News

Jail for evicted thief who pitched tent in County Hall reception

Published

5 years ago

July 3, 2019

A MILFORD HAVEN man who pitched a tent in the reception at County Hall – after he and his girlfriend Shannon Saunders found themselves evicted from their council flat – has been jailed.

Sam Maguire – convicted in November last year of theft of money from St Katherines Church – was this time charged with criminal damage and public order offences.

After being evicted from their Mount Estate home, for owing £2000 in rent arrears to the local authority, Maguire and his girlfriend decided to protest about their eviction to Pembrokeshire County Council.

On Friday, after pitching the tent in the Council’s reception and abusing staff, including makings threats to kill, the police were called.
The pair both left the scene in a police car, and Maguire arrested. He was remanded into custody and brought before the court.

The chairman of the bench at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court addressed the court on sentencing.

He said: “We have taken into consideration your early guilty plea, your previous record, and the difficulty you were having with the Council regarding accommodation. However, we have decided that you have crossed the custody threshold.
“You will be jailed for three months – 12 weeks – it would have been four months, but we have given you one month off for pleading guilty.”

Maguire was also ordered to pay £122 to fund victims services and £85.00 in court costs.

A council spokesman said after the case: “On Friday an individual erected a tent inside the reception area of the building, blocking the main entrance. The male in question also threatened Council staff.
“Police were called, and he and a female accompanying him were taken away in a police car.
“As a local authority, we will not tolerate intimidation and threats of physical violence against staff and will always contact the police in such cases.”

On Thursday (Jun 27) Sam Maguire and Shannon Saunders were outside Boots in Milford Haven.

The police soon arrived at the store following reports of a disturbance in three vehicles.
Maguire was ‘spoken to,’ a police spokesman confirmed.

Police gave Maguire and his partner a banning order. They can no longer enter Port Authority land, which includes the retail park.

Dyfed-Powys Police have received reports today that a video posted on Facebook showing a vulnerable male assaulted in the Ammanford area. To update, Dyfed-Powys Police have one male in custody for this incident. Thank you to all that assisted with inquiries.

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.