Crime

Drug-driver avoids jail after midnight chase through Pembroke Dock

Published

3 weeks ago

November 26, 2025

Suspended sentence spared despite cocaine in system

A PEMBROKESHIRE drug-driver has narrowly avoided jail after being caught behind the wheel with cocaine and the cocaine derivative benzoylecgonine in his system.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that Stefan Sheehan, 33, was observed around midnight on September 23 driving a Vauxhall van through Pembroke Dock town centre. The van carried the logo SS Waste Removal and, according to officers, appeared to be dangerously overloaded.

“It appeared to be overloaded, as the chassis was very close to the road,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told the court. “It also had defective lights.”

POLICE IN PURSUIT

Officers followed the van through Pembroke Dock, intermittently activating blue lights in an effort to stop the vehicle. Sheehan continued along Dimond Street, Water Street and on to King William Street before turning left into a dead-end road.

“He eventually came to a stop,” Ms James said. “The police gave chase to the defendant who ran into a house, and it was there that he was arrested.”

Blood tests later showed cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system. The court was told that the offences were committed while Sheehan, of London Road, Pembroke Dock, was still serving an 18-month suspended custodial sentence imposed in January this year.

SENTENCE

Sheehan pleaded guilty to driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance, driving without due care and attention, failing to stop for police, and driving with cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

He was sentenced to 18 months in custody, suspended for two years, and disqualified from driving for 18 months. He must also pay an £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.

District Judge Mark Layton agreed to suspend the sentence after being told Sheehan had been responding well to supervision under his existing probation order.

Crime

Van driver avoids ban after speeding on A48

Published

2 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A VAN driver who was caught speeding on the A48 near Nantycaws avoided disqualification after magistrates accepted that a ban would cause exceptional hardship to others.

Norman Andrew Chapman, aged 59, of Rock Drive, Gelli, Pentre, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15).

Chapman admitted driving a Ford Transit 350 panel van at 68mph on a dual carriageway subject to a 60mph limit for that class of vehicle. The offence occurred at 1:05pm on April 2 and was detected using laser equipment.

The court heard detailed mitigation outlining Chapman’s caring responsibilities. He helps care for his housebound mother, who is on oxygen, and has taken on additional responsibilities while his brother undergoes cancer treatment. Magistrates were also told he assists a lifelong friend with panic attacks by taking her shopping, and that losing his licence would jeopardise his employment and potentially affect his employer’s business.

Finding exceptional hardship, the court decided not to disqualify Chapman.

He was fined £193, ordered to pay £400 in prosecution costs, and had three penalty points added to his driving licence.

Crime

Harassment case against Milford Haven man dismissed

Published

2 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A HARASSMENT case against a Milford Haven man was dismissed after prosecutors offered no evidence.

David Daley, aged 45, of Murray Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15) for trial.

Daley had denied a charge of harassment without violence, relating to allegations that between October 28 and October 30 he persistently sent unwanted messages and attended at the home address of a female in Prioryville, Milford Haven.

No evidence was offered by the Crown Prosecution Service, and the charge was formally dismissed by the court.

Crime

Carmarthen man given restraining order after public order offence

Published

2 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A CARMARTHEN man has been handed a restraining order after admitting a public order offence involving a woman known to him.

Joe Davies, aged 40, of Rhos Las, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15), where he pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The offence took place in Carmarthen on April 10, when Davies directed his behaviour towards Helena Davies.

The court heard that a victim personal statement was presented and read aloud by the prosecution.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge, taking Davies’ guilty plea into account. He was also ordered to pay £350 in prosecution costs.

A restraining order was imposed, banning Davies from contacting Helena Davies directly or indirectly, entering her home, or referring to her on any electronic device or online platform. The order will remain in force until December 15, 2026.