News
Irish Ferries’ Isle of Innisfree sets sail on new route
IRISH FERRIES celebrated a significant milestone today as the Isle of Innisfree embarked on its inaugural commercial voyage from Pembroke Dock to Rosslare. The ship’s introduction marks a strategic enhancement to the Rosslare-Pembroke route, offering passengers and freight operators a higher standard of service.
Built in 1992 by the Boelwerf shipyard in Belgium, the Isle of Innisfree is a roll-on/roll-off cruise ferry designed to carry up to 1,140 passengers, 83 freight vehicles, or 600 cars. The vessel boasts a variety of amenities, including Boylan’s Brassiere self-service restaurant, Café Lafayette, a Club Class lounge, an onboard duty-free shop, a children’s play area, and spacious outdoor decks. Additionally, it offers a freight driver’s lounge and cabins, ensuring comfort for all types of travellers.
The redeployment of the Isle of Innisfree from its previous Dover-Calais route is part of a broader fleet optimisation strategy by Irish Ferries. This shift not only improves the facilities available on the Rosslare-Pembroke route but also aligns with the company’s commitment to enhancing passenger and freight services across key connections between Britain and Ireland.
Andrew Sheen, Managing Director at Irish Ferries, expressed enthusiasm about the transition, stating, “The addition of the Isle of Innisfree on the Rosslare-Pembroke route is a sign of our ongoing commitment to these routes, ensuring we offer our freight and passenger customers quality service for these important connections between Britain and Ireland.” He also highlighted the company’s dedication to providing award-winning hospitality and service, encouraging passengers to “Sea Travel Differently”.
The Isle of Innisfree’s arrival is timely, poised to meet increased demand during the summer peak. As the vessel continues to serve this route, passengers and freight operators alike can look forward to a superior travel experience on the Irish Sea.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges
Defendant remanded in custody
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of serious allegations following his appearance in the latest magistrates’ court register.
David Guy, 49, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared in court facing multiple charges, all of which have now been deemed too serious for summary trial.
Multiple charges listed in register
The new magistrates’ register shows Guy charged with several offences arising from the same case file. Although individual charge descriptions were not expanded in open court, the register confirms the allegations include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- A second assault charge
- Criminal damage
- A further interpersonal violence allegation
- A public order offence
All entries relate to the same incident and prosecution reference, presented as a multi-count case.
Defendant remanded into custody
Magistrates ruled that their sentencing powers were insufficient and sent the entire case to Swansea Crown Court for trial.
Guy was remanded in custody, with the register stating: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”
A hearing date will now be fixed administratively by the Crown Court. Until then, Guy remains remanded.
The Herald will provide updates once the Crown Court listing is confirmed.
Crime
Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults
Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing
A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string of alleged offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.
Anthony Alcock, 40, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, faces six linked charges arising from incidents reported to have taken place earlier this year. Alcock, who did not enter pleas during the administrative hearings, appeared on several occasions as the court dealt with bail issues and case management.
- Multiple assault allegations
- The charges listed before magistrates include:
- Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
- Intentional strangulation
- Common assault of a woman
- Criminal damage relating to a domestic incident
- Further assault allegations linked to the same complainant
- A breach of bail conditions
The court heard that Alcock had previously been granted conditional bail. However, he was brought back before magistrates twice during the same reporting period for alleged breaches of those conditions, resulting in updated bail decisions.
Bail breached — defendant remanded
On two separate entries in the court register, Alcock was listed as having breached his bail, leading magistrates to remand him into custody pending the next hearing. On other dates within the same week, he was again re-released on conditional bail, with strict terms imposed, including restrictions on contact with the complainant and exclusions from certain locations.
He is now remanded on conditional bail with his next appearance set for Swansea Crown Court, where the more serious matters — including the alleged non-fatal strangulation — will be dealt with.
Case sent to Crown Court
Magistrates directed that the case is too serious to be heard locally and must proceed to the Crown Court for trial or sentence.
The Herald understands that all listed charges fall under the same prosecution reference, indicating they form part of a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution. No further details were opened in court at this stage.
Crime
Rogue roofer conned homeowner out of thousands
Caerphilly investigation leads to court conviction
A ROGUE trader from Pembroke has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after duping a homeowner into handing over thousands for unnecessary roofing work.
Douggie Whitbread, aged twenty-five and living at Coldwell Terrace, Pembroke, persuaded his victim that he “probably needed a new roof” before charging £4,350 for work that was either unnecessary or not carried out properly.
Whitbread admitted two counts of fraud relating to a property on Griffiths Street, Ystrad Mynach, with the offences taking place between August 12 and October 16, 2023.
He appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, where he was ordered to pay a total of £6,130. That includes £4,350 in compensation, £1,500 in prosecution costs, a £200 fine, and an £80 victim surcharge.
The case was brought following an investigation by Caerphilly Trading Standards, who urged residents to be cautious of unsolicited offers of home maintenance work.
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