Motorist admits string of offences including driving while disqualified and uninsured

A LLANDISSILIO motorist has been handed an interim driving disqualification after walking away from a crash on the A478.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that Dean Duffy, aged 31, collided with a fence and hedge while driving a Ford Puma at Clunderwen on Tuesday (Mar 4). He then failed to stop at the scene or report the incident to police.

Duffy, of Maesybryn, Llandissilio, pleaded guilty to failing to stop after a road traffic collision, failing to report an accident, driving without third party insurance, and driving while disqualified.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court: “A vehicle collided with a fence and hedge and the bumper came off. The vehicle was abandoned, but correspondence left on the seat identified the defendant as possibly being responsible.”

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until Tuesday (Apr 28) to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report by the probation service.

Duffy was disqualified from driving on an interim basis pending the outcome of the case.

Milford Haven woman cut free from car on busy A4076 as court hears of alcohol dependency struggle

A MILFORD HAVEN motorist had to be cut free from her car after crashing while almost four times over the legal drink-drive limit, a court has heard.

Police were called to the A4076 between Milford Haven and Johnston on the afternoon of Monday (Mar 10) following reports of a single-vehicle collision involving a Mazda. Officers arrived to find Sarah Childe, 43, trapped inside the vehicle, wearing a dressing gown and pyjamas.

“She was trapped in the car and the ambulance and fire service had to cut her out,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

When spoken to by officers, Childe admitted she had consumed alcohol earlier that day. Breathalyser tests later carried out at the police station showed she had 127 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath—well above the legal limit of 35.

Childe, who is currently homeless but previously lived in Great North Road, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

Probation officer Julie Norman told the court the offence was aggravated by the timing of the collision.

“The incident occurred at a busy time of day, when many motorists were on the road travelling home from work and school,” she said.

The court heard that Childe is alcohol dependent and believed she may still have had alcohol in her system from the previous day, in addition to wine consumed earlier on the day of the crash.

Defending, Tom Lloyd said his client urgently needed professional support.

“In the long and the short, this is a lady who desperately needs help,” he said. “She recognises she has a serious problem with alcohol and wants to address it. She is drinking far too much and now wishes to confront this head on.”

Magistrates were told Childe has no previous convictions.

She was disqualified from driving for 32 months and handed an 18-month Community Order. As part of the order, she must complete a 12-month alcohol treatment programme and carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

Team leader breached position of trust at Letterston care home

A PEMBROKESHIRE care worker has been sentenced after admitting assaulting an elderly resident at a residential home in Letterston.

William Gough, aged 42, pleaded guilty to assault by beating when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard the incident took place while Gough was working as a carer at Graylyns Residential Home.

Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told magistrates that the altercation began after Gough removed a cup from the resident as a safety precaution.

“The victim threw a Kylie chair pad at the defendant when she became frustrated,” she said.

“But as William Gough walked towards the kitchen, he threw another seat Kylie towards her.”

The court was told that Gough also made “unpleasant comments” about the woman, although these were said in a separate room and not heard by the victim.

Gough, of Three Meadows, Haverfordwest, was represented by Alexandra Wilson KC, who said her client had no previous convictions and that the resident had not suffered any physical injury.

However, she acknowledged that Gough’s position on the day was an aggravating factor.

“An aggravating factor was that on the day of the offence, Gough’s role was that of team leader and was working in a position of trust,” she said.

She added that Gough is no longer employed at the care home and insisted the offence was out of character.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order. As part of the sentence, Gough must complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was also ordered to pay £300 prosecution costs and a £114 court surcharge.