Crime

Drunk driver jailed after ‘miracle’ no one was hurt in ‘terrifying incident’

Published

5 months ago

July 15, 2025

A DRINK-DRIVER who was already banned from the roads has been jailed after members of the public bravely intervened to prevent what a judge called a potential “tragedy”.

Swansea Crown Court heard that 39-year-old Peter Edgar, of Chestnut Way, Milford Haven, was more than four times the legal alcohol limit when he drove dangerously between Haverfordwest and Newgale on the evening of June 18.

The incident, which began around 8:00pm, was witnessed by a couple travelling along Thomas Parry Way. They noticed a white van being driven erratically and decided to follow it.

Prosecutor Ryan Bowen told the court that Edgar’s driving became increasingly dangerous as he swerved across the road, veered onto grass verges, and crossed into the opposite lane—even on blind bends and hills.

One of the witnesses saw Edgar drinking from a black can as he drove through Simpson Cross.

When Edgar stopped at a narrow bridge to allow two campervans to pass, the witness seized the opportunity to remove the keys from the ignition. Edgar reacted angrily, telling them: “Don’t call the police, I’m done,” before attempting to flee the scene. He was stopped by the same member of the public, who managed to trip him up. As he fell, he dropped a bottle of Captain Morgan rum.

Police arrived shortly afterwards and arrested Edgar, who was noted to be slurring his speech, smelling strongly of alcohol, and unsteady on his feet.

A breath test revealed he had 151 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath—the legal limit is 35.

Further checks confirmed that Edgar was disqualified from driving and had no valid insurance.

He admitted four offences: dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, and drink-driving. The court was told he had 19 previous convictions for 35 offences, including three drink-driving incidents since 2021.

His barrister, James Hartson, said Edgar had taken the van to visit a relative following a bereavement and accepted that custody was inevitable.

Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “This was an awful piece of driving by a man already four times over the drink-drive limit. It is a miracle you didn’t kill someone.”

Describing Edgar’s driving history as “among the worst I have seen,” the judge jailed him for 14 months and banned him from driving for four years and seven months. Edgar must also pass an extended test before being allowed back on the roads.

The judge praised the “public-spirited actions” of the witnesses who removed the keys and stopped Edgar from doing more harm.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

6 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

7 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

7 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.