Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Crime

Banned for 30 months for taking Ketamine before driving in Pembrokeshire

Published

on

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.”

Crime

Haverfordwest woman jailed for assault occasioning actual bodily harm

Published

on

A HAVERFORDWEST woman has been jailed for assaulting another woman, with magistrates ruling that only a custodial sentence was justified.

Sarah Moane, 34, of Three Meadows, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Mar 13), where she was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court heard that on December 27, 2024, Moane assaulted Kayleigh Summers, causing her injuries. She was found guilty of the offence on March 13, 2025.

Moane was already serving a 10-week custodial sentence, imposed by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on August 6, 2024. The latest sentence is to run consecutively, with the court citing the seriousness of the offence and the fact that it was committed while Moane was subject to a suspended sentence. The offence was further aggravated by intoxication and domestic violence.

She was also ordered to pay £650 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Restraining order imposed

A restraining order was issued against Moane, preventing her from:

  • Contacting Kayleigh Summers by any means, directly or indirectly.
  • Entering any premises occupied by Summers as her usual place of residence.
  • Posting or causing to be posted any references to Summers on social media or any other electronic platform.

The order remains in place until March 12, 2026.

The court noted that no compensation was awarded due to the provoked nature of the attack.

Presiding over the case were Magistrates Ms V Knapp, Miss L Gunter, and Mr N Samuel, with Ann Griffiths prosecuting.

Continue Reading

Crime

Man accused of multiple assaults remanded in custody

Published

on

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been remanded in custody after appearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 10) facing multiple charges, including assault, intentional strangulation, and controlling or coercive behaviour.

Kieran Vaughan, 37, of Caradoc Place, is accused of assaulting a woman, causing actual bodily harm, on March 8 in Haverfordwest. He also faces charges of intentional strangulation under the Serious Crime Act 2015, alleged to have taken place on February 8 and February 22. Additionally, Vaughan is charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 1, 2023, and March 9, 2025, allegedly restricting the victim’s social life, controlling money and property, and making threats.

A further charge relates to Vaughan allegedly sending a communication on March 8 that conveyed a threat of death, contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023.

Vaughan appeared before magistrates Mrs C Kendrick, Mrs A Taylor-Jones, and Mr D Ellis. Represented by Alaw Harries for the defence, with Sian Vaughan prosecuting, he did not enter pleas.

Magistrates determined that the case was too serious to be dealt with at their level and sent Vaughan to Swansea Crown Court for trial. He was remanded in custody due to concerns he may commit further offences or interfere with witnesses.

The case will be heard at Swansea Crown Court on April 11 at 9:00am for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The custody time limit expires on September 8, 2025.

Continue Reading

Crime

Pembrokeshire Youth Justice Team praised for ‘genuine care’

Published

on

THE PEMBROKESHIRE YOUTH JUSTICE TEAM has been rated ‘Good’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Inspectors highlighted the team’s commitment to supporting young people, despite ongoing challenges. The service was praised for its child-first and trauma-informed approach, with staff demonstrating ‘genuine care’ in achieving positive outcomes.

Challenges and successes

Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, acknowledged the pressures faced by the team. He said: “Pembrokeshire YJT has experienced a challenging period of transition, which has placed increasing demands on practitioners and managers. Services are maintained by staff routinely going above and beyond to meet the needs of children, parents, carers, and victims.

“Despite these challenges, this is a forward-thinking and reflective service where staff show genuine care in achieving positive outcomes.”

Inspectors found strong engagement with children and their families, with plans co-produced to ensure meaningful involvement. Regular reviews and effective information sharing were also highlighted as key strengths.

However, concerns were raised over delays in out-of-court disposals, linked to the absence of a joint working protocol with Dyfed-Powys Police. Inconsistencies in the use of diversionary outcomes and deferred prosecutions were also noted. Inspectors recommended that a senior police representative be appointed to the YJT management board to help address these issues.

Recommendations for improvement

The inspection report sets out eight recommendations:

  • Four for the Pembrokeshire YJT, including ensuring managers have the capacity to provide consistent oversight of out-of-court work.
  • Two for the management board.
  • Two for Dyfed-Powys Police.

Mr Jones added: “Moving forward, the management board has a critical role in ensuring the YJT is sufficiently resourced so they can build on their existing strengths and make important improvements in service delivery.”

What happens next?

The Pembrokeshire YJT works with children aged 10 to 17, many of whom have complex needs or are in the care of the local authority. The full report will be published on the HM Inspectorate of Probation website on March 11, 2025, at 00:01.

Continue Reading

Community13 hours ago

Much-loved radio DJ and entertainer Matt Baker passes away

TRIBUTES have poured in following the sudden passing of Matt Baker, a well-loved radio DJ, entertainer, and former pub landlord,...

Business15 hours ago

Pembrokeshire households could benefit from new energy infrastructure

HOUSEHOLDS in Pembrokeshire and other areas near new or upgraded electricity pylons are set to receive bill discounts of up...

News17 hours ago

​Pembrokeshire MS calls for reversal of ‘family farm’ and ‘jobs’ taxes

THE UK’S economy experienced an unexpected contraction of 0.1% in January 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS),...

Sport2 days ago

England thrash Wales with 10-try rout but miss out on Six Nations title

Wales 14-68 England Youngster Henry Pollock shines with two debut tries in Cardiff drubbing ENGLAND delivered their most dominant performance...

Sport2 days ago

Wales v England: A battle for pride and the title

TODAY the Six Nations reaches its climax – it’s Super Saturday, Wales and England prepare for a clash in Cardiff...

Crime3 days ago

Child sexual crime in Pembrokeshire: Perception vs. reality

IN RECENT years, concerns have grown among Pembrokeshire residents regarding the perceived high number of child sexual offences in the...

News3 days ago

Software engineer collided with bus near Cleddau Bridge deliberately

A TRAGIC collision near the Cleddau Bridge claimed the life of a Pembrokeshire software engineer, an inquest has heard. Matthew...

News3 days ago

Local Authority is ‘hoarding cash’ as Council Tax rises by 9.35%, says MS

DEMANDS FOR REFORM AS COUNCIL’S £83 MILLION RESERVES REVEALED PEMBROKESHIRE residents are bracing for a 9.35% council tax rise, despite...

Crime5 days ago

Calls for urgent reform as violence among teens rises in Wales

VIOLENCE AMONG TEENS LEADING TO CALLS FOR WELSH GOVERNMENT TO ACT WALES is experiencing an alarming surge in violent crime...

Community5 days ago

Caldey Island mourns loss of beloved long-time resident

CALDEY ISLAND is in mourning following the passing of its oldest resident, Rita Cunningham, at the age of 95. A...

Popular This Week