News

Teen ‘joy-rider’ was ‘off her head and tried to bite me’

Published

7 years ago

April 17, 2017

Drone shot: The incident from the air (pic Matt Lewis)

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who bravely tried to grab the keys from the ignition of the silver Mercedes driven by a teenage girl who had failed to stop at the scene of an accident last week has now given her account to The Pembrokeshire Herald.

The girl was driving without a valid licence when she hit other vehicles on Victoria Road, outside Circles Nightclub on April 13 – but carried on driving.

A few minutes later Kate Meakin, 43, of Milton Crescent was a passenger in a friend’s vehicle when she spotted the car.

Recalling Thursday afternoon’s incident, she told The Herald: “I was at the bottom of St Lawrence Hill, near Celtic Hand Car Wash. When we stopped a man in a white van was already shouting, and told me that the driver of the Mercedes was the girl that the police were after for the accident up the road. There was damage to the front of the vehicle from the earlier smash.

“The girl was screaming, proper kicking off. I put my hand in through the open driver’s window and snatched the keys. If I hadn’t tried to take the keys she may have tried to keep on going; but when I put my hand in the window the girl tried to bite me, but I managed to stop her.”

Ms Meakin added: “She was acting crazy, off her head, foaming at the mouth and shouting but not making any sense. In my opinion and from looking at her eyes I would say that she had taken some kind of drug.

Blocked in: The Mercedes came to a stop on St Lawrence Hill (pic. Luke Thomas)

“I then left it to a man in a white van, who I think is an electrician, who finally managed to get the keys out whilst I flagged the police down.”

Luke Thomas, who works for James Findlay Electrical, had managed to get the girl to pull over. He told The Herald: “After I knew it was her after confirming with my boss [who witnessed the earlier crash] I started beeping and flashing and started point to the lay by and for some reason she pulled over. I mounted the curb blocked her in and eventually grabbed the keys.”

Luke Thomas said that he did not see the girl try to bite Kate Meakin.

Police booked the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and she appeared in court on Friday (Apr 14) to confirm her name and address. Among the charges are aggravated taking without owner’s consent and charges of no driving licence and no insurance.

Carnage: Damaged vehicles outside Circles Nightclub (pic. The Herald)

A Herald reporter who was nearly caught up in the incident on Hamilton Terrace before the driver was apprehended said: “A car came out of the junction by the Haven Hotel, hit the curb and and crashed into the side of a red car. It then bounced back onto the curb, and hit a white car that was following behind the red car.

“After hitting the two cars it drove off. I was driving from the roundabount near Hakin bridge, and I saw it coming toward me on the other side of the road. I noticed it was absolutely smashed to pieces – the front right hand side of the car was completely obliterated.

“It started to cross the white lines and I thought it was going to hit me, so I swerved to the left to avoid it and beeped my horn. It drove off toward the roundabout, and as I started to drive toward Hamilton Terrace I saw there had been a collision, so I got out and waited for the police to arrive.”

One of the drivers caught up in the crash told The Herald that he had just bought the car that morning.

Another witness, who was driving behind the Mercedes moments before it crashed, said he had reported the driver for using their phone whilst driving. He also said the driver was ‘smoking a fag’ at the same time.

Shortly before the incident, a Milford Haven local saw the Mercedes nearly hit a van.

Stevie Parkes told The Herald: “I was on the corner of Robert Street waiting to cross the road. The Mercedes pulled out in front of a van on the other side of the road and then had to swerve to avoid the bollards in the middle of the road.”

Both Dyfed-Powys Police and the Welsh Ambulance Service attended the scene.

No injuries were sustained, however an elderly lady who was in one of the cars was seen to by a nurse.

Map: The joy rider’s car was stopped near car wash (pic. Google)

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

9 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

9 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

10 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.