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
Claire Archibald says Welsh firms are being placed at a disadvantage, with full relief ending at half the rateable value permitted in England
A REFORM UK Senedd Member has called on the Welsh Government to review the level at which small businesses in Wales qualify for full business rates relief.
Claire Archibald, who represents Ceredigion Penfro, wants ministers to consider increasing the threshold for 100 per cent Small Business Rates Relief from a rateable value of £6,000 to a figure closer to the £12,000 threshold operating in England.
Under the Welsh system, eligible premises with a rateable value of up to £6,000 receive full relief and pay no business rates. Relief is then reduced gradually for properties valued between £6,001 and £12,000.
In England, an eligible business occupying a single property with a rateable value of £12,000 or less can receive full relief. Support is tapered for properties valued between £12,001 and £15,000.
Ms Archibald said the difference meant some small Welsh businesses faced bills at an earlier stage in their development than comparable firms across the border.
She raised the issue after meeting businesses and exhibitors at the Royal Welsh Show, where owners discussed the challenges facing rural enterprises.
Ms Archibald said: “The difference between the Small Business Rates Relief thresholds in Wales and England places many Welsh businesses at a clear disadvantage.
“For growing businesses, particularly in rural areas such as Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, losing financial support at a crucial stage of development can have a significant impact on their ability to invest, expand and create new jobs.
“I have spoken to a number of local businesses at the Royal Welsh Show, and these are exactly the kinds of enterprises we should be supporting.
“They are innovative, ambitious and make a valuable contribution to our economy. We need to ensure that our business rates system encourages growth rather than creating additional barriers.”
Business rates policy is devolved, meaning the level and structure of Small Business Rates Relief in Wales are matters for the Welsh Government rather than the UK Government.
Welsh ministers have powers to make regulations governing how non-domestic rates and reliefs operate in Wales. Local authorities calculate bills, collect payments and administer the relief, while the Valuation Office Agency determines the rateable value of individual properties.
Ms Archibald said increasing the threshold could allow small businesses to retain more money for recruitment, equipment, increased production and the development of new products.
She said: “Every pound that remains within a local business is a pound that can be reinvested into our communities.
“Supporting small businesses means supporting local jobs, economic growth and the long-term sustainability of our towns and villages.
“As policymakers look at ways to strengthen local economies and create opportunities across Wales, there is a strong case for reviewing the current threshold.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and deserve a rates system that recognises their value, rewards growth and helps them move from surviving to thriving.”
The Welsh Government has previously highlighted the cost of its business rates relief schemes, saying its permanent reliefs are worth around £250 million annually.
It also introduced a wider £116 million support package following the 2026 revaluation, including transitional protection for businesses facing significant increases in their bills and a lower multiplier for eligible small and medium-sized retail properties.
Increasing the Small Business Rates Relief threshold would therefore involve a financial decision for ministers. Business rates raised in Wales are pooled by the Welsh Government and redistributed to councils to help fund local services, meaning more generous relief would either reduce the amount collected or require the lost income to be replaced from elsewhere in the Welsh budget.
Ms Archibald is now urging ministers to examine whether the Welsh threshold should be brought more closely into line with England.
EXPLAINER: Who controls business rates in Wales?
Are business rates set by Westminster?
Not in Wales. Non-domestic rates, commonly known as business rates, are devolved.
The UK Government controls the business rates system in England, while the Welsh Government is responsible for policy in Wales. Business rates policy has been devolved since 1999, with full financial responsibility transferred to the Welsh Government in April 2015.
Could the Welsh Government increase the threshold?
Yes. Welsh ministers can change the rules governing Small Business Rates Relief in Wales through legislation approved under the Welsh system.
The permanent Welsh relief scheme is currently set out in the Non-Domestic Rating (Small Business Relief) (Wales) Order 2017, as subsequently amended.
What support do Welsh businesses receive now?
Eligible premises with a rateable value:
- of £6,000 or less receive 100 per cent relief;
- between £6,001 and £12,000 receive tapered relief;
- above £12,000 do not normally receive Small Business Rates Relief.
Eligibility is generally limited to two properties per business within each Welsh local authority area, although separate arrangements apply to some post offices and registered childcare premises.
How is England different?
In England, qualifying businesses occupying a single property can receive:
- 100 per cent relief where the rateable value is £12,000 or less;
- tapered relief between £12,001 and £15,000.
The schemes are not identical, so the comparison is not simply that Welsh businesses receive nothing above £6,000. Welsh relief continues above that level, but it begins to reduce much earlier than in England.
Who sends the bill?
Local councils administer business rates, send bills and apply the relevant relief.
The rateable value itself is assessed independently by the Valuation Office Agency, while the multiplier and national Welsh relief policies are determined by the Welsh Government.
What would increasing the threshold cost?
The exact cost would depend on the new threshold, the number of qualifying properties and whether the tapered part of the scheme was also changed.
Because business rates income is used to support council services across Wales, ministers would need to accept a reduction in revenue, find savings elsewhere or provide replacement funding.
Growth expectations among Welsh firms have dropped to their lowest level for 15 months, with only six per cent planning to recruit this summer
ALMOST nine in ten people in Wales believe the Government should do more to support small businesses, according to new research published as confidence among Welsh firms continues to weaken.
The survey found that 87% of Welsh adults wanted stronger government backing for small businesses, up from 84% when the same question was asked two years ago.
Separate tracking by Novuna Business Finance suggests the proportion of Welsh small businesses expecting to grow has fallen from 28% in the spring to 20% during the summer quarter.
That is the lowest level recorded in Wales for 15 months and compares with 32% at the same point last year.
The figures also indicate that many business owners are concentrating on protecting their existing operations rather than expanding.
