News

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

Published

9 years ago

August 15, 2015

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

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

6 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

7 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

8 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.