News

Getaway driver arrested after year ‘on the run’ following burglary

Published

8 years ago

April 11, 2018

THE GETAWAY driver at the scene of a burglary at Dinas Cross has been traced and arrested after a year ‘on the run’.

Paula Hynd, aged 36, had driven away David Solley after he had been confronted by brave shopkeeper Mary Simpson, who found him inside the living quarters at the Kiel House store.

Solley ran from the scene and was suddenly picked up by a Ford Fiesta driver.

Tom Scapens, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court how police spotted the car on the A40 near St Clears.

Hynd was driving and several times responded to instructions to pull in by turning into a lay by and then racing away.

The chase ended in the centre of Carmarthen where Solley was arrested trying to hide on the roof of a local government building. Hynd was still in the car and in possession of a quantity of £1 coins taken from Kiel House.

Both were charged with various offences–Solley with burglary–and were due to be sentenced on March 3, 2017.

But only Solley turned up and he was jailed for 19 months.

A warrant was issued for Hynd’s arrest but it took a year for police to trace her to the George pub in Shoreham, near London, where she was arrested last Saturday (Apr 7)

She admitted failing to answer to bail, making off without paying for £10 worth of fuel belonging to a petrol station in Dinas Cross, taking a hire care without consent, and driving without insurance or a licence.

Her barrister, James Hartson, said at the time both Hynd and Solley were from north Kent and had been in west Wales for treatment for addiction to Class A drugs.

She had failed to attend her sentencing hearing a year ago, he added, because she could not afford to travel to court.

But during her year ‘on the run’ she had managed to find and hold down her first ever job and now had her drug use under control.

Judge Geraint Walters told Hynd she had been ‘extremely foolish’ to think she could skip bail.

“Did you think they would not catch up with you in the end? They always do,” he added.

Hynd was jailed for six months, suspended for 12 months.

Mr Hartson said Solley, having served the custodial element of his sentence, was sitting at the back of the court ready to drive her back to Kent if she did not receive an immediate jail term.

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

10 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

10 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

11 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)