News

Newport man sentenced for riding e-scooter whilst disqualified and whilst uninsured

Published

2 years ago

May 20, 2023

CHARLES ANTHONY MORRELL, a 48-year-old resident of Newport, Pembrokeshire, appeared before the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court in Haverfordwest to face charges related to driving offences. The defendant, also known by the alias Mr Charles Anthony Gaskin, stood accused of driving a motor vehicle while disqualified and without insurance.

The court heard that on 25th October 2021, in Hinckley, Leicestershire, Mr Morrell was caught operating a motor vehicle, specifically an e-scooter, on Trinity Road while disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence.

The offence was in violation of Section 103(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.

Having been convicted at the Leicester and Rutland Magistrates’ Court on 11th April 2022, Mr Morrell’s case was subsequently brought before the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Magistrates’ Court for sentencing. The defendant was found guilty and faced the consequences of his actions.

The presiding judge handed down a community order, requiring Mr Morrell to comply with certain conditions until 16th May 2024. This included a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, where the offender must attend appointments and participate in activities as directed by the responsible officer, for a maximum of 25 days.

In addition to the community order, the defendant was fined £200 for his unlawful actions on the road. Mr Morrell was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £114 to fund victim services and costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service. A collection order was made to ensure the payments are duly collected.

Furthermore, the court imposed a discretionary disqualification for a period of six months, preventing Mr Morrell from holding or obtaining a driving licence. The defendant’s driving record was endorsed, and notification of the conviction was sent to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

In a separate charge, related to the same incident on 25th October 2021, Mr Morrell was found guilty of using a vehicle, namely an e-scooter, on Trinity Road without valid insurance. This contravened Section 143 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 to the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. Although no separate penalty was given for this offence, the defendant’s driving record was endorsed, and notification of the conviction was sent to the DVLA.

Charles Anthony Morrell pleaded guilty by post to the charges against him. The guilty plea was taken into account when determining the sentence.

As part of the sentence, Mr Morrell was given the opportunity to pay the fines and costs in monthly instalments of £24.00, starting from 14th June 2023.

The judgement serves as a reminder that driving while disqualified and without proper insurance are serious offences, with potential consequences that can include fines, community orders, and driving disqualifications.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

19 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.