Crime
Mechanic banned after drink-drive stop on A487
Father told magistrates it was the “biggest mistake of his life” after failing to find a taxi home from Haverfordwest
A PEMBROKESHIRE mechanic has been banned from the roads after making what his solicitor described as “the biggest mistake of his life”.
Joe Dunning, 36, drove from Haverfordwest to Broad Haven after drinking alcohol in the town centre on Friday, December 20, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard.
The court was told Dunning had been unable to find a taxi and decided to drive home.
As he travelled along St David’s Road on the A487 he was followed by police officers, who stopped the Vauxhall Vivaro after seeing it deviate slightly from its lane.
When spoken to by officers, Dunning admitted having two alcoholic drinks around half an hour before getting behind the wheel. A breath test later carried out at the police station showed 48 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.
Dunning pleaded guilty to drink driving.
“This was the biggest mistake he’s ever made in his life,” his solicitor, Tom Lloyd, told magistrates.
“He was out in town but had information to suggest there was someone around who he didn’t want to see, so he decided to remove himself from the area. He failed to get a taxi so he made the decision to drive back from Haverfordwest to Broad Haven.”
Mr Lloyd said a number of character references had been provided to the court, including one from Dunning’s employer describing him as “an invaluable member of the team”.
“The defendant is a reliable, dependable, and hard-working father, and as a result of this mistake, his actions are going to have repercussions on a lot of people,” he added.
Magistrates disqualified Dunning from driving for 12 months. He was fined £500 and ordered to pay a £200 surcharge and £85 costs.
Crime
Pencoed: Assault victim dies and murder investigation launched
THE POLICE investigation into the serious incident which happened on Felindre Road, Pencoed, in the early hours of Saturday, February 28, is now being treated as murder.
We can confirm the 58-year-old man who was critical in hospital passed away earlier today – his family are being supported by specially trained officers at this time, and our thoughts are with them.
The Major Crime Investigation Team at South Wales Police is now leading the investigation, and the 26-year-old man arrested remains in police custody.
Detectives investigating the incident are appealing to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Felindre Road, Pencoed, between midnight and 5am on Saturday to get in touch.
Motorists are urged to their check dashcams for any footage which may be relevant.
Detectives would like to speak to two potential witnesses – two elderly people who are believed to have walked along Felindre Road between 12.30am and 4am on Saturday.
Detective Inspector Graham Williams, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Sadly, a 58-year-old man has died in hospital following the incident on Saturday morning. Our thoughts are with his family at this time and they are being supported. I would like to reassure the local community that we have somebody in custody and are not looking for anybody else at this time. I thank everyone in the community who has helped our investigation so far, and I urge anyone with information which may be relevant to our investigation – particularly the two potential witnesses – to get in touch.”
If anybody does have information, they should contact 101 quoting reference 2600063517. Alternatively, they can submit information via the Major Incident Public – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/62SWP26C30-PO1
Crime
School lockdown lifted after telephone threat as police continue enquiries
PUPILS and staff at Maesydderwen Comprehensive School in Ystradgynlais were released safely on Monday afternoon (Mar 2) after a lockdown was implemented following a reported telephone threat.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were called to the school earlier in the day and worked with staff to ensure the safety of everyone on site. As a precaution, the school activated its lockdown procedure while enquiries were carried out.
Police said there were no reports of injuries and that all pupils and staff were safe and secure throughout the incident.
Officers remain at the scene while “diligent enquiries” into the threat continue. At this stage, no arrests have been made, and police have confirmed there is no evidence of any ongoing risk to pupils or staff.
Reassurance patrols will take place in the coming days to support pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.
Parents and guardians will continue to receive updates directly through the school messaging app, including confirmation on whether the school will open as normal on Tuesday.
Maesydderwen Comprehensive School is located in Ystradgynlais, Powys, and is served by Dyfed-Powys Police.
Crime
Tenby man due in court charged with rape and sexual assault
A TENBY man is due to appear before the court on Tuesday (Mar 3) charged with rape and sexual assault following an alleged incident last year.
Wayne Allen, aged 57, of St Julians Street, Tenby, is listed for a first hearing at 2:00pm.
He faces one count of rape, contrary to Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, relating to an allegation that on May 20, 2024, he intentionally penetrated a woman without her consent and without a reasonable belief that she was consenting.
Allen is also charged with sexual assault, contrary to Section 3 of the same Act, relating to alleged sexual touching of a woman between May 19 and May 20, 2024.
Rape is an indictable-only offence, meaning the case can only be dealt with at Crown Court, so the case will be sent up.
The Herald will report the outcome after the hearing.
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