Crime
Motorist banned after being caught driving with cocaine in his system
Blood tests showed drug levels far above the legal limit, court hears
A PEMBROKESHIRE motorist has been banned from driving after being caught behind the wheel with extremely high levels of cocaine in his system.
Rhun Francis, 53, was stopped by police on August 13 while driving his Ford Puma through Letterston. Subsequent blood tests revealed he had 800 micrograms of benzoylecgonine and 103 micrograms of cocaine per litre of blood. The legal limits are 50 micrograms and 10 micrograms respectively.
Traces of cannabis were also detected in his blood, but these were within the specified legal limit.
“These levels are extremely high and, as a result, cross the community threshold,” District Judge Mark Layton said after Francis pleaded guilty to two counts of drug-driving at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
Francis, of Alclud, Penbanc, Fishguard, was said to have taken steps to address his drug use since the offence.
Probation officer Julie Norman told the court that he had not used drugs since his arrest and had sought support from the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service.
“He has struggled with substance misuse for many years and also has alcohol issues, but he is now motivated and taking positive steps to address these problems,” she said.
Francis was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order, during which he must complete ten rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was also disqualified from driving for 20 months, fined £120, and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.
Crime
Pembroke Dock man denies coercive control allegations
Case sent to Crown Court amid claims of stalking, abduction and dangerous driving
A PEMBROKE DOCK man is to appear before a Crown Court judge charged with repeatedly engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour towards a woman.
Alfie Hegarty, aged 20, of Church Street, Pembroke Dock, is accused of repeatedly or continuously engaging in behaviour said to have controlled the complainant’s social media use, restricted who she could speak to and involved extreme jealousy.
“The allegations go further than that and include abduction, dangerous driving, stalking, coercive controlling behaviour and harassment,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.
Mr Davies asked magistrates to decline jurisdiction because of the seriousness of the case.
“This is not suitable for summary trial, given the effect that it’s had on the victim,” he said.
Hegarty denied the allegation. No representations were made by his solicitor.
Magistrates granted the Crown’s request and the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court, where proceedings are due to begin on March 27.
Hegarty was released on conditional bail. The conditions are that he must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly and must not enter her address in Neyland.
Crime
Milford Haven pensioner admits sexually assaulting two shop workers
76-year-old touched victims and kissed one on the neck, court hears
A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted sexually assaulting two women at a shop by touching their buttocks and kissing one of them on the neck.
“These were sexual touching elements, which made the victims feel extremely uncomfortable,” said Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies when John Mason appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.
The first incident took place at a Milford Haven store on August 3, 2025.
“The victim contacted the police as she’d been working in the store and recognised the defendant when he walked in,” said Mr Davies.
She was standing by the counter when Mason approached from behind, placed his hands on her shoulders and used his right hand to touch her bottom.
“There was definitely a sexual element there,” added the prosecutor.
The second victim told officers she also recognised Mason, who had entered the store on a number of occasions.
“He grabbed her buttock with one hand, which she found unacceptable, and kissed the back of her neck,” said Mr Davies. “This made her feel very uncomfortable and there was again a sexual touching element.”
Mason, aged 76, of Coombs Drive, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault.
Sentencing was adjourned until March 17 to allow the probation service to prepare an all-options report. Mason was released on bail with conditions not to enter the stores where the victims work and not to contact them directly or indirectly.
Crime
Man accused of sexual offences against child appears in court
29-year-old denies six charges as case sent to Swansea Crown Court
A MERLINS BRIDGE man has appeared before magistrates charged with a series of serious sexual offences involving a child.
Adam Frank, aged 29, faces three charges of sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl by penetration, namely that he allegedly penetrated her vagina with his fingers. He also faces three further charges of intentionally touching a child in a sexual manner.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between January 19, 2018 and March 1, 2020.
Frank, of St Margarets Close, Merlins Bridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where his solicitor, Michael Kelleher, indicated not guilty pleas to each charge.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court. Frank was released on unconditional bail and is due to appear before the Crown Court on March 27.
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