Crime

Second drug-driving offence in ten years admitted in court

Published

6 days ago

June 12, 2024

A HAVERFORDWEST motorist has been taken off the road for three years after committing his second drug-driving offence in ten years.

Philip O’Connell, 66, was stopped by officers just after 10.30pm on January 2 as he drove his Audi A4 along the A40 at Scotchwell, Haverfordwest.

Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates that this was because officers believed he may have been committing a driving offence.

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive and O’Connell was then asked to provide blood tests for further analyses. These showed he had 446 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system, which is a derivative of cocaine. The legal threshold limit is 50.

The court was told that in March 2023, O’ Connell, of Abbots Close, Haverfordwest, was convicted of a similar drug-driving offence.

He was legally represented in court by Mr Tom Lloyd.

“He is not a well man at all,” Mr Lloyd told the court.

“He has significant health problems including angina, a quadruple bypass, bowel cancer, ulcers on his feet and he’s also had a stroke and is diabetic. His health is in a terrible state and he’s used cocaine to help him.”

Mr Lloyd added that in March of this year, his partner of 30 years passed away.

“Since her death, he hasn’t coped very well at all. This is a very difficult time for him and he’s really struggling with the grief.”

O’Connell was disqualified from driving for three years. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.

Crime

Police appeal for information following assault at railway station

Published

2 hours ago

June 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

OFFICERS in Pembrokeshire are investigating a report of an assault on a woman that happened outside Haverfordwest Railway Station at approximately 8:10pm on Monday (Jun 17).

One man, aged 49, was arrested on suspicion of common assault and remains in police custody.

Did you witness the assault or have any information that could help officers with their investigation? If so, get in touch:

️ | https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline

| [email protected]

| Direct message us on social media

| 101

Quote ref: 24*537044

Crime

Police confirm arrests following violent disorder in Pembroke Dock

Published

22 hours ago

June 17, 2024

Luke Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire have made a statement following the incident on Saturday in which a man on a hoodie was seen wielding a samurai sword in Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock whilst others engaged in a punch up.

The police have now confirmed that four people were arrested following events, three men and one woman.

On Monday a spokesperson said: “Dyfed Powys police responded to a report of disorder and an individual with a weapon, on Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock at approx. 4:50pm, Saturday June 15.

“Emergency services were dispatched immediately and arrived at scene shortly after.

Four people were arrested; 3 males aged 51, 47, 46 and one female, 37 and have since been released on bail, pending further police enquiries.

We are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.

Superintendent for Pembrokeshire, Craig Templeton of Pembrokeshire said.

“We understand this has caused concern amongst residents in the area.

We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and support during this incident.

You will likely see a greater police presence in the area and our local officers will be available should you have any concerns and wish to speak with someone”.

If you have any information that may assist officers in their investigation, please contact us either online via https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, [email protected]

Direct message us on social media or call 101

Quoting Ref: 252 of the 15th.

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

Crime

Audi driver admits to careless driving, seriously injuring paramedic

Published

2 days ago

June 16, 2024

Court Reporter

AN Audi driver has admitted to careless driving, which resulted in a paramedic sustaining serious injuries.

Charlotte Harding, 38, of Murray Road in Milford Haven, crashed her Audi A3 into paramedic Sean Luby, who was riding his Honda motorbike on the A4076 Steynton Road at approximately 5.10pm on January 29 last year. Mr Luby was subsequently taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff in critical condition.

Harding appeared at Swansea Crown Court, where she pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving. She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 9.

Judge Paul Thomas KC indicated that although the offence meets the custody threshold, Harding, who has no prior convictions, is likely to receive a suspended sentence.

Prosecutor Sian Cutter informed the court that Mr Luby had suffered “both grave and life-threatening injuries” in the collision. Ian Bridge, representing Harding, stated that she was “distraught” over the incident.

In the meantime, Harding has been given an interim driving disqualification until the date of her sentencing.

Following the accident, Mr Luby’s colleagues established a JustGiving page to support his family with travel and accommodation costs while he was hospitalised. The initiative received an overwhelming response, raising nearly £6,000 in less than two days, with the total amount eventually reaching £11,145.

The community’s generosity has provided significant support to Mr Luby and his family during this challenging time.