Farm mechanic admits drink driving after losing control of vehicle

Published

2 weeks ago

May 7, 2024

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm mechanic has been sentenced by magistrates after driving his vehicle at speed towards another car when he was over the drink-drive limit.

William Griffiths was driving his Seat Leon on an unclassified road between Maenclochog and Clarbeston just before 7pm on April 22.

“Another motorist was on her way home and she slowed down when the vehicle in front of her indicated to turn right,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“But she then heard the sound of screeching tyres and saw a car travelling towards her at speed, breaking heavily and swerving across the road.”

The out-of-control car was being driven by William Griffiths, 47, of Clyn, Maenclochog.

“He shunted forward and skid marks could be seen on the road,” continued Ms Jackson. “Police officers were called and when they spoke to the defendant, they could smell alcohol on his breath.”

A roadside breath test proved positive and Griffiths was taken to a police custody suite where he gave two further breath tests, the lowest giving a reading of 67 mcg. The legal limit is 35.

Ms Jackson confirmed that during a police interview, Griffiths admitted drinking three pints of lager earlier that evening.

“It’s sad that someone at the age of 47 comes before the court with a hitherto clean character,” said his barrister, David Griffiths, in mitigation.

“This was an exceptional situation as my client had been told that one of his friends had died suddenly that day.

“Because of this, he called into a pub and drank more than he should have.”
Mr Griffiths said that his client works as a self-employed mechanic on his family farm.

After considering the facts, magistrates disqualified Williams Griffiths from driving for a total of 18 months. He was fined £440 and ordered to pay a £176 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order

Published

10 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Court Reporter

AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.

On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.

The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.

The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.

Crime

Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire

Published

12 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.

Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.

Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.

Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: 24000446140

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Arrest made following report of sexual assault in Haverfordwest

Published

2 days ago

May 17, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DETECTIVES in Haverfordwest are appealing for witnesses following a report of a sexual assault which occurred at approximately 10:00pm-11:30pm on Thursday (May 16) in the vicinity of Dew St, Haverfordwest.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

The police have asked that anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the area at the time and may have information that could help officers with enquiries, is asked to contact police.

Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference:427 of 16th
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.