Defence solicitor tells Haverfordwest magistrates his client was medically unable to provide a breath sample and should have been offered an alternative test

QUESTIONS have been raised over whether the interests of justice are being served after an 81-year-old motorist was charged with failing to provide a breath specimen for analysis.

Kate Telford appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week after being listed for trial following her arrest on March 1.

The court heard that she was taken to Haverfordwest police station and asked to provide a breath sample. When she failed to co-operate, she was charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

But her solicitor, Michael Kelleher, challenged the conduct of police officers during the incident, arguing that his client was physically unable to complete the test.

“The prosecution claims this was a deliberate failure to provide a breath sample, but the defendant has a growth in her mouth, a heart issue and her breathing isn’t sufficient to allow her to breathe into a breathalyser machine,” he said.

“All this information can be obtained from her doctors.

“The day she was arrested, the police should have provided her with an alternative method – a nurse was available to take blood, and there was also the option of a urine test. But basically, the police didn’t believe her and thought she was putting it all on. Even her request to sit on a chair was refused.

“This woman has no experience of criminal law, she has no previous convictions and she didn’t know how to argue her own case. Previous appeals have been refused in the interests of justice, but surely the interests of justice aren’t being met by failing to grant an appeal.”

After retiring to consider the submissions, the Bench refused Mr Kelleher’s application to appeal against the indictment.

“We have carefully considered the appeal before us and have gone through each of the five grounds,” said the presiding magistrate.

“We find that none of the factors apply to this case, therefore the appeal fails.”

Lee Miskin, 52, and Saul Miskin, 21, are accused of offences involving cannabis, amphetamine and cocaine in Pembroke Dock

TWO men have appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with drug offences involving cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis.

Lee Miskin, aged 52, and Saul Miskin, aged 21, both of St Davids Close, Hubberston, are each accused of possessing controlled drugs with intent to supply.

Saul Miskin is charged with possessing 261 grams of cannabis with intent to supply and 47.36 grams of amphetamine with intent to supply. He also faces three further charges of being concerned in the supply of cannabis, amphetamine and cocaine.

Lee Miskin is charged with being concerned in the supply of cannabis, amphetamine and cocaine. He also faces two further charges of possessing 261 grams of cannabis and 47.36 grams of amphetamine with intent to supply.

The offences are alleged to have taken place in Milton and Pennar, Pembroke Dock, between January 2023 and February 2024.

Because of the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court.

Both defendants are due to enter pleas on May 8.

They were released on unconditional bail.

Racecourse general manager Kevin Hire says this weekend’s Family Fun Day has taken on a much deeper meaning following his major operation and recovery

FFOS LAS RACECOURSE general manager Kevin Hire has paid an emotional tribute to his family as he prepares for this weekend’s Family Fun Day.

Hundreds are expected to attend the popular event on Sunday (Apr 12), but for Mr Hire, 62, this year’s occasion is about far more than racing and entertainment.

Just six months ago, he was preparing to undergo life-saving open-heart surgery. Now, after a long recovery, he is back leading preparations for a raceday centred on the thing he says mattered most during his darkest hours — family.

He said: “It hasn’t just changed how I look at my work. It’s changed how I look at everything.”

The alarm was first raised last spring when a routine walk across the racecourse left him suddenly struggling for breath.

Mr Hire said: “I walked about 150 yards and suddenly I was severely out of breath. I’d never experienced anything like it. I knew something was wrong.”

Initial tests suggested only a minor issue, but further examinations revealed severe aortic stenosis and the need for a double heart bypass.

He said: “I was told my heart was working at 61 per cent capacity and would drop to 40 per cent within a year, then to 20 per cent. There was a serious risk of loss of life.”

For Mr Hire and his wife Nicola, the diagnosis came as a major shock.

He said: “That moment, getting back into the car and going home, we just didn’t know what was ahead.”

In October, he underwent a six-hour operation at Morriston Hospital, where surgeons replaced his aortic valve and carried out the bypass procedure.

After spending a week in hospital, he returned home to begin a lengthy recovery.

The physical toll was considerable. An 18-inch incision to his leg and major chest surgery left him with limited mobility and an ongoing healing process.

Mr Hire said: “You go from being independent to needing help with everything.”

He said the experience made him appreciate more than ever the support of those closest to him.

“Family is special,” he said. “It made me realise the pain they went through. I was going through it, but they were going through it ten times worse because there was nothing they could do.”

His daughters, Mali and Nia, were a constant source of strength, even giving him a Ted Lasso-inspired toy soldier as a good luck charm.

He reserved special praise for his wife Nicola, who took time off work to care for him full-time.

Mr Hire said: “I can’t thank her enough. She stayed with me constantly. We went into the unknown together, but we came out the other side.”

He said the ordeal has changed the way he sees the role of the racecourse in the community.

“That’s why these race days are so very, very important to me,” he said. “It’s tough out there. The cost of living is going up and every penny counts. We want families to come here and have a fantastic day without worrying about the cost.”

Sunday’s Family Fun Day has been designed to make the event as affordable as possible.

Children can attend free with a paying adult, meaning a family of six can get in for the price of just two adult tickets. A range of activities is also included at no extra charge.

Entertainment on the day will include live spring jump racing, as well as an appearance by the K-Pop Superstars, who will perform, meet fans and pose for photographs.

Away from the track, children will be able to enjoy go-karting, face painting, funfair rides and outdoor activities. Ffos Las says rides will cost just £1, well below the usual price at travelling fairs.

Families are also being encouraged to bring their own picnics to help keep costs down, while a wet weather guarantee means that if rain falls during the event, racegoers will be invited back to another fixture free of charge.

For Mr Hire, the day is ultimately about creating happy memories.

He said: “To see the kids smiling and enjoying themselves, that’s what it’s all about. If families can come here, spend time together and make memories, then we’ve done our job.”

After months of recovery, Mr Hire said he knows better than most the value of time spent with loved ones — and this Sunday that message will be at the heart of everything at Ffos Las.