News

Third time in court for drink driving

Published

10 years ago

February 11, 2015

IRISHMAN, Larry McGovern, from Pembroke Dock was in court for driving under the influence and failing to meet bail on Tuesday (Jan 27), to which he pleaded guilty to both cases.

On September 10 at 7.30pm, McGovern had been spotted by the police driving in Argyle Street in Pembroke Dock. When stopped, the police noticed that the man smelt of intoxicants. McGovern claimed that he had had only three or four pints and had had something to eat.

The defence, Jonathan Webb stated that McGovern had admitted that he had been driving under the influence straight away, claiming that he thought he would be fine. Webb commented that he should have known that he would not be fine due to the fact that he has two previous offences for drink driving. This has been the second offence in the last ten years, and the third in the last twelve.

Webb went into McGovern’s financial situation, as a self-employed painter/decorator, who earns £1000 per month, to show that he would be able to pay a fine. He also stated that he has had unpaid work before where he mowed the cemetery. McGovern expressed that he enjoyed the work and felt that he was putting something back into the community.

In terms of breaching the bail, the defence said that McGovern had thought that he was to be in court on February 2. Webb himself said that this was not a reasonable excuse as he had signed forms with the correct date attached to them.

In previous drink driving cases, the Irishman had been offered to go on a drink driving rehab course in order to lower his ban, but he did not attend. The defence asked for another course to be offered, and McGovern can refuse again if he chooses to.

The magistrate sentenced Larry McGovern to a three year driving ban, and at the end of that ban it is up to the offender to ask for his licence back. He was asked if he could pay £440 in fines on the day as he had £1000 with him, but the defence objected. He stated that he could not pay that much at the time as the £1000 was for him to live off for the month. He suggested that McGovern pay £100 per week but the offender asked if he could pay half the fine at the time and the other half a month later.

The magistrate agreed to this but told McGovern that he would find himself in the fine’s court if he did not pay. He was also offered the drink driving rehab course, which would take time off his ban.

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

11 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

14 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.