News

Builder drove from pub whilst almost three times over the limit

Published

2 years ago

February 28, 2023

A SELF-EMPLOYED Pembrokeshire builder who spent the evening drinking at a Saundersfoot pub, foolishly decided to drive home despite being almost three times over the legal drink-drive limit.

David Lewis, 44, of Mayfield Acres, Kilgetty, was subsequently stopped by on-duty police officers as they carried out traffic checks on Milford Terrace, Saundersfoot on the evening of January 31.

When he was asked to step out of his Vauxhall Astra, Lewis proceeded to become abusive towards the officers.

“He tripped one officer over causing him to fall to the floor and kicked another officer to her knee, causing severe bruising,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

Photographs of the injuries sustained by both officers were submitted to the magistrates.

Lewis was taken to the police station for further breath tests to be carried out. These lowest reading confirmed he had 92 mcg of alcohol in his breath, the legal limit being 35.

“That reading speaks for itself,” added Ms Vaughan.

Lewis pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting the emergency workers and of driving whilst over the legal drink-drive limit.

He was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher who claimed the offences were committed as a result of ‘difficulties’ his client had been experiencing at home.

“One of the ways of dealing with a difficult situation is to absent yourself from it,” he said. “But instead of driving, my client should have walked.”

Mr Kelleher went on to say that Lewis’s problem was further exacerbated by the fact that the self-employed builder is currently suffering from long covid.

“As a result, he’s been out of work for some considerable time and was understandably feeling very low,” he said.

Mr Kelleher’s comments were backed up by probation officer Julie Norman.

“Mr Lewis has been using alcohol to cope with his current situation,” she said.

“He left his house, went to Saundersfoot and visited a pub to drink alcohol,” she said.

“When he was stopped by police, he was looking for somewhere quiet to park his vehicle for the night. He’s unable to explain why he acted in the way he did.”

After considering the evidence, Lewis was sentenced to a 12 month community order comprising 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was ordered to pay £150 compensation to the police officers, £85 court costs and a £114 court surcharge.

For the offence of drink-driving he was disqualified from driving for 23 months.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

18 hours 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.