Crime
Banned for 30 months for taking Ketamine before driving in Pembrokeshire
A 21-YEAR-OLD motorist has admitted to driving his VW Taigo through Pembrokeshire just three hours after taking ketamine.
William Malone was seen staggering towards his vehicle by a member of the public at around 9:45am on July 22.
“Police were alerted that he had been seen staggering and zig-zagging around a café in Freystrop before getting into the car,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“Another call came in from a member of the public, reporting that the same vehicle was driving erratically, almost colliding with a stationary car as it headed towards Johnston. The vehicle hit and mounted a kerb, nearly flipping over.”
Officers found the vehicle outside the defendant’s home on Heywood Lane, Tenby. The keys were still in the ignition, and the engine was warm.
Malone was arrested, and blood tests at the police station confirmed he had 88 mcg of ketamine and 75 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system.
Malone pleaded guilty to both charges of driving under the influence of drugs.
Probation officer Julie Norman told magistrates that at the time of the offence, Malone was struggling with a “chronic ketamine habit.”
“After the offence, he sought help from the Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Service,” she said.
Malone, represented by solicitor Jess Hill, works at a post office run by his parents.
“He is an active member of his community, often going above and beyond his duties, including helping elderly residents with their groceries,” Hill said.
After considering the circumstances, the court disqualified Malone from driving for 30 months. He was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order, which includes 80 hours of unpaid work and ten rehabilitation activity requirement days, including consultations with the Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Service.
Malone was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.
“You’re a young man with your whole life ahead of you,” said presiding magistrate Mary Smith during sentencing.
“During your 30-month disqualification, take the time to reconsider the path you’re currently on.”
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
A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted assaulting a woman following an incident in the town earlier this year.
Kieran Vaughan, aged 37, of Caradoc Place, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in connection with an incident on March 8.
While Vaughan denied the more serious charge, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault by beating.
Prosecutor Georgia Donohue told the court: “That’s acceptable to the Crown because the complainant has withdrawn her support.”
Judge Geraint Walters adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report. Vaughan will be sentenced on May 15.
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