News
Man caught drug driving three times recently banned for three years
A MAN who was caught drug driving three times in three weeks by Pembrokeshire Roads Policing officers, has been disqualified from driving for three years.
Dyfed-Powys Police officers described 27 year old Anthony Joseph Thompson as having no regard for the safety of other road users, as he continued to break the law after being arrested.
On the evening of January 6, Thompson and his two passengers were stop checked while he was driving his Volkswagen Golf in Haverfordwest, with no rear lights illuminated.
After smelling cannabis coming from inside the car, officers drug swabbed Thompson, of Pencader, with the result proving positive for cannabis.
He was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, and a blood sample was taken. He was released under investigation pending the outcome of the blood analysis.
On the morning of January 18, Roads Policing Unit officers stopped Thompson near Saundersfoot as he was not wearing a seatbelt and had no glass in one of his wing mirrors.
While officers were speaking to him, a smell of cannabis was again emanating from inside his vehicle. The car was searched, and 3g of the drug was found in a small pot.
For the second time in under a fortnight Thompson undertook a roadside drug swab, again testing positive for cannabis. He was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, a blood sample was taken and he was released under investigation.
Already under investigation for the previous two offences, Thompson was stop checked for a third time on the evening of January 26 at Glandy Cross, again failing a roadside drug swab for cannabis. Once again he was arrested, his blood samples were taken and he was released under investigation.
Analysis of the three blood samples showed him to be over the drug drive limit on each occasion.
Thompson was reported for summons, initially appearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday July 22. He was disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to pay a total of £304 in fines and costs.
In relation to the second and third offences, he then appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday August 14, when his disqualification period was extended until August 2023 and he was ordered to pay a further £365.
PC Richard Mycroft, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Anthony Thompson’s actions by continually driving with cannabis in his system, showed a blatant disregard for the safety of both himself and other road users.”
Community
Bishop returns to Llanelli for Palm Sunday celebrations
Visit described as ‘coming home’ as Bishop Dorrien joins worshippers in Bro Lliedi
BISHOP DORRIEN marked Palm Sunday (Mar 29) with a series of visits and services across Llanelli, describing his return to the area as “coming home.”
The Bishop of St Davids spent the day in the Bro Lliedi Local Ministry Area, beginning with the main parish Eucharist at St Elli Church, where he both preached and presided.

Following the service, he joined members of the local ministry area for lunch, before spending time visiting parishioners in the community.
The day concluded with a Songs of Praise service in Felinfoel, bringing together worshippers for an evening of reflection and celebration.
As a token of appreciation for his visit, Bishop Dorrien was presented with a print of St Davids Cathedral.
The Bishop has strong personal ties to the Llanelli area, having served his title there earlier in his ministry. Speaking during the visit, he said returning to the town always feels like “coming home.”

Church leaders said the visit was a valuable opportunity for the Bishop to connect with congregations across the area during one of the most significant periods in the Christian calendar.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a central time of reflection for Christians leading up to Easter.
Local Government
Oil spill update issued for Pembroke stream and Castle Pond
COUNCILLOR Jonathan Grimes, representing Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, has issued an update following concerns over an oil spill affecting a stream on The Commons and Castle Pond in Pembroke.
Speaking after discussions with Natural Resources Wales, Cllr Grimes confirmed that response teams have been on site throughout the day working to contain the pollution and identify its source.
According to the latest update:
• The pollution has begun to subside, with the oil slick now breaking up
• Monitoring will continue over the weekend and into next week
• Forecast rain is expected to help disperse the remaining contamination
• The substance is believed to be domestic heating oil (kerosene), pending confirmation
• Investigators believe they have identified the source area and are taking steps to prevent further incidents
Cllr Grimes said he would continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The incident has sparked concern among residents, particularly over the potential impact on wildlife and the environment. Some have called for further action, including opening the sea gate to help flush the affected water.
Local Government
Work begins on major housing and care scheme in Haverfordwest
A MULTI-MILLION pound housing and care development in Haverfordwest has officially moved into the construction phase, with groundworks now underway at the Tŷ Haverfordia site.
Contractor Wynne Construction has begun work on the scheme at the former Haverfordia House site, marking the milestone with a turf-cutting ceremony attended by project partners and local representatives.

The development will provide 26 sheltered apartments for people aged over fifty-five, alongside a purpose-built twelve-bed reablement centre aimed at supporting residents returning home from hospital and regaining independence.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and is expected to play an important role in easing pressure on local health and social care services.
Developers say they will work closely with local suppliers and businesses during the build to maximise benefits to the regional economy.
Measures have also been put in place to minimise disruption during construction, including maintaining pedestrian access and ensuring parking arrangements remain in place for nearby facilities.
Once complete, the scheme is expected to provide modern, high-quality accommodation tailored to the needs of older residents, while helping to free up hospital capacity across west Wales.
-
Business6 days agoTaxi fare shock in Milford Haven as drivers switch to meters
-
News5 days agoWelsh Government outlines progress on flood resilience plans
-
Health6 days agoAverage of 18 deaths a week in Wales linked to A&E delays, figures reveal
-
Community4 days agoHero female officer keeps job after sexual touching finding
-
Education3 days agoYsgol Henry Tudor reassures parents over Sikh ceremonial kirpan
-
Crime6 days agoPolice stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation
-
Community6 days agoCalls to block Withyhedge landfill expansion amid ‘worst in Wales’ claims
-
Business4 days agoPopular Italian restaurant hit with £278,000 tax bill plus £186,000 fine








