News
Fatal car crash caused by 100mph Snapchat challenge
A DRIVER returning home from a holiday in Fishguard caused a fatal crash near Aberystwyth when he tried to reach 100 mph to create film footage for Snapchat.
Ricafort Gamboa raced along country roads while friends inside his car filmed him on their mobile telephones.
As he approached 100mph, his Citroen C3 left the road and smashed into a cottage, demolishing a 16 inch thick stone wall.
His friend, 18-year-old Ernest Pideli, was killed, and two other passengers were injured.
Gamboa, aged 25, admitted causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed for four years.
Paul Hobson, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court the group had been returning to Manchester after a holiday at a caravan site in Fishguard.
Gamboa’s friends could be heard on mobile ‘phones recovered from the crashed car encouraging him to drive faster and he began taking corners on the wrong side of the road.
Gamboa was recorded saying: “I am going fast. I will go faster.”
But as he raced downhill into a series of corners he said ‘oh s**t’ as the car fishtailed, mounted a bank and then swerved across the road and into a cottage by the side of the A487 at Chancery a few miles south of Aberystwyth.
Mr Pideli died four days later from head and neck injuries.
Gamboa, a Philippinno with British status, told a police officer at the scene he had been doing ‘more than 90’ and explained later that his friends had wanted him to reach 100 mph so they could take photographs for Snapchat.
He said in a police interview: “I take full responsibility for what happened. My stupid decision to drive so fast was the cause of the collision.
“I deserve to be punished. I am deeply sorry for what happened.”.
The court heard that Mr Pideli had been a talented footballer and had an ambition of returning to his native Philippines and playing for the national team.
Gamboa’s barrister, Charles Row, said he was so remorseful that he was genuine when he said he wished he had died and not his friend.
Mr Row said at one point police had considered charging his friends for their encouragement of him to drive faster just so they could film him and the speedometer.
Judge Keith Thomas told Gamboa, who wept as he was being sentenced, that he had used the road as a racetrack.
“You drove at breakneck speed saying you were trying to reach one hundred miles an hour.
“And you ignored signs telling you to slow down and that there were bends ahead.
“Your friend was only eighteen and had his whole life in front of him. You have caused incalculable loss to his family,” he added.
Gamboa, a Domino pizza restaurant shift manager, of Johnson Fold Avenue, Bolton, was banned from driving for five years after his eventual release from prison.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Crime
Police investigating attempted burglary at Haverfordwest shop
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an attempted burglary at No.37 Food and Wine shop on High Street, Haverfordwest, at about 3am on Wednesday, April 3.
A window was smashed and the door handle broken.
Police said: “If you have any information that could help enquiries, please get in touch with PC 195 Tayler, either by: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
News
Don’t forget to vote on Thursday, May 2
THURSDAY, May 2 is your chance to vote for the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.
Don’t forget to use your vote and head to your local polling station between 7am and 10pm.
They are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
A Police and Crime Commissioner’s job is to set the police budget and make sure it is spent effectively, appoint the local police forces Chief Constables, set police and crime plans in collaboration with residents and work closely with the local council and other organisations on these plans.
This is the first election in Wales where you will need photographic ID to vote.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport or drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Or you may have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate which is also accepted.
If you plan on taking your Postal Vote to a polling station or County Hall main reception remember to fill in a vote return form. Without the completed form those postal vote(s) will be rejected.
You can only hand in your own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people.
You can find out more about the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections online (opens in new window).
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