Crime
Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident
RHYS GRIFFITHS, a former bin lorry driver, has been banned from driving after injuring a man by colliding with his car door during a road confrontation on St Issels Avenue, Haverfordwest, on 22 February 2023.
Swansea Crown Court heard from Prosecutor Harry Dickens that Griffiths, 32, accelerated towards the victim’s vehicle, stopping bumper-to-bumper. Following a brief verbal exchange, the victim turned back to his car, only to hear Griffiths rev his engine, mount the kerb, and strike the driver-side door, pinning the man against his own car. Though the victim felt pain in his thighs, he did not require medical attention, and only minor damage was reported to the car.
Griffiths left the scene without stopping, and a witness alerted the police. The victim later told officers: “There was no need for this incident at all.”
Griffiths initially pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, later changing his plea to guilty on the day of his trial. His defence lawyer, Emily Bennett, expressed Griffiths’ “deep shame” over the incident, noting he had been redeployed from his job as a bin lorry driver due to the offence.
Judge Paul Thomas KC described Griffiths’ actions as “incredibly stupid” and sentenced him to 10 months, suspended for 18 months. Griffiths must complete 100 hours of unpaid work, 25 rehabilitation days, and pay £1,200 in costs due to the lateness of his plea. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must pass an extended driving test to regain his licence.
DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating a domestic burglary which occurred at an address in Precelly Place, Milford Haven, on Wednesday (Apr 23).
Officers hand-delivered letters to residents in the area on Thursday (Apr 24), appealing for information that may assist with the investigation.
No arrests have been made at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.
A MAN from St Davids is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse, including physical assault and coercive control, spanning more than two years.
Ryan Bowen, aged 44, of Nun Street, appeared in court accused of controlling and abusive behaviour towards his partner between August 2019 and January 2022.
Bowen is alleged to have physically assaulted the woman by slamming a car door on her leg, punching her in the ribs, and pushing her. The court also heard he verbally abused her, belittled her as a mother, and threatened to kill her.
It is further alleged he controlled her finances, dictated what she wore, where she could sleep, and where she was allowed to work.
Prosecutors also claimed he threatened to take her children away and told her he would kill himself if she ever left him.
Bowen has denied the charges.
Judge Paul Thomas KC asked defence barrister Dyfed Thomas whether his client would consider pleading guilty to any lesser charges. Mr Thomas responded that Bowen was “adamant” the allegations were untrue and would not be changing his plea.
A trial has been listed for December 9. Bowen was granted bail until that date.
POLICE are investigating the theft of a motorbike from the A470 near Storey Arms, close to Brecon.
The Lexmoto LXR, described as blue and silver in colour, was awaiting recovery when it was stolen sometime between 9:00pm on Tuesday (Apr 8) and 11:00am on Wednesday (Apr 9).
Officers are appealing to anyone who was travelling along the A470 during that time and may have seen anything suspicious.
Dash cam footage could be especially helpful to the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via:
| Online form
| 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk
| 101
Quote reference: 25*307219
Joint exercise rolls into back-to-back shouts for Fishguard RNLI volunteers
A ROUTINE training night for volunteers quickly took a turn which saw them participate in two service launches before going...
Biggest feature film shot entirely in Wales released today
HAVOC, the biggest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales, premieres today (Friday, April 25) on Netflix. Backed by Welsh...
Social care crisis reveals urgent need for funding reform
INCREASING demand, flatlining budgets, and systemic neglect are pushing adult social care to the brink—especially in rural areas like Pembrokeshire....
Paddleboarding boss jailed for ten years after deaths of four in river tragedy
Judge condemns ‘flagrant disregard’ for safety as four families left devastated by tour leader’s fatal failings THE OWNER of a...
Drugs, deaths and drones: Damning report highlights crisis at Parc Prison
NEARLY 900 DRUG FINDS, 17 DEATHS IN A YEAR, AND INMATES LOCKED UP FOR 21 HOURS A DAY A DAMNING...
Dŵr Cymru loses 251 million litres each day due to leaks
Welsh Lib Dems slam water firms as millions of litres leaked daily WELSH Liberal Democrats have criticised Dŵr Cymru and...
Search continues for missing sailor in Irish Sea
THE SEARCH for a man who went overboard from a UK-registered yacht in the Irish Sea entered its third day...
Pope Francis Dies at 88: Tributes pour in for a Pontiff of compassion and reform
REQUIEM MASSES TO BE HELD ACROSS WALES POPE FRANCIS, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and...
Search continues for man overboard from UK yacht in Irish Sea
A MAJOR search and rescue operation is under way in the Irish Sea after a man went overboard from a...
Calls for urgent sale of Oakwood site amid trespasser fears
CONCERNS have been raised about trespassers entering the closed Oakwood theme park, prompting calls for a swift sale of the...
-
Crime2 days ago
Paddleboarding boss jailed for ten years after deaths of four in river tragedy
-
Community5 days agoWarning after suspected drug-related incidents in Haverfordwest
-
News5 days ago
Search continues for man overboard from UK yacht in Irish Sea
-
Crime3 days ago
Guide condemned as ‘arrogant’ after paddleboarding tragedy claims four lives
-
News7 days agoBody found in tent in Pembrokeshire woodland
-
News4 days ago
Pope Francis Dies at 88: Tributes pour in for a Pontiff of compassion and reform
-
Crime2 days agoSt Davids man accused of abuse and coercive control
-
Charity4 days agoPembrokeshire farming couple takes bull by the horns in family fund raiser for talented singers