Crime

Carpenter forced to quit after cannabis-driving conviction

Published

3 months ago

December 2, 2025

Magistrates told loss of licence ends Pembroke man’s 40-year career

A SELF-EMPLOYED Pembrokeshire carpenter has been forced to down tools after nearly forty years in the trade when he was caught driving after consuming cannabis.

Mark Ewings, 65, was stopped by officers shortly after 6:30pm on September 6 as he drove his Skoda Octavia along South Road, Pembroke.

“There was a smell of cannabis emanating from the vehicle,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive and further blood tests taken at the police station showed a reading of 7 mcg of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. The legal limit is 2.

Ewings, of Tenby Court, Monkton, pleaded guilty to the offence. He was represented in court by solicitor Alex Scott, who said the conviction would effectively end his client’s long career.

“He’s been a carpenter for nearly forty years, so naturally depends on his licence and his ability to drive,” Mr Scott said. “But he’ll now have to give up that work.”

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

Crime

Man cleared of sexual assault allegation after magistrates rule no case to answer

Published

4 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Case dismissed following trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court

A MAN from Milford Haven has been cleared of a sexual assault allegation after magistrates ruled there was no case to answer.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 9) for trial.

He had been charged with sexual assault on a woman aged sixteen or over, contrary to section three of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The court heard the allegation related to an incident said to have taken place in Johnston, Pembrokeshire, on March 16, 2025.

Due to legal reporting restrictions, the complainant’s identity cannot be published under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

During the hearing, the prosecution was represented by Dennis Davies, while Fletcher was represented by David Wheel of Welch & Co Solicitors.

After hearing the evidence presented by the prosecution, the magistrates ruled that there was no case to answer.

The bench, comprising Mrs J Morris, Mr C Pattison and Mr J Steadman, formally found Fletcher not guilty.

The case was dismissed and Fletcher was discharged.

Crime

Restraining order breach allegation withdrawn at court

Published

19 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Tenby man had faced harassment-related charge

A PEMBROKESHIRE man accused of breaching a restraining order has had the case against him withdrawn at court.

Christopher Marsh, aged 49, of Grove Court, St Florence, Tenby, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar 13).

Marsh had been charged with harassment by breaching a restraining order.

The allegation related to an incident said to have taken place on Tuesday (Mar 3), 2026.

However, during the hearing the prosecution withdrew the charge.

Magistrates therefore took no further action and the case was dismissed.

Crime

Man accused of breaching sexual harm prevention order sent to Crown Court

Published

24 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Llanelli magistrates send case to higher court

A 40-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to the Crown Court after appearing before magistrates in connection with an alleged breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

Luke Rogers, aged 40, of C3161 Brimston Cross to Wolfscastle Road, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar 13).

Rogers is charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order on Tuesday (Feb 25), 2026.

He also faces a further charge of driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence on the same date.

No pleas were entered during the hearing.

Magistrates ruled that the case should be dealt with at the Crown Court and sent the matter to the higher court.

Rogers was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Apr 10, 2026.