Crime

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

Published

11 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

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

1 day ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.