Crime
Army medic caught drink driving at McDonald’s car park in Haverfordwest
Soldier nearly three times over limit avoids community order due to military career
A PEMBROKESHIRE army medic has admitted driving through a McDonald’s car park while nearly three times over the legal drink-drive limit.
Police were called to McDonald’s in Haverfordwest shortly before 1:00am on February 28 after a staff member reported concerns that a motorist entering the drive-through may have been under the influence of alcohol.
Officers found off-duty corporal combat medical technician Jessica Charles-Davies, 27, sitting behind the wheel of a Suzuki.
“She confirmed the vehicle was hers and said she had consumed alcohol, a pint of cider, around two hours earlier,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
However, a roadside breath test revealed 118 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than three times the legal limit of 35. Further tests at the police station recorded a lower reading of 92 microgrammes.
Charles-Davies, of Guillemot Avenue, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to drink driving. She was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd.
The court heard that after completing her AS levels at 17, she joined the military and now serves as a corporal combat medical technician.
“She’s worked all over the world, including deployments in East Africa, Europe, Mozambique and Kenya,” said Mr Lloyd. “Her work is her life.”
In a letter read to the court, the defendant expressed remorse for her actions.
“I’m deeply sorry and would do anything to take it back,” she wrote.
“I’m aware of the impact drink driving has on others, and I accept full responsibility. This has scared me to the core, and I don’t recognise the person I see in the mirror.
“I’m filled with remorse and shame, and this experience will stay with me forever.”
Due to the high reading, magistrates were advised that a community order would normally be imposed, including unpaid work and rehabilitation activity requirements. However, the court was urged to take her military career into account.
“This woman has an exemplary background and is highly regarded by colleagues and friends,” said Mr Lloyd.
“That night she made a serious mistake which she deeply regrets. The consequences are already life-changing.
“She faces demotion and relocation, likely far from her family and partner. The court must consider whether this is a case where sympathy is warranted, and we say it is.”
After a short adjournment, magistrates agreed to depart from sentencing guidelines.
“In the interests of justice, we are prepared to deviate from the guidelines,” said the presiding magistrate, citing the defendant’s previous good character and the mitigation presented.
Charles-Davies was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a £400 surcharge and £85 costs. She was disqualified from driving for 23 months.
Crime
Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling
MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.
The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.
The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”
She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.
The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.
Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.
Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.
Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.
Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.
“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”
The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.
Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).
Crime
Llangadog man fined after breaching restraining order twice
Court hears defendant contacted protected person despite ban
A LLANGADOG man has been fined £1,375 after twice breaching a restraining order by contacting a protected person he had been banned from approaching.
Adam Thomas Davies, 34, of Llangadog, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jun 15) for proceedings linked to an existing community order.
The court heard Davies had breached a restraining order on two separate occasions in June last year by contacting a person he had been prohibited from approaching under an order imposed by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court in November 2019.
Magistrates were told the original community order, imposed in August 2025, had become unworkable due to long-term physical health issues alongside Davies’ employment.
The court revoked the existing order and resentenced him for the original offences.
Davies was made subject to a new community order running until June 14, 2027. He must comply with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and attend appointments or activities as directed by probation services, for up to 15 days.
As a punitive element of the order, magistrates imposed a fine of £1,375.
The court heard the breaches related to unlawful contact made in Carmarthenshire despite the restrictions remaining in force.
Davies was ordered to pay the fine at a rate of £120 per month, starting from July 13.
Crime
Road safety grant fund launched for community projects
COMMUNITY groups, charities and local organisations across the Dyfed-Powys area are being invited to apply for funding for projects aimed at improving road safety.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has launched a new Road Safety Community Grant Fund to support local initiatives designed to reduce risks on the roads, raise awareness and encourage safer behaviour among drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
The fund will support preventative projects led by communities, including education and awareness programmes, behaviour-change campaigns, road safety events, training and skills development, and evidence-led pilot schemes.
Applications will be assessed on their potential to improve road safety, provide value for money and deliver clear community benefits.
Mr Llywelyn said: “Keeping our communities safe on our roads is a fundamental part of our wider mission to protect the public and reduce harm.
“By investing in community-led initiatives, we are empowering local organisations to deliver practical, innovative solutions that improve road safety, change behaviours, and ultimately save lives.”
The fund forms part of the commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, which includes commitments to preventing harm, supporting safer communities and working in partnership on issues affecting local people.
Further details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, are available on the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.
The fund closes at 10:00pm on Sunday, July 19.
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