News
Three of seven boy racers jailed following A40 smash
Three of seven boy racers who swarmed up Arnold’s Hill on the A40 at up to 100mph have been jailed this morning (Dec 22).
The other four received suspended sentences and all were banned from driving.
Judge Paul Thomas told them at Swansea crown court their racing had been childish, immature, astonishingly bad and dangerous.
The seven had been in a convoy of up to 40 cars that had met at a Murco garage in Haverfordwest on August 11, 2013, to drive to Swansea.
Stephen Murray, 23, of 50 Lawrenny Street, Neyland and Ieuan Power, 18, of 17 Harbour Close, Milford, began showing off almost immediately by racing round and round a roundabout, said Robin Rouch prosecuting.
As the convoy reached Arnold’s Hill, where the east bound carriageway opened to two lanes, several cars began racing and using the third, oncoming lane, as an additional overtaking lane, effectively turning that stretch of the A40 into a one way street.
Power became blocked in and undertook a car before swerving back into the regular overtaking lane. As the vehicles slowed at the top of the hill Scott Beavis, 21, of 23 Skomer Drive, Milford Haven could not control his braking and swerved into the oncoming lane at 80mph, hitting head on a Seat Ibiza being driven by Andrea Gainfort.
She suffered a punctured lung and was in hospital for 13 days. Her daughter Zoe and her mother Maureen Howells were also injured.
Beavis himself had to be airlifted to Morriston hospital, Swansea.
Today, Beavis was jailed for six months and banned from driving for two years.
Ian Lloyd, 22, of 66 College Park, Neyland, received the same sentence. Judge Thomas said he had set the pace going upArnold’s Hill and others had followed his example.
Jack Murdoch, 18, of 31 Main Road, Waterson, was jailed for 16 weeks and banned from driving for 12 months. He had told a jury “bare faced lies,” said Judge Thomas.
Edward Adams, 19, of Green Cottage, Thornton Road, Steynton, was jailed for 16 weeks, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work for the community
James Adams, 23, also of Green Cottage, Stephen Murray, 23, of 50 Lawrenny Street, Neyland and Ieuan Power, 18, of 17 Harbour Close, Milford, were jailed for 12 weeks, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to do 150 hours of work.
All seven will have to take extended driving tests before getting their licences back and to pay government surcharges.
Judge Thomas said they had driven “like idiots” on what would have been a busy summer Sunday afternoon in Pembrokeshire.
Beavis had caused the accident but it could have been anyone one them as they had all “driven like lunatics, competing to see who could drive the fastest.”
“Cars are not toys for little boys. It is a culture amongst young men of your age in Pembrokeshire to show off, to pose at ridiculous speeds, buzzing and swarming like bees,” added Judge Thomas.
The judge said he noted that even before August 11 Beavis had received five written warnings from police about his driving. James and Edward Adams had each received two notices and Edwards Adams had once been banned for driving at 107mph in a 60mph area. Lloyd, Power and Murdoch had each received one warning.
Lloyd and Murdoch had denied dangerous driving but had been convicted by a jury after a trial. The other five defendants had entered pleas of guilty.
Judge Thomas again raised concern about the evidence given by two witnesses on behalf of Lloyd and Murdoch.
Mr Rouch said, “It will not be overlooked. It is not going to go away as far as they are concerned.”
Racing before the smash: Scott Beavis
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has this week launched a public consultation on new school food regulations aimed at improving children’s health and well-being by ensuring all pupils have access to nutritious meals.
The proposed changes focus on increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in primary school meals and reducing the availability of sugary desserts and fried foods. The plans align with UK dietary guidelines and are part of a broader strategy to promote healthy eating habits from an early age.
Evidence shows that many children in Wales consume too much sugar and not enough fruit, vegetables, or wholegrains. This imbalance contributes to childhood obesity, with one in four children starting school already overweight or obese.
These new proposals support the Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales strategy and follow the completion of the rollout of universal free school meals for all primary pupils. They mark the next phase in the Government’s commitment to making the healthy choice the easy choice.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: “Good nutrition is vital for helping young people perform at their best – whether in the classroom, on the pitch, or chasing their dreams. Our evidence-based updates to school food rules will give children the best start in life, support Welsh food producers, and nurture a generation of healthy eaters to safeguard the future of our NHS.
