A Pembrokeshire chef has admitted driving when he was over four times the legal drink-drive limit.

Brian Worrall, 44, who is employed as a chef at The Griffin pub in Dale, was arrested in the early hours of April 27 after driving his Citroen into a hedge on a minor road close to the village.

“Police received a call concerning a road accident and when they got to the road leading to Dale, they discovered two intoxicated males walking,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“One of them was the driver and had the car keys in his possession.”

After giving a positive roadside breath test, Worrall was conveyed to the police station where he gave further breathalyser tests, the lowest reading being 150 mcg.  The legal limit is 35.

But Worralls’ solicitor, Jess Hill, said that a substantial amount of alcohol had been consumed by the defendant following the collision.

“The offence took place on his birthday and he’d drunk alcohol after work to celebrate,” she said.  “He’d drunk a couple of beers before going out in the car with his colleagues.  They were on their way to get some more drink when he misjudged the corner and went into the hedge.  “They tried to retrieve the car, but when they failed to do so, they decided to go back the next day to get the vehicle.

“The defendant was shaken up by what had happened and drank a bottle of wine on the way back before he was breathalysed.”

Jess Hill added that Worrall, who is South African by birth, was unaware of the British licensing laws, despite having resided in the UK since 2000.

“He has no previous convictions but accepts that he binge drinks and when this happens, it may affect his ability to drive,” she concluded.

“He also accepts he should be aware of the rules in the country in which he is now living.”

Worrall, of Castle Way, Dale, pleaded guilty to drink driving, failing to stop after an accident, driving without third party insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He was sentenced to 18 weeks in custody suspended for two years.  During this time he must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 300 hours of unpaid work.  He must also pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.

He was disqualified from driving for 36 months.

RNLI senior lifeguards Harry and Nia represented the charity at the annual Landing Craft Memorial Service at Freshwater West on Saturday (Apr 25).

The service is held each year to remember those connected with the wartime landing craft exercises and the area’s military history.

Freshwater West is one of 16 beaches across Pembrokeshire covered by RNLI lifeguards during the summer season.

The charity is reminding beachgoers to choose a lifeguarded beach whenever possible, swim between the red and yellow flags, and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they see someone in difficulty in the water.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the RNLI Lifeguard Service.

A PEMBROKESHIRE College learner has been recognised with a prestigious award celebrating her commitment, achievement and future potential.

Eleanor Edwards, a second-year Travel and Tourism learner, received the award from the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales as part of its annual College Awards programme.

The scheme supports young Welsh talent and recognises individuals undertaking academic and vocational studies, as well as members of the armed forces and those involved in community service.

Support for future career

The award will help Eleanor further develop her skills and broaden her learning experience through additional courses made possible by the funding.

The College said Eleanor’s success reflects both her hard work and ambition, as well as the high standard of vocational learning delivered at Pembrokeshire College.

Speaking on behalf of the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales, Sylvia Robert-Sargeant said: “We are delighted to have been involved in the selection of Eleanor Edwards as an outstanding second-year learner studying for a Diploma in Travel and Tourism at the College.

“We wish Eleanor every success, both in participating in the extra courses made possible by this award and in her future studies and career.”

Ambition to join cabin crew

Pembrokeshire College Principal Dr Barry Walters also congratulated Eleanor on her achievement.

Dr Walters said: “We are delighted to congratulate Eleanor on receiving a Worshipful Livery Company of Wales award.

“This achievement will support her continued progression, enabling her to gain the additional qualifications needed to pursue her ambition of a career in air cabin crew.

“We also extend our sincere thanks to the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales for their ongoing support and for the time invested in the selection process.”

The College said it was proud to see Eleanor acknowledged through the respected awards programme and wished her every success as she continues her studies and prepares for a future career in the travel and tourism industry.

Picture: Learner Eleanor Edwards with Sylvia Robert-Sargeant and Pembrokeshire College Principal Dr Barry Walters.