News
Man avoids prison sentence after false rally car theft claim
LLANDYSUL resident Llyr Jones, 34, has managed to avoid incarceration despite his false claim that his rally car had been stolen. Jones falsely reported that his Ford Escort MK2 vehicle had been taken from his residence in Drefach Felindre between Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8 of last year.
Upon receiving the report, authorities initiated a public appeal for information regarding the alleged theft. However, the investigation took an unexpected turn when the car was discovered on Sunday morning, October 9, in a wooded area near the windmills atop Newcastle Emlyn.
Swansea Crown Court heard that the recovered car was found stripped down to its bare frame. Authorities noted significant damage to the vehicle, suggesting potential foul play.
Subsequent inquiries by the police revealed that Llyr Jones had deceitfully reported the car as missing, with the sole intention of making an insurance claim amounting to £49,000.
Appearing before the Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on May 18, Jones pleaded guilty to the charge of fraud by false representation. The case was then transferred to Swansea Crown Court, where the final sentencing took place on Tuesday, June 27.
In light of his offence, Jones has received a 16-month prison sentence. However, the court has suspended this sentence for a period of two years. As part of his punishment, Jones is obligated to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, he has been ordered to pay £420 in costs.
This case serves as a reminder that dishonesty in insurance claims can have serious legal consequences.
The court’s decision to grant clemency in this instance highlights the complexity and discretion involved in sentencing, with the aim of striking a balance between punishment and the potential for rehabilitation.
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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