“Schools and catering teams across Wales are already working hard to provide nutritious meals. I want to build on that progress and hear directly from parents, teachers, suppliers and young people. By working together, we can shape food standards that benefit every child in Wales – both now and in the future.”
Rachel Bath, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Wales, added: “Public Health Wales welcomes these proposals for primary schools. Evidence shows that robust food standards in schools can have a lasting positive impact on children’s health and well-being. Strengthening these regulations is a vital step toward building lifelong healthy eating habits.
“These changes not only benefit children’s health but also support a more sustainable food system and local economy. Through collaboration and oversight, school food can become a powerful tool for improving public health in Wales.”
Charity urges early diagnosis in Wales during Dementia Action Week
ALMOST half of adults in Wales are unaware that problems with vision can be a common symptom of dementia, according to new research released by Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.
The figures come as Dementia Action Week (May 19–24) begins, with the charity aiming to raise awareness of the condition and encourage earlier diagnosis. An estimated 50,000 people are currently living with dementia in Wales — but nearly half of them do not have a formal diagnosis.
The new data reveals that 50 per cent of Welsh adults did not recognise changes in vision as a symptom of dementia. One in ten people surveyed could not identify a single common symptom.
Vision-related symptoms can include difficulty judging distances, trouble recognising objects, and misinterpreting patterns or reflections. Larger print may also become harder to read.
Other commonly overlooked signs include changes in mood or communication difficulties. Across the UK, only 61 per cent of adults recognised problems with communication as a symptom, and 64 per cent identified mood changes.
Rachel Nelson, Country Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said: “At Alzheimer’s Society, we see too many people delaying seeking a diagnosis because they’re scared or unsure what it will mean.
“A diagnosis is not the end. It’s the beginning of getting the right support, making informed choices and living well.
“That’s why this Dementia Action Week, we’re encouraging everyone to learn more about the symptoms of dementia and to seek help if they notice changes in themselves or someone close to them.”
Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is promoting a free online symptom checklist to help people better understand the warning signs and take action.
Corinne Mills, Interim CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, added: “More than a third of people with dementia don’t have a diagnosis, meaning they’re missing out on the vital care, support, and treatment they need.
“Our research shows that 97 per cent of people affected by dementia saw a benefit in getting a diagnosis.”
The six most common symptoms of dementia include:
- Memory loss – especially of recent events
- Difficulty organising thoughts – trouble making decisions or solving problems
- Problems with communication – struggling to find the right words or follow conversations
- Problems with vision – difficulty judging distances or seeing edges of objects
- Confusion about time or place – losing track of the day or forgetting where they are
- Changes in mood or personality – becoming unusually anxious, irritable, or withdrawn
The charity emphasises that dementia is not a normal part of ageing, and early diagnosis allows access to treatments, care options, and the ability to plan ahead — including appointing a power of attorney and managing finances.
To check symptoms or get support, visit alzheimers.org.uk/checklist or call the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456. Welsh language support is available on 03300 947 400.
Photo caption: Supporting early diagnosis: Alzheimer’s Society Cymru urges people to check symptoms and seek help during Dementia Action Week (Pic: Alzheimer’s Society).
WEST WALES prison reform advocate Zack Griffiths has had all malicious communications charges against him dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service—but still faces one remaining charge linked to a video posted on social media.
Griffiths, who has become a prominent critic of conditions at HMP Parc in Bridgend, was arrested in April this year while attending Cardiff Crown Court. He was subsequently recalled to prison, where he remains in custody.
The dropped charges were originally brought under the Online Safety Act and related to alleged online harassment. However, the CPS has now confirmed it will offer no evidence on these counts. Supporters have claimed the charges were part of a campaign to silence Griffiths’ outspoken activism.
The remaining charge concerns a video filmed inside a prison, which appeared in a Facebook group run by Griffiths. While it is not alleged that Griffiths himself posted the footage, prosecutors claim he is liable as the group administrator for failing to remove the content.
His legal team, however, argue that the video was uploaded using the platform’s anonymous posting feature, and that Griffiths had no knowledge of its publication. They are expected to apply to have the charge struck out at a hearing on Friday (May 24).
Griffiths is a former inmate who served time for drug-related offences. Since his release, he has dedicated himself to campaigning on behalf of prisoners and their families, often using social media to highlight alleged corruption, drug abuse, and violence inside UK prisons—particularly HMP Parc.