Around 34% said managing fixed costs was their main priority for securing future growth, while only 5% were preparing to enter new markets and just 6% planned to recruit additional staff.
Rates, energy and tax pressures
Reducing the costs faced by small firms emerged as the strongest theme among Welsh respondents.
Almost a third, 32%, called for lower business rates, although responsibility for the business rates system in Wales lies with the Welsh Government rather than Westminster.
A further 22% wanted corporation tax reduced for smaller companies, while 20% called for a reduction in National Insurance.
Employers have faced increased National Insurance costs, which Novuna said had previously been identified by almost half of small-business owners as a threat to their finances and growth plans.
Energy bills were another major concern. Some 23% of Welsh respondents supported the introduction of a cap on energy costs for small businesses, similar to protections available to domestic consumers.
The condition of town centres and shopping areas also featured prominently, with 27% calling for major government investment to regenerate high streets.
Brexit and overseas trade
Businesses’ ability to trade internationally was another area where respondents wanted changes.
Around 26% said the UK Government should reduce the paperwork and administrative barriers faced by small businesses trading overseas.
A further 23% wanted the UK to reverse Brexit and rejoin the European Union.
Looking towards longer-term workforce development, 15% called for greater investment in apprenticeships and a wider rollout of apprenticeship schemes.
Another 16% wanted additional training and development programmes for small-business owners and their employees.
Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance, said small firms remained central to local communities and the wider economy.
She said: “People deal with small businesses most days, a strong small-business sector helps communities work well, and many consumers themselves either run or work for a small business.
“Our Business Barometer data reveals a low point for small-business growth forecasts this month, but, set against these challenges, 62% of Welsh small businesses are still committed to exploring new ways to secure future growth.”
She added that reducing costs and taxation could give businesses greater confidence to invest in equipment, improve productivity and create jobs.
The small-business research was conducted online by YouGov for Novuna Business Finance among 1,000 UK small businesses between July 5 and July 8, 2026.
The consumer polling was carried out on July 17 among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 members of the public. The number of Welsh respondents included in the consumer survey was not stated in the news release.
A SMALL Pembrokeshire brewing company has been formally wound up after its owners concluded the business could no longer continue.
Black Tar Brewing Co Ltd, which was registered in Llangwm, entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation following a meeting of company members on February 27, 2026.
The meeting was held at the Swansea offices of Stones & Co Insolvency Practitioners, where Gareth Stones was appointed to oversee the closure.
The company’s registered address was at Gail Rise in Llangwm, near Haverfordwest, and official records listed its activities as beer manufacturing.
No public details have yet been released about the size of the business, the value of its assets or the amount owed to creditors.
As liquidator, Mr Stones will now take control of the company’s affairs, identify any remaining assets and determine whether funds are available for those owed money.
Creditors are expected to receive further information as the process develops.
The liquidation was initiated by the company rather than through a court order, meaning its members voted to bring trading to an end and place its finances in the hands of an insolvency practitioner.
A public notice connected to the closure directs creditors and other interested parties to Stones & Co for further information.
The winding-up brings an end to the Llangwm-registered brewery, although the company’s recent level of trading and the number of people connected to the business remain unclear.
Crime19 hours ago
Murder investigation launched into death of Pembrokeshire man in 1991
A 67-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after new potential evidence emerged in connection with a death...
Community23 hours ago
‘Paying £29 to reach a cashpoint is absurd’: Narberth’s urgent ATM appeal
Residents, businesses and visitors are being urged to provide evidence after two High Street cash machines were removed, leaving the...
Crime2 days ago
Haverfordwest man jailed for seven years for historic rape and sexual assault of girl
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been jailed for seven years after being convicted of raping and indecently assaulting a girl during...
News2 days ago
Burnham more willing to listen on Welsh devolution, says First Minister
Rhun ap Iorwerth says he will press the new Prime Minister for powers over policing, railways and Wales’ natural resources...
Crime2 days ago
Women jailed after man chased through Milford home and attacked with knives
Kelly Rees receives further 27-month sentence while already serving prison term for notorious taxi robbery TWO women have been jailed...
Crime2 days ago
Mother headbutted and clawed police officers after threatening social worker
Court shown body-worn footage of violent confrontation at Goodwick property A COURT has been shown police body-worn footage capturing the...
Crime3 days ago
Man, 37, found dead following major police response in Pembroke Dock
Death not being treated as suspicious as police make statutory referral to IOPC following active investigation A 37-YEAR-OLD man has...
Community3 days ago
Household Cavalry drum horse returns home to Pembrokeshire for final farewell
Dyfed Willa Rose, who became Major Juno and the first mare to serve as a Household Cavalry Drum Horse, was...
News4 days ago
Jo Stevens out as Welsh Secretary as Burnham reshapes government
Cardiff East MP repeatedly visited Pembrokeshire to champion clean energy jobs, but her successor inherits unresolved questions over Milford Haven’s...
Crime4 days ago
Teen cleared of attempted murder but guilty of GBH after Milford teacher stabbed
Jury returns 11-1 majority verdict on charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, with sentencing set for September 3...
-
Crime2 days ago
Women jailed after man chased through Milford home and attacked with knives
-
News2 days ago
Burnham more willing to listen on Welsh devolution, says First Minister
-
Crime2 days ago
Haverfordwest man jailed for seven years for historic rape and sexual assault of girl
-
Community2 days ago£447,000 investment to train next generation of planners in Wales
-
News2 days agoWelsh passengers could pay more as England gets £2 bus fare cap
-
Community2 days agoCharter boat crew rescues three children swept a mile offshore at Pendine
-
Community2 days agoMum to mark late son’s 40th birthday with 15,000ft charity skydive
-
Community2 days agoGoodwick Sea Scouts spruce up headquarters ahead of Wales in Bloom judging
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.