Crime

Highways worker caught driving works van after smoking cannabis

Published

3 months ago

December 2, 2025

A PEMBROKESHIRE highways maintenance worker has been banned from the road after admitting driving a works van shortly after smoking cannabis.

Leon Zatac, 27, was spotted alongside another male openly smoking cannabis in a highways maintenance vehicle shortly before 4:00pm on July 28.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that police received an anonymous call reporting two men using cannabis in the vehicle in the Johnston area.

Police stop on Langford Road

Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker said officers later met the van travelling in the opposite direction on Langford Road, Johnston, and identified Zatac as the driver.

After failing a roadside drugs swipe, Zatac, of Priory Road, Milford Haven, was taken to Haverfordwest police station. Blood tests showed a reading of 6.9mcg of cannabis metabolite – more than three times the legal limit of 2mcg.

Zatac was represented in court by solicitor Alex Scott.

Bereavements led to cannabis use, court told

“His circumstances at the time of the offence were somewhat difficult after suffering a string of bereavements,” said Mr Scott. “Against that background, he turned to cannabis to help deal with the circumstances.”

The court heard that Zatac had worked for the council’s highways maintenance department for two years.

“He’s mortified to find himself before the court today, and he may now face difficulties in continuing with his job,” added Mr Scott.

Zatac was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £48 surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Teen given community order after assaulting police officer at hospital

Published

8 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEENAGER from Neyland has been given a community order after admitting assaulting a police officer at Withybush Hospital.

Luke Davies, aged 18, of Springfield Avenue, Neyland, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 16) for sentencing.

The court heard that on July 9, 2025, at Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest, Davies assaulted PC Elliot Jamie Williams while the officer was acting in the execution of his duty. The offence is contrary to section 89(1) of the Police Act 1996.

Davies had previously pleaded guilty to the charge on January 6, 2026.

Magistrates imposed a community order running until August 15, 2027. The order includes participation in drug rehabilitation and alcohol treatment programmes for six months, both to be carried out as directed by probation, along with regular court reviews.

He must also complete up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.

Davies was ordered to pay £200 compensation and £85 prosecution costs.

The case will return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for review on March 16 at 10:00am.

Crime

Man sent to Crown Court over strangulation and assault allegations in Pembroke Dock

Published

8 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A 46-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to the Crown Court to face multiple charges including intentional strangulation following an alleged incident in Pembroke Dock.

Fazlur Rahman, aged 46, of Lewis Street, Pembroke Dock, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 16).

The court heard he faces three allegations arising from an incident on February 13, 2026, at an address in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

The charges include intentional strangulation of a female, assault by beating, and racially or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress, relating to words allegedly directed towards a police officer.

No pleas were entered at this stage.

Magistrates sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Rahman was granted conditional bail. His bail conditions include not contacting the complainant directly or indirectly and not entering Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock. The court was told the conditions were imposed to prevent further offending, avoid interference with witnesses and ensure his attendance at court.

The next hearing, a plea and trial preparation hearing, is listed at Swansea Crown Court on March 20 at 9:00am.

Crime

Man remanded in custody over Tenby grievous bodily harm allegation

Published

8 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 35-YEAR-OLD man has been remanded in custody after appearing before magistrates charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm following an alleged incident in Tenby.

Lewis Thompson-Gill, aged 35, of Worcester Road, Little Witley, Worcestershire, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 16) for a mention hearing.

The court heard he is accused of unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on a woman on or about December 28, 2025, in Tenby. The allegation is contrary to section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

No plea was entered.

Magistrates remanded Thompson-Gill in custody. The court was told bail was refused due to concerns he was likely to offend, could cause injury or fear of injury to an associated person, and might interfere with witnesses or obstruct the course of justice. Previous record and character were also cited.

The matter was adjourned for a further mention hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday, February 23 at 10:00am, which is expected to take place via live video link.

A custody time limit has been set to expire on April 13, 2026. A trial is provisionally listed for March 2 at 2:00pm, with an estimated duration of two hours and 30 minutes.