In November 2024, he was jailed for 12 months for posting a video of a Parc prison officer restraining an inmate. He also falsely accused a staff member of involvement in drug dealing, leading to a restraining order. Griffiths represented himself during that trial and argued he was acting in the public interest.
The case against him continues against the backdrop of intensifying scrutiny at HMP Parc, where six prison officers have been arrested in recent months on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and where several deaths in custody are under investigation.
Griffiths’ supporters have branded the ongoing legal proceedings a “witch hunt” and are calling for a public inquiry into G4S-run Parc Prison.
Bluebirds beat Caernarfon Town 3–1 to book place in UEFA Europa Conference League
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC will once again fly the flag for Pembrokeshire in Europe after a thrilling 3–1 win over Caernarfon...
Paddle-out protest sees 200 take to the water in Broad Haven
National day of action calls out sewage pollution across the UK BROAD HAVEN was the scene of a dramatic demonstration...
Hundreds turn out for Battle of Goodwick Moor reenactment
Community celebrates Pembrokeshire’s medieval heritage with spectacular living history event GOODWICK Moor was transformed into a living battlefield on Saturday...
Hundreds gather in Narberth for colourful Eisteddfod parade and proclamation ceremony
Sun shines on town as Gorsedd of Bards declares 2026 Eisteddfod plans CROWDS lined the streets of Narberth on Saturday...
Police search Bramble Hall Farm in major operation
Landowner says man fled across fields as woman arrested A LARGE police presence was reported at Bramble Hall Farm in...
Man arrested after three-car crash on A40 near Haverfordwest
A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving following a three-vehicle collision on the A40 near Haverfordwest....
Paddleboarders rescued off Pembrokeshire coast after being blown out to sea
Little and Broad Haven lifeboat crew locate duo near Druidston after emergency 999 call TWO young paddleboarders were rescued off...
Skilled labour crisis hits Pembrokeshire’s fishing fleet, warns new national report
Not one Welsh skipper rated crew availability as ‘good’ in Seafish 2024 survey PEMBROKESHIRE’S fishing industry is facing a critical...
Council’s Deputy Leader doubles down in Welsh language row
THE DEPUTY LEADER of Pembrokeshire County Council has defended the Cabinet from claims it is “anti-Welsh”.Cllr Paul Miller’s remark came...
Withyhedge landfill operator seeks to increase waste limit by 50,000 tonnes
Campaigners call for permit reduction instead, warning trust has been “shredded” THE COMPANY behind Pembrokeshire’s controversial Withyhedge landfill site has...
-
Crime7 days agoStalker built secret den to spy on ex-partner
-
Crime7 days agoHope for John Cooper as DNA clears man jailed in 1987
-
Business2 days agoNew Barti BBQ sauce launches at Angle’s iconic Old Point House
-
Crime7 days agoCourt action after log cabin and shepherd’s hut built without permission
-
Business5 days ago
Skilled labour crisis hits Pembrokeshire’s fishing fleet, warns new national report
-
Health6 days agoCouncillor urges men to get tested following stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis
-
Crime5 days agoMan due in court over alleged New Year’s Day GBH at Narberth pub
-
Sport7 days agoNational Road Championships return to West Wales this summer
Adam Jenkins
December 22, 2014 at 3:02 pm
The photograph at the bottom of your page of Scott is at pembrey race circuit! Not before the accident at all
Tom K
December 22, 2014 at 3:11 pm
About time the boy racers of Haverfordwest got punished. Maybe now the others will learn not be such idiots, but I won’t hold my breath.
They all got what they deserve.
admin
December 22, 2014 at 3:30 pm
Judging by the state of the car, I doubt it was after the crash
Anon
December 22, 2014 at 4:26 pm
Dangerous driving has been an issue for many years and does not appear to be something that is going away very quickly.
Something has got to change in the way we prevent and deal with these cases, or we risk losing more loved ones in a particularly gruesome and painful way.
I have personally lost 2 of my friends in 2 separate car crashes and my wife has also lost one of her friends in another separate incident. All 3 were teenagers at the time.
As painful as it was for us at the time, It was even worse watching our friends’ families come to terms with their loss. This has left a lasting impression in our memories.
Now I’m no angel myself, I’ve been guilty of enjoying the risk of speeding around the country roads of Pembrokeshire when I was a teenager/in my early 20s.
I don’t think its an age thing, as I often see grown men driving extremely dangerously on their morning commute, but it does seem to mostly be males that are to blame here.
