News
Two more convicted at A40 crash trial
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.
News
COVID-19 tests being encouraged for wider range of symptoms

PEOPLE living in Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to have a free COVID-19 test if they have a wider range of symptoms.
Previously, only those with either a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss/change of taste and smell, were advised to seek a test. The health board is now also encouraging people to have a test if they have any of the following symptoms:
- Flu-like symptoms, including myalgia (muscle ache or pain); excessive tiredness; persistent headache; runny nose or blocked nose; persistent sneezing; sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing
- Generally feeling unwell and a history of being in contact with a known COVID-19 case
- Any new or change in symptoms following a previous negative test
The change aims to find hidden COVID-19 cases in our communities and drive down the numbers of onward transmissions.
Identifying infections, which could otherwise go undetected, is particularly important as new variants of the virus emerge. The more tests carried out, the easier it will be to spot early clusters of cases and possible virus mutations. This will help with easing restrictions in the future.
The new testing regime will initially run for at least 28 days and will then be reviewed. Swansea Bay University Health Board is also expanding its offer of testing in this way.
Alison Shakeshaft, Director of Therapies and Health Science at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Overall, we are seeing a positive picture across the three counties and there has been a steady fall in the number of COVID-19 cases.
“Also, the demand for tests has come down considerably since the end of 2020, so we have capacity to expand the offer of testing to those with a wider range of symptoms.
“We know the wider group of symptoms do occur in COVID-19 but are not reported as often as the ‘classic three’ symptoms. With the very low rates of flu circulating at the moment, it is more likely that wider flu-like symptoms are due to COVID-19.
“Our aim is to find as many COVID-19 cases as possible so we can prevent the virus being passed on to others. We want to do everything we can to help bring the pandemic to a close as fast as possible and help restrictions to be lifted.”
If you have any of the symptoms outlined above, please stay at home and get a test by booking online via the UK portal https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or ringing 119.
As these are national contacts, you may automatically be asked about the ‘classic three’ symptoms. However, to book your test simply choose either one of these options: “You have been asked to take a test by your local council” or “You are part of a government pilot project”.
Once you have had your test, you must continue to self-isolate until you receive your result, which will usually be within 24 hours of the test. If your result is positive, you must self-isolate for 10 days from the date your symptoms started. You will also be contacted by the local Tracing Team.
If your result is negative, you can end your self-isolation, when you feel well enough to do so.
News
Dale Morgan charged with murder of Judith Rhead, police confirm

DYFED POWYS POLICE have charged a man in connection with the alleged murder of 68 year old Judith Rhead who was found dead in her home in Market Street, Pembroke Dock on Saturday (Feb 20).
Dale Morgan, 43, will appear at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today by video link.

Dale Morgan, in court today
A spokesman for the force said: “Dyfed-Powys Police can confirm that Dale Morgan, aged 43, has been charged with the murder of Judith Rhead, aged 68, who was found in a property in Market Street, Pembroke Dock.
“He is due to appear before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, 25 February).”
News
Judith Rhead murder investigation – Detectives given more time to question suspect

POLICE have been given more time to question a 43-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder.
The man has been in police custody since Saturday night, after being arrested over the death 68-year-old Judith Rhead.
She was found in a residential property in Market Street.
The police now have until Thursday afternoon (Feb 25) to question the suspect.
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