Crime
Plumber keeps licence after being found asleep at wheel in Haverfordwest car park
Ben John, 33, was discovered in a running car at Bridge Meadow and later gave a breath test reading of 74mcg, magistrates heard
A PEMBROKESHIRE plumber has kept his driving licence after police found him asleep behind the wheel of his car while over the legal alcohol limit.
Officers discovered Ben John, 33, in a red Mini at around 5:00am on December 27, as they carried out an unrelated search at Bridge Meadow car park, Haverfordwest.
“The keys were in the ignition, the engine was on and a can of Fosters could be seen in the cup holder,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“The officers could also see the defendant slumped over in the driver’s seat.”
Mr Davies said that when officers knocked on the window, John pressed his foot on the accelerator, causing the engine to rev. A breath test carried out at the police station later showed he had 74mcg of alcohol in his system.
John pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while above the legal alcohol limit. He was represented by solicitor Alaw Harries, who said her client accepted full responsibility.
“It was a cold night and he made the poor decision to get in the vehicle, turn the heating on and fall asleep,” she said.
Ms Harries described John as a “reliable and dedicated” plumber and warned that a disqualification would have serious consequences for his work and others who rely on him.
“A disqualification today would not only jeopardise his own employment, but also the employment of others, including an apprentice who he drives to work on a daily basis,” she said. “We have here a genuine, hard-working individual, who’s reflected on this offence and won’t place himself in this position ever again.”
John, of Priory Avenue, Haverfordwest, was fined £433 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £173 surcharge. His licence was endorsed with ten penalty points.
Crime
Teen given community order after assaulting police officer at hospital
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
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
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.
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