However since I became a father a couple of years ago, I’ve looked at things slightly differently. What if, through no fault of my own, someone crashed into my car and killed one or more of my family?
My wife and/or I could be deprived of seeing our daughter growing up, or our daughter could have to grow up without one or both of her parents. Not to mention the effect on Grandparents, Friends, Aunts, Uncles, and so on.
How could someone possibly put other people and their families at risk for their own self satisfaction and bravado?
One, two, or all three generations of Andrea Gainfort’s family could have been lost in that accident, with their fate decided by an entirely pointless act of selfishness.
I’m not pretending that I have all the answers, there are people far cleverer than me who may have better ideas, but I do believe that dangerous drivers should be made to see the damage they create.
They should also be made to understand the impact it has on their own families, who may have to live with the knowledge that their own child has caused the death of another.
For anybody reading this, I have one request to make before you next get into the driving seat – please, PLEASE THINK:
What if, through driving too fast, me or one of my friends causes the death of my mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister…??
I’ll leave that thought with you.
tomos
December 22, 2014 at 5:20 pm
I think adam was trying to be a pedant but admin corrects him perfectly 🙂
these guys should have had a longer custodial sentences – THAT would keep them off the roads.
ps the “unreliable witnesses” thought themselves SO clever – better pack your bags too, and don’t forget if you’re bending down to pick up the soap – straight backs 😉
Rhys quigley
December 22, 2014 at 5:37 pm
THE PICTURE YOU HAVE USED OF SCOTT IS BEING FALSELY USED You have picked this picture and put a diffrent title to it because this picture is taken on a private track not a public road so this photo has no relevance to the crash. You as a newspaper should be state facts and the truth not miss leading the public with irrelevant imformation and photos
anon
December 22, 2014 at 5:56 pm
Whether the photo is from the racetrack or not, it just shows that he has learnt bugger all from track days, as to how to control his car. it is just a pity it was not one of his own family that he crashed into,
Joe Baldry
December 22, 2014 at 6:40 pm
Beavis and his mates are imbeciles and deserve even harsher sentences. They drove around like idiots, almost causing many other incident…..this accident was just a matter of time.
Longer custodial sentences and much longer driving bans were needed here….for all of them.
So, for the ones who were jailed, have a nice Christmas inside. I just hope you have time to reflect on what you’ve done but somehow I doubt you will. It seems that you’re all still blaming others for YOUR actions. To the rest of you who got off with suspended sentences….stay the hell away from these ‘friends’ of yours, grow the hell up and move on. Next time you will be going to prison and that really will screw up your life, job and aspirations. That said, Beavis had already done that prior to this incident. Idiot.
Anon
December 22, 2014 at 7:03 pm
i rang up the herald earlier and you lot hung up on me because i stated that you titled the photo incorrectly and shoudnt of used this and you saying it was before the crash you lot know nothing because it isnt actually him in the drivers seat of that saxo on the track day shows how much you lot know about this photo and his driving . yes he had an accident but it has nothing to do with him learning or not learning anything on a track day .. And the one who wished it on his parents thats low you cant wish anyone to be hurt in a accident your just sick and i hope you lot read this comment because it states facts and as for the herald your as bad as norris of coronation street with your gossip!!! Get all the facts before writing and using other peoples photos which has nothing to do with him being in an accident!
Rhys quigley
December 22, 2014 at 7:04 pm
ANON you have gone off the subject that I was on because I was just telling everyone that didn’t know the truth that this picture is a misleading picture and has no relevance to this article,what scott done in his spare time and OFF the PUBLIC ROAD is no else’s business apart from his.
How dare you wish it was one of his family this wasn’t planned it was a complete incident
Anon
December 22, 2014 at 7:36 pm
People were nearly killed and all you\’re concerned about is the caption under the bottom photograph? If the photo was indeed taken at a circuit – then it raises the question… if people are able to race their cars on circuits (at their own risk), why do they still insist on racing them on public roads at the risk of innocent people? It might not have been planned, but the collision was entirely his own fault and the fault of the other idiots at the time.
