News
Kilgetty: Paralysed man’s drink driving ‘defies belief’ says judge

Suspended sentence: Lewis Laville drove a non adapted car whilst over the limit, without a full driving licence or insurance
A DRIVER paralysed from the waist down who was caught driving at 80mph while over the alcohol level broke down in tears today as a he received a suspended prison sentence.
Judge Paul Thomas said the driving by Lewis Laville, aged 21, “defies belief.”
And the fact that he reached 80 mph after drinking “was simply staggering.”
Swansea Crown Court heard how Laville drove his girlfriend’s Toyota Yaris, which had not been adapted, by using his right hand to push down on his right leg to accelerate, and using his left hand to force the leg to operate the brake.
Asked by a police officer how he would react if a child ran out in front of the car he said he didn’t know.
Laville admitted dangerous driving, driving with excess alcohol is his blood and without insurance or a full licence.
He was jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years, banned from driving for two years and ordered to pass an extended test to get a licence in the future.
Laville, Powell Close, Pembroke, was also ordered to pay £900 in prosecution costs.
Huw Rees, prosecuting, said on May 27 a police officer in an unmarked car followed the Yaris along the A477 near Kilgetty and logged the speed as 80 mph. The officer stopped Laville after he turned onto the old Stepaside road.
A breath test showed a reading of 46 compared to the legal limit of 35.
Laville told the officer he had felt suicidal.
Mr Rees said Laville had been paralysed from the waist down since a motorcycle accident in September, 2011. Although he had access to a specially adapted motorbike the Yaris was a standard model.
His barrister, David Williams, said, “This was clearly dangerous and aggravated by the alcohol he had consumed.
“He is impulsive and unable to think through his actions.
“These are extremely unusual circumstances and he is truly in fear of receiving an immediate prison sentence.”
Mr Williams said Laville’s house had been adapted for his use but he would lose the accommodation altogether if he received a jail sentence of more than 13 weeks.
Mr Williams said Laville should receive credit for entering a plea of guilty. Judge Thomas said it would have been “interesting” to see what sort of defence he might have put forward.
Laville, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, broke down in tears as Judge Thomas told him he had come as close as he could possibly come to going into custody immediately.
Laville of all people, he added, should have appreciated what the consequences could have been for other road users.
He described his attitude as “appalling” both in the police station following his arrest and at court during a previous hearing.
Judge Thomas said the court would not be blackmailed by Laville’s claims that he wanted to kill himself.
That, ultimately, was a matter for “you, and you alone.”
However, he would bear in mind Laville’s physical condition, that he pleaded guilty and that his driving had not led to an accident.
Charity
Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.
Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.
Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.
Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”
Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”
The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.
Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”
The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.
Entertainment
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.
The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”
Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ
Community
Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”
A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.
Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’
Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.
“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”
He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.
“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”
Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.
“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”
Ongoing training and backlash
Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.
“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”
Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.
“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”
Community protection notice issued
Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.
“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”
The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.
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