Crime
Pembrokeshire man with ‘horrific’ criminal record banned from driving
A PEMBROKESHIRE man with a criminal record described as ‘horrific’ by his solicitor has reappeared before magistrates after refusing to provide a specimen for analysis.
Andrew Johnson, 49, was arrested by police officers on February 16 following a 16-year break from crime.
“How on earth he’s kept out of trouble since 2009 is unbelievable,” his solicitor, David Griffiths, told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “His criminal record is horrific, and between 1995 and 2009, it really beggars belief.”
Mr Griffiths failed to outline details of Johnson’s previous convictions.
The most recent offence took place after officers visited his home address at Picton Terrace, Carew, to question him about a suspected drink-driving offence. Johnson informed officers that he hadn’t driven since the previous day; however, CCTV footage showed him getting into his vehicle at the time of the alleged offence. He provided officers with a breath sample which gave a reading of 91 mcg. However, when he arrived at the police custody suite for further tests, he refused to cooperate.
This week, Johnson pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis.
“He comes before you now as someone of clean character, and since 2009 he’s taken matters into his own hands to rehabilitate himself properly,” added David Griffiths. “This is going to be a glitch that he’s got to get over and get his life back on course.”
Meanwhile, probation officer Julie Norman informed magistrates that Johnson is currently attempting to address his alcohol consumption.
“He went through a very stable period when he was married with two children, but the relationship broke down in 2023,” she said. “Since then, he’s resorted back to alcohol misuse.”
Ms Norman added that following his latest offence, Johnson has undertaken an alcohol detoxification treatment at Withybush Hospital.
After considering the facts, magistrates disqualified Johnson from driving for 18 months.
He was also sentenced to a 12-month community order, during which he
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
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