The CPS prosecutor said at the time that Evans had head-butted another officer, connecting with her chin, and continued to shout and swear as she was taken to the ground, telling the police to ‘get off’ and shouting ‘I’m going to stab her.’
Evans, who had a previous conviction for battery and disorderly behaviour, had argued with a neighbour before the police officers arrived.
However it seems the suspended prison sentence was not much of a deterrent.
On June 11, Evans assaulted police again.
PC Gareth Potter was again in the line of fire – Evans admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm on the officer. The second constable was PC Gmerek 892. Evans admitted that she committed assault by beating.
The charges were brought under the new law: Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018.
Taking into account her early guilty pleas, the court ordered that Evans serve a total 36 weeks in custody, pay £450 in compensation to the officers, £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service and £140 towards victim services.
The court explained that when an offence is committed whilst a defendant is subject to a suspended prison sentence, then the defendant will be sent to prison unless the magistrates can give special reasons not to.
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.
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