Crime

Teenage driver banned after drink-drive crash near Narberth

Published

3 months ago

January 28, 2026

Motorist was over the legal limit after watching rugby, court told

A TEENAGE motorist has been disqualified from driving after being involved in a collision while over the legal drink-driving limit.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that police were called to Cox Hill, Narberth, on the evening of Friday (Oct 25) following reports of a single-vehicle collision.

Officers attending the scene found a silver Peugeot being driven by Jake Leavitt, aged 18, with a male passenger also in the vehicle.

When spoken to by officers, Leavitt admitted he had been the driver and provided a positive roadside breath test. He was taken to hospital for examination following the collision, where a subsequent blood test revealed 90 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

Leavitt, of Tymawr, Llangolman, pleaded guilty to the drink-driving offence. He was represented by Fenn Richards, who asked the court to take her client’s age and immaturity into account when passing sentence.

Ms Richards told District Judge Mark Layton that Leavitt had been watching a rugby match before driving home and believed he was not over the legal limit.

She said: “He hasn’t driven since the incident and is absolutely devastated to be losing his clean character today.”

The court was also told that Leavitt is currently studying to become an electrician at Pembrokeshire College.

Sentencing the defendant, District Judge Layton disqualified him from driving for twelve months and fined him £230. He was also ordered to pay a £92 court surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.

“It may be down to immaturity,” the judge said, “but you should be mature enough to understand that drink-driving is not the thing to do.”

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

4 minutes ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

5 minutes ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.

Crime

Hakin woman handed five-year behaviour order over household waste

Published

11 minutes ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAKIN woman has been made subject to a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order after repeated problems involving household waste outside her home.

Marie James, 47, of John Lewis Street, Hakin, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates after being convicted of offences linked to accumulated rubbish at her address.

The court heard that James had failed to remove all refuse and household waste from 36 John Lewis Street, Hakin, in Milford Haven.

Magistrates imposed a Criminal Behaviour Order which will remain in force for five years.

Under the terms of the order, James must not engage in conduct causing alarm or distress to others within the perimeter of her address in Hakin. She is also prohibited from keeping, storing or accumulating household waste at the property.

The order further prevents her from keeping or storing household waste at an associated address in Milford Haven.

No order for costs was made due to limited means.

James was represented in court by Steve Wrobe