Crime

Hakin man banned from driving after string of drug offences

Published

2 months ago

March 10, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Three drug-driving offences and cannabis possession charges admitted in court

A HAKIN man has been sentenced after admitting a string of drug offences committed over a four-month period.

This week Simon Rees, 29, pleaded guilty to three charges of drug-driving and two charges of possessing cannabis – a Class C drug – when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates.

The first offence took place on October 26, 2025, when Rees was stopped by officers as he drove his Ford Escort near to his home in Observatory Avenue, Hakin. Subsequent blood tests showed he had 5.6 micrograms of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system, the legal limit being 2.

The following month he was again stopped by officers, this time as he drove along Steynton Road in Milford Haven, when he was found to have 289 micrograms of benzoylecgonine in his system and 7 grams of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Rees also admitted being in possession of 86 grams of cannabis when he was searched by officers in Haverfordwest on December 11, 2025, and being in possession of 12.9 grams of cannabis during a second police search on January 13.

Rees pleaded guilty to all five charges. He was legally represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries who said the offences took place following the death of a close family member.

“It’s clear that drugs were a realistic factor to the offending, but shortly before, the defendant had lost his uncle, who was the only close family member he had left,” she said.

“This led to his increased drug use.”

Rees was disqualified from driving for a total of 36 months. He was fined £240 and was ordered to pay £170 in prosecution costs and a £96 surcharge. A forfeiture and destruction order was made for the drugs.

Crime

Man appears in court charged over death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer

Published

15 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

FAMILY WATCHED FROM PUBLIC GALLERY AS CASE SENT TO CROWN COURT

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with causing the death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer Tim Minett by dangerous driving.

Mr Minett was riding a Blood Bike Wales Honda motorcycle on the afternoon of July 2, 2025, when it was involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Crafter van on the A478 between Glandycross and Blaenffos.

He had been transporting blood supplies for the NHS at the time.

This week the van’s driver, Roger King, 57, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with causing Mr Minett’s death by dangerous driving.

King stood in the dock to confirm his name, age and address as members of Mr Minett’s family watched from the public gallery.

Magistrates were told that, due to the seriousness of the allegation, the case can only be dealt with at the Crown Court.

Proceedings will continue at Swansea Crown Court on May 29.

King was released on unconditional bail until that date.c

Crime

Man breached restraining order by entering woman’s home

Published

15 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

COURT HEARS APPLICATION MADE TO DISCHARGE ORDER

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been sentenced after being found inside a woman’s home despite being banned from contacting her.

Peter Bromley, 51, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard, was made subject to a restraining order by Haverfordwest magistrates on February 26.

The order prevented him from having any direct or indirect contact with Rhiannon Bowen.

But on April 8, police received a call claiming Bromley was present at Ms Bowen’s address in Fishguard.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that when officers arrived at the property, Ms Bowen initially denied that Bromley was there.

However, when officers gained access to the property, they found Bromley inside the kitchen.

This week Bromley pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order.

He was legally represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who told magistrates that Ms Bowen had recently begun proceedings to have the restraining order removed and discharged.

“Considerable progress has been made by the defendant in various areas of his life,” said Mr Lloyd.

Bromley was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £80 surcharge.

He must also complete a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement.

Crime

Drink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop

Published

15 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

SENTENCE ADJOURNED FOR PROBATION REPORT

A 23-YEAR-old motorist has been given an interim driving ban after admitting he was over the drink-drive limit when he damaged a bicycle in a collision.

Ajay Mathias was driving his Ford Fiesta along the A478 at Allensbank on April 8 when he collided with the bicycle.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that subsequent breath tests showed Mathias had 44 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Mathias, of Min y Llan, Letterston, appeared before magistrates this week where he pleaded guilty to drink-driving and failing to stop after a road accident.

Sentencing was adjourned until April 30, when magistrates will consider a probation report.

Mathias was released on unconditional bail until that date.