Mike r
December 22, 2014 at 7:55 pm
One things clear is these boys had a lot of friends who are unwilling to see the seriousness of the incident. A slightly different angle, slightly slower reaction time and you\’d be talking fatalities! They should spend their time in prison considering how lucky they are it didn\’t result in anything more serious, and their immature friends arguing how \’people don\’t know anything\’ should use this as an example and sort their driving out! We do know by the way because it\’s been to court and they\’ve been prosecuted for it, don\’t really need any more proof than that.
Arran
December 22, 2014 at 7:55 pm
As regards the photograph the caption is entirely accurate. It is a picture of him racing before the accident. Maybe a couple of months before but still prior to it.
TAM
December 22, 2014 at 11:13 pm
There are some jokers on here now, trying to defend their dullard mates…..there’s no defending them, that\\’s why the best you can pull out of the bag is something to do with a picture caption. Your mates are idiots and deserve longer prison sentences and driving bans, accept that and don\\’t defend their stupidity!
Anon
December 22, 2014 at 11:16 pm
Big lolz arron it wasnt even him driving the car in the photo haha get your facts right taaaaada
Anon
December 23, 2014 at 2:17 am
Have a thought for the victim in seat and then think about their family and what they\’ve been threw, there all a bunch clowns so I don\’t understand how u can stick up 4 all those idiots, what if it was one of your family in that seat???
Anon
December 23, 2014 at 6:08 am
Regardless of what track that pics from. If that was my family he had hit. He’d be I a coffin. Utter pricks should never be allowed to ever go near a car again.
Billy McG.
December 23, 2014 at 9:59 am
You little boys have not yet learned what life is about. I have been in prison myself many years ago for a short stretch for sorting out some mug like this lot in a pub fight.
When you come out of prison you will be a different person. You will realise that all the public bravado of your driving, your boasts on social media, your heavy drinking sessions proving what hard men you are will count for nothing when you come across real hardened criminals in prison who will make you their bitches. You will spend most of your time in the toilets shitting yourselves with nervousness trying to hide from the bad men that will own your asses (literally) once they realise you are just soft punks from a little nothing town in west Wales.
To the others who received suspended sentences, you’ll reign in your activities for sure. You’ll all be shitting yourselves now, getting buses everywhere or scrounging lifts off your other mug, low life mates who think life is all about the speedometer and getting “wrecked” at the weekend. If I was the family of the people who were injured I’d be making sure you paid more than the price of a government surcharge and losing your licence.
Losers.
Willie G
December 23, 2014 at 11:26 am
@ Rhys QuigleyBit more thinking required here. The photos description is 100% accurate. The f***wit is indeed racing and it is before the crash. It just does not say how long before the crash or where. It beggars belief that you are sticking up for this clown when he could easily have killed someone or himself. Would you be so supportive if he put your mother in hospital ????
ian
December 23, 2014 at 6:18 pm
plenty of beavis’s butthead mates here defending the indefensible – I suggest you have a look at facebook where this story is mentioned by news outlets and his mates using their real names – I suggest you have a look, make a note of their names and businesses and avoid them as they don’t sound like ppl decent ppl would want to associate with
Dan
December 24, 2014 at 1:11 pm
I am not trying to stand up for Scott as he and a few others were beyond stupid for what they done I just want to point out that yes the picture of the car was on a race circuit, was before the incident but I think that maybe it could have been worded slightly different as the way it\\\’s worded makes it sound like it was taken on the day of the accident. I have made a complaint to the herald about this but sadly I was confronted by a man who became aggressive over the phone and didn\\\’t let me get my point across, I found this very unproffecional and will be taking the matter further.
IAN
December 24, 2014 at 6:38 pm
I congratulate the Pembrokeshire Herald for standing up to these silly ppl complaining about a picture
Liam Ferris
January 20, 2015 at 12:36 pm
They all should have received life bans and longer sentences. No wonder my car insurance is so damn expensive. It’s because of idiots like these.
Edward Tomp
January 20, 2015 at 12:42 pm
Only six month sentences? Surely they should all have had been jailed and for a whole lot longer than what they got? I almost guarantee that several of these clowns will not have learned their lesson.
Watch this space.
Adam John
January 22, 2015 at 1:30 pm
Scum, the lot of them. Lock them all up and throw away the key. The length of sentences and the ban durations are an absolute joke. These idiots should never be let behind the wheel again.
All their friends and families are all over Facebook trying to defend them. This only shows that they will never hold their hands up, take responsibility and accept what they did wrong.
The sentences are unduly lenient and people need to contact the CPS or Attorney General’s Office to complain.