Crime
Woman forced to drive by ex-partner after smoking joint
A COURT has heard how a 21-year-old woman, described by her solicitor as “vulnerable,” was forced to drive her car by her violent and intimidating ex-partner just minutes after smoking a cannabis joint.
This week, Iola Williams-Jones appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates, where she pleaded guilty to a charge of driving over the legal drugs limit.
Magistrates heard how Williams-Jones, of Olivers View, Pembroke, was stopped by officers in Commercial Row, Pembroke Dock, at around 5am on 31 March.
“They stopped her black Ford Fiesta due to the manner of her driving,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.
“When they spoke to her, they noticed her pupils were glazed, and there was a smell of cannabis coming from the car.”
During her interview with officers, Williams-Jones admitted to smoking cannabis about 30 minutes before being stopped. A subsequent blood test confirmed she had 8.4 mg of cannabis in her blood. The legal limit is 2.
However, the defendant’s solicitor explained that the offence was the result of a prolonged period of violence and intimidation by her ex-partner.
“She was violently woken during the night by her ex-partner, who told her he needed to leave the property,” said her solicitor.
“She was frightened because he had assaulted her in the past.
“He handed her a cannabis joint and told her to smoke it, claiming it would calm her nerves.”
Williams-Jones then drove off with him in the car.
“She was extremely distressed about driving and stopped several times,” the solicitor continued. “But she was repeatedly and aggressively urged by her ex-partner to continue. Fearing the repercussions if she refused, she carried on driving.”
After taking the mitigating circumstances into account, magistrates disqualified Williams-Jones from driving for 12 months. She was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £32 surcharge.
Crime
Former teacher found guilty of assaulting teenager days before he died in accident
FORMER Ysgol Dyffryn teacher, Llyr James, has been found guilty of assaulting 16-year-old Llyr Davies in an incident in Newcastle Emlyn town centre.
Three days after the attack – on the afternoon of 12 March – Llyr died in a separate incident when a tipper truck reportedly slipped down a slope into the Eastern River Cleddau in the Efailwen area of Clynderwen.
This week, Llanelli magistrates heard how the teacher ‘grabbed’ the child and ‘pushed him into an alleyway’ in Newcastle Emlyn on the night of 9 March.
Giving evidence, James said he wanted to explain his frustration that Llyr Davies, a talented rugby player, was going to miss an opportunity to play rugby at the Principality Stadium due to his poor attendance at both school and rugby training.
However, James stated that there had been no argument between him and the student.
“It was a case of two people who were close, just mucking about,” he said.
However, Crown Prosecutor James Ashton said James’ memory could have been unclear, as, according to his police statement, he had consumed eight or nine pints of cider that night.
Mr Ashton added that James made ‘a beeline’ for Llyr and there was no banter between them.
A 17-year-old witness, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said he heard screaming on the street and saw Llyr being dragged by Mr James, whom he described as “crazy”, with his “eyes popping out of his head.”
Three days later, Llyr Davies died in a separate incident.
The first time the defendant heard of the assault allegation was the day after Llyr Davies’ death.
James was suspended from his job at Ysgol Bro Teifi on the Friday of the same week.
He will be sentenced by Llanelli magistrates on October 25.
Business
An evening of collaboration with West Wales’ Creative Network
CALLING all musicians, photographers, filmmakers and social media managers!
Get ready for an inspiring evening of collaboration and conversation at an exciting new panel discussion and networking event, hosted by Creative Wales.
Following the success of a similar event in Cardigan, it’s now Fishguard’s turn to get creative.
The evening takes place on October 23 at Ffwrn, Fishguard, at 6.30 pm when people will have the opportunity to hear from industry experts as they share insights, trends and tips to elevate your craft and expand your reach.
You can also begin to connect with like-minded creatives, exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations with talent, baked locally.
So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this is the chance to gain valuable knowledge and make meaningful connections in the vibrant creative community or West Wales.
A limited number of spaces are available, so don’t miss out on this super opportunity; register today via the Gorllewin Creadigol Cymru/Creative West Wales Network website.
Crime
Man caught drink-driving after fleeing lover’s tiff
A LOVER’S tiff resulted in a court appearance this week after a man fled from a property when his partner threw household items at his head.
But when Jonathan Langston called the police to inform them of his situation, he was stopped by officers less than a mile from his property, and found to be over the legal drink-drive limit.
“He had no intention of driving, but he’d had items thrown at him and was told to leave,” said his solicitor, Michael Kelleher.
Langston, 36, phoned the police to explain what was going on and officers apprehended his vehicle on the B4585 at Manorbier at around 10am on September 23. A roadside breath test proved positive, and subsequent intoximeter tests showed he had 41 mcg of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 35.
Crown Prosecutor Nia James told magistrates that when arrested, Langston told officers, “I’d never have driven if I hadn’t had s*** thrown at me.”
Meanwhile Michael Kelleher said the defendant drives around 40,000 miles a year as a self-employed layer of resin floors.
“As a result of what’s happened, he’s now going to be unemployed,” he said.
Langston, who gave his address to the court as Brynbrain Road, Cwmllynfell, Swansea pleaded guilty to the charge of drink-driving. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge.
-
News4 days ago
Nurse sacked after paying £23k for job at Pembrokeshire care home
-
Business4 days ago
Safety concerns raised over proposed new Milford Haven Lidl store
-
Crime5 days ago
Police raid cannabis grow at former Woolworths building in Pembroke Dock
-
News4 days ago
Woman charged over death of four paddleboarders in Haverfordwest
-
Community6 days ago
Portfield Fair is back with a bang as mayors check out rides
-
Crime6 days ago
Caldey Island monk suspended amid investigation over explicit photos
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Anna Ryder Richardson roars back to Manor Wildlife Park after six-year break
-
Business4 days ago
Milford Haven regeneration could return it to 50s glory days