News

Two more convicted at A40 crash trial

Published

10 years ago

December 1, 2014

TWO more drivers have been convicted today of “swarming” along the A40 near Haverfordwest at up to 100mph shortly before a head on crash.

They will be sentenced later this month along with five other drivers who had already admitted dangerous driving.

Ian Lloyd, 22, of 66 College Park, Neyland, and Jack Murdoch, 18, of 31 Main Road, Waterson, had denied the charge.

But following a trial at Swansea crown court Lloyd was found guilty by a jury majority of 11-1 and Murdoch by a majority of 10-2.

Judge Paul Thomas immediately banned them from driving and warned then that “a prison sentence is at the forefront of my mind.”

He said he viewed the driving of all seven as “being particularly bad.” It had put other road users at risk and resulted in two people being injured, he added.

After the verdicts Robin Rouch, prosecuting, revealed that both Lloyd and Murdoch already had “police markers” against their names, indicating they had been warned by officers in the past about their manner of driving.

Lloyd and Murdoch will be sentenced on December 22 along with Scott Beavis, 21, of 23 Skomer Drive, Milford Haven, Edward Adams, 19, and James Adams, 22, both of Green Cottage, Thornton Road, Steynton, Stephen Murray, 23, of 50 Lawrenny Street, Neyland and Ieuan Power, 18, of 17 Harbour Close, Milford.

They were granted bail meanwhile.

The charges follow a head on collision between a Citroen Saxo driven by Beavis and a Seat Ibiza on Arnold’s Hill, near Haverfordwest, on August 11 last year.

Other drivers described numerous cars “swarming” up the hill and using a single, on coming lane as a second overtaking lane, effectively turning the A40 into a one way street.

One said he thought some were driving at 100mph and so closely together that they might be actually touching.

The jury head Lloyd and Murdoch claimed they had been taking part in a “cruise” from Haverfordwest to Swansea and not a race.

Up to 30 vehicles had been involved.

Lloyd and Murdoch were warned the extent of their driving bans, to be determined at the sentencing hearing, would be “lengthy.”

Judge Thomas said he had “some concern” about evidence given by two witnesses on behalf of Lloyd and Murdoch.

Mr Rouch said the police were already looking into the matter.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.