News

Tenby: Judges allows woman to keep driving licence after clipping ex-partner

Published

11 years ago

May 30, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Swansea Crown Court

A TENBY woman who admitted dangerous driving after “clipping” her ex-partner with her car has escaped a driving ban.

Amy Louise Fairclough, aged 29, of The Clicketts, was said to have been in a panic to get away from Martin Collins and accidentally hit him as she drove off.

Fairclough appeared at Swansea crown court on Friday to be sentenced.

John Hipkin, prosecuting, said Fairclough and Mr Collins had been in a relationship together and had a three year old child.

By August, 2014, he had formed a new relationship.

The couple ended up in Fairclough’s Renault Megane parked close to the Carew roundabout on the A477.

Mr Hipkin said there was an argument and then a scuffle and Mr Collins got out of the vehicle.

As Fairclough drove off “her vehicle came into contact with him but it was not deliberate.”

James Jenkins, the barrister representing Fairclough, said Mr Collins’ behaviour in the car “had been disgraceful” to the point that two witnesses in a passing car thought that he was the offender and she was the victim.

“He’s never paid a penny towards their child,” he added.

Mr Jenkins said in his opinion the offending was so unusual it was not necessary to pass a driving ban, partly because she was a full time student hoping to become a midwife.

Judge Peter Heywood said the “special circumstances” that would allow him not to ban Fairclough had to relate to her driving and not to her personal circumstances.

However, he added, “Martin Collins had been causing you grief. I accept that his behaviour in the car was such that you wanted him out of the vehicle.

“You got him out but you lost your composure and self control.”

Judge Heywood said Pembrokeshire would benefit from having another competent midwife and it was sad to see a “perfectly respectable and hard working young lady” in the dock at Swansea crown court.

Fairclough was made the subject of a 12 month community order and placed under supervision for 12 months. Four points were added to her licence.

“I am sure we will never see you in this court again,” added Judge Heywood.

Crime

Haverfordwest man denies historic rape charges involving underage girl

Published

23 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Trial listed at Cardiff Crown Court for 2027

A HAVERFORDWEST man has denied a series of historic sexual offences against an underage girl and is due to stand trial at Cardiff Crown Court in 2027.

Lee Mahagan, aged 52, of High Street, Haverfordwest, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.

The charges relate to allegations involving a girl aged between 13 and 15, which are said to have occurred in Cardiff between 2009 and 2010.

The court was told that the case is expected to take around five days when it goes before a jury. A trial date has been set for January 25, 2027.

Mahagan was granted conditional bail by Judge Hywel James following a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

The defendant is represented by David Pinnell, while Daniel Jones is appearing for the prosecution.

Crime

Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Staff Writer

Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an incident reported at Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).

An 18-year-old man was arrested after officers were called to the venue, which is a popular late-night spot in the seaside village. The allegation relates to events said to have taken place during the early hours of the morning.

Joshua Probert, aged 18, has since been charged with one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 18).

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under law, and no further details about the allegation can be reported at this stage.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Officers are understood to have carried out initial investigative work shortly after the report was made, including speaking to witnesses.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, on 0808 500 2222. Calls are free and confidential.

Local Government

Mayor visits Milford Haven Library Christmas event

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott, paid a visit to Milford Haven Library on Tuesday morning to attend its festive Mince Pie and a Cuppa event.

The event brought together library staff and local residents, with the Mayor thanking staff for their work supporting the community throughout the year. During the visit, Cllr Elliott also spent time speaking with residents who had come along to the event or were visiting the library to borrow books.

Milford Haven Library is part of the Pembrokeshire Libraries service, which provides access to books, information, and community activities across the county.

The Mayor wished residents a Merry Christmas at the close of his visit.