Crime

Railway Station crime episode put under the spotlight by local politicians

Published

2 years ago

February 7, 2024

LOCAL politicians are calling for action to tackle the problem of vandalism and antisocial behaviour at Haverfordwest train station.

In a meeting at the station on Friday morning (2nd February) organised by local Councillor David Bryan, Preseli MP Stephen Crabb and Paul Davies MS joined representatives from British Transport Police and Transport for Wales to review the condition of the station and discuss recent incidents of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage nearby.

While Transport for Wales is responsible for managing the station, it remains unclear what parts of the station are owned by Network Rail. Action is being taken following the meeting to clarify ownership to understand whether old buildings can be improved and utilised into community facilities.

Last year Haverfordwest station saw almost 100,000 entries and exits as passenger numbers continue to recover following the Covid pandemic.

During the meeting it was confirmed that a short-term security solution has been implemented and that British Transport Police would be working closer with Dyfed Powys Police to address the issues at the station. CCTV as an option is being explored but subject to funding being made available by Transport for Wales. Transport for Wales are also interested in working with any community groups who may want to become station adopters to work with them to improve the appearance of the station.

Following the meeting, local MP Stephen Crabb said:

“Haverfordwest station is in a poor state with boarded up windows and a partially abandoned appearance. But the truth is that it is well-used by passengers, has a successful café on site, and thankfully still has a staffed ticket office. With a bit of care and some investment, the station could be brought back to a condition we can all be proud of. Wherever buildings look unused or abandoned, they attract vandalism and problems.”

“ I am pleased that we were able to have such positive meeting about the station’s future and I’m hoping that there will be real momentum to tidy it up and make it more appealing for the community that use it but also to give a good impression of the town for those arriving by rail.”

Crime

Dock woman given mental health treatment order after supermarket thefts

Published

4 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been placed on a mental health treatment requirement after repeatedly stealing meat, cheese and other grocery items from local supermarkets.

Lisa Stewart, 45, admitted three theft offences when she appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

The first offence took place on March 11, when Stewart stole Vanish, Lenor and three packs of Persil capsules from Home Bargains in Pembroke Dock, with a total value of £58.41.

The following month, she stole four small beef joints, four steaks and three blocks of cheese from Asda in Pembroke Dock, worth £55.68.

Seven days later, she stole four legs of lamb from Farmfoods in Pembroke Dock, valued at £99.96.

Stewart, of Truscott House, London Road, Pembroke Dock, also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to police bail on or around May 26.

She was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries, who told magistrates the thefts involved items of relatively low value and were not the result of “sophisticated offending”.

“The defendant has had an exceptionally difficult time, as last year she lost her partner to cancer and has struggled profoundly to process that grief,” said Ms Harries.

“Instead, she has attempted to cope by taking more of her prescribed medication than she should. And this is what has led her to be here today.”

Ms Harries said Stewart is now motivated to address her issues.

Magistrates sentenced Stewart to an 18-month community order. She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

The order will include monthly reviews in court.

Stewart must also pay £214.05 compensation to the supermarkets, together with a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Grandmother banned after cocaine drug-drive offence

Published

4 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A GRANDMOTHER has been banned from the roads after being caught behind the wheel with 800 mcg of a cocaine metabolite in her system.

Eleri Phillips, 57, was stopped by police in the early hours of December 18 as she drove her Audi Q5 along Derwent Avenue, Steynton.

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive, and further blood tests carried out at the police station showed she had 45 mcg of cocaine in her system and 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.

The legal limits are 10 mcg and 50 mcg respectively.

Phillips, of Brook Close, Steynton, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. She was legally represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“She is absolutely ashamed of what has happened,” Mr Kelleher told the court.

“She had been out with friends that evening and someone offered her cocaine. Very foolishly, she took it.

“As a result, she is now going to be disqualified from driving, which is going to cause problems not only for her but for her family, as she regularly helps look after her grandchildren with general pick-ups from school.”

Phillips was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £120. She must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.

Crime

Milford Haven builder banned for second drug-driving offence

Published

4 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Court hears cannabis reading was five times the legal limit

A SELF-EMPLOYED builder has been banned from the road after committing his second drug-driving offence in ten years.

Robert Duncan, 44, was stopped by police at around 6:00pm on January 31 as he drove a Ford Focus along Steynton Road, Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard this week that officers had been observing the vehicle before requesting it to stop.

Duncan provided a positive roadside drugs wipe, and later blood tests showed he had 10mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2mcg.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told magistrates that this was Duncan’s second drug-driving offence within ten years.

Duncan, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to drug-driving.

He was represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher, who said Duncan had believed the drug would have left his system by the time he got behind the wheel.

“He believed the drug would have been out of his system when he was driving, but it can take a considerable length of time to go,” said Mr Kelleher.

“In fact, this is the drug that takes the longest amount of time.”

Mr Kelleher said Duncan worked as a self-employed builder, but was currently unable to work large amounts of time because of family commitments.

Magistrates disqualified Duncan from driving for three years. He was also fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge.