Crime

Shot blaster fined over £1,600 after drink-drive crash in Milford Haven

Published

2 weeks ago

April 29, 2025

A SHOT blaster was caught driving almost three times over the legal limit after crashing his company van into a skip in Milford Haven.

Police were called to Hamilton Terrace at around 9:00pm on April 12 following reports that a Ford Transit van had collided with a skip. Officers arriving at the scene saw the van veering onto the wrong side of the road without any attempt to correct its course.

“When the vehicle returned to the correct side of the road, it passed the police officers, who then followed it,” said Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

“Once again, they saw it veering into the path of oncoming traffic.”

When the van was stopped, officers found it was being driven by Frank Large, 53. A roadside breath test showed he had 91 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath—the legal limit is 35.

Probation officer Julie Norman told the court that Large, of Farthingale Way, Middlesbrough, had been drinking with work colleagues earlier that evening.

“He believed the pub served food, but it didn’t. He drank four pints of lager and then got into his company vehicle to look for a takeaway, not realising he was over the limit.”

Large, who has worked for the same company for 18 years, is currently employed at an oil refinery in Pembrokeshire and travels across the country for work.

He pleaded guilty to drink-driving and represented himself in court.

“This was a stupid, stupid action, and I can’t apologise enough,” he told magistrates. “I’m working down here at the moment, but I could end up anywhere in the country when this job finishes. The disqualification could easily affect my livelihood.”

Large was banned from driving for 23 months. He was fined £1,640 and ordered to pay a £656 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

Crime

Haverfordwest man cleared of rape and sexual assault charges

Published

3 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been found not guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

RICHARD MURRAY, aged 46, of Hill Street, had faced three charges relating to an incident in Narberth in August 2022.

He was accused of orally raping a woman, sexually assaulting her by touching without consent, and causing her to engage in sexual activity against her will.

Murray denied all the allegations.

After just over an hour of deliberation, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all counts.

Murray was released from the dock and expressed his thanks to the jury as he left the courtroom.

Judge Paul Thomas KC thanked the jury before discharging them.

Crime

Warrant issued for Haverfordwest man who allegedly sent menacing messages

Published

15 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A WARRANT has been issued for a Haverfordwest man who failed to appear at court to be sentenced for sending a series of grossly offensive and menacing messages.

Steven Butler, 39, of Douglas James Way, had previously pleaded guilty to an offence under the Communications Act 2003 after sending a number of messages via a public electronic communications network that were described as obscene, indecent, and threatening.

The offences took place between October 23 and October 29, 2024, and were intended to cause distress or anxiety to the recipient or others who might see or be affected by the content.

Butler had been due to attend Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 13) but failed to turn up. Magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

The court heard the messages were “grossly offensive” and sent deliberately to cause harm. Prosecutor Ann Griffiths presented the case, with Mr Andrew Smith listed as defence.

Crime

Man due in court over alleged New Year’s Day GBH at Narberth pub

Published

15 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN is due back before the courts later this month accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent during an incident at a Narberth pub.

Thomas Cuffe, aged 32, of the Cartref Hotel, High Street, Fishguard, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 13) for a first hearing relating to the alleged assault.

The case concerns a serious incident said to have taken place on New Year’s Day 2023 at The Eagle pub in Narberth. It is alleged that Cuffe unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm to Wil Vallence, with intent to do him serious injury. The charge is brought under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 – one of the most serious assault offences in UK law.

During the brief hearing, no plea was entered. The court was told that Cuffe’s current address is temporary, and the Crown Prosecution Service will seek an updated address from police. As a result, the case was adjourned.

Cuffe, who is represented by defence solicitor Mike Kelleher, is now scheduled to return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, May 27 at 10:00am. The prosecution is being led by Ann Griffiths.

The next hearing is expected to include a plea, and depending on the outcome, the case may be sent to the Crown Court due to its seriousness.