Crime

Tree surgeon sentenced for failing to provide breath test

Published

2 months ago

May 20, 2026

A COURT has heard how a self-employed tree surgeon deliberately refused to provide a breathalyser test despite giving a positive roadside reading that was over three times the legal drink-drive limit.

Williams Badham, 24, was stopped by officers as he drove a poorly illuminated Ford Transit van through Haverfordwest at around 11pm on April 7.

“Police indicated for the vehicle to stop so that they could give him advice about the rear lights,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“And when they spoke to him, they realised he was under the influence of drink.”

A roadside breath test proved positive, and showed a high reading of 109 mcg, the legal limit being 35.

Badham was subsequently arrested and taken to the police station, however he refused to provide officers with further specimens of breath.

Badham, who is employed as a tree surgeon operating from his home in Rylands Lane, Kilgetty, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen for analysis and chose to represent himself before the magistrates.

“Over the years I’ve struggled with substance and alcohol abuse but this really has been a wake-up,” he told the Bench.

“I’m now focused on changing my ways.”

Badham was sentenced to a 12-month community order during which he must complete a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement, ten additional rehabilitation activity requirement days and a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He was disqualified from driving for 17 months. The defendant must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

12 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Crime

Man charged with attempted murder after A44 collision near Aberystwyth

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged following a single-vehicle collision on the A44 near Capel Bangor, Aberystwyth.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened on Tuesday, June 30.

Owen Rhys-Jones, of Dol-y-Bont, Aberystwyth, has been charged with attempted murder, dangerous driving, and controlling and coercive behaviour.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before court.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and are asking anyone who was in the Capel Bangor area at around 8.50pm on Tuesday, June 30, to come forward.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed a disturbance in or around Capel Bangor, or who may have phone, video or dashcam footage of the incident.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police through the force’s dedicated online portal.

The force said: “We would like to thank the local community for their support while officers have carried out extensive enquiries, and to those who have supported our investigation so far.”

Crime

Man sent to Crown Court over alleged Cardigan cocaine and cannabis supply

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2026

Court Reporter

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to Crown Court to face a series of alleged drug supply offences in Cardigan.

Harrison Casey, of Harebell Way, Brownsover, Rugby, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jul 2).

He faces six charges relating to alleged offences at Bridge Street, Cardigan, between April 7 and April 24, 2023.

The charges include being concerned in the supply of cocaine, a Class A drug, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis, a Class B drug.

Casey is also accused of possessing cannabis with intent to supply, possessing tetrahydrocannabinol with intent to supply, being concerned in an offer to supply THC edibles, and possessing flualpazolam, a Class C drug.

There were no pleas to the charges at this stage.

Magistrates sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Casey was granted unconditional bail and is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on August 3 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.