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News

Drink driver who was ‘only just’ over limit banned for three years

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A MILFORD HAVEN man who was ‘only just’ over the limit has been disqualified from driving for three years.

Ieuan Morris, aged 55, of Sardis, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving whilst above the limit at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday (Apr 17).

Prosecuting, Mrs Sian Vaughan told the court: “The officers became aware of the vehicle as they had been looking for it during the day.

“They spoke to Mr Morris and explained they had been looking for him and they also took a test at the roadside, the reading was 40.”

Defending, Mark Layton said: “This will be a three year minimum ban, he has two previous convictions, the last in 2008 does go back some time but he understands it will be a three year ban.

“He is currently working as builder, self-employed, but has described this year as the worst year for work because of the weather.

“He apologises for the reading, he was just on the limit and had it been 39 he might not be here but he was bang on the button.

“He has had the course twice before and he would ask and appreciate it, if you would consider allowing him to do the course again.”

Chairman of the bench, Mr David Simpson, said: “This was a very silly thing, you need your licence but you are going to lose it now for three years. I hope you’ve got somebody who can help you with driving.

“We have taken into account that it was only just over the limit, but nevertheless it was over the limit.”

Morris was also fined £200 for the incident and he will also have to £85 in court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

As this was his second offence in ten years he was disqualified from driving for three years and the Magistrates did offer him the chance to take the drink drive course.

Finally, the Magistrates warned Morris that he must not drive a motor vehicle for the next three years and that he would be in more trouble if he did.

News

Community projects celebrate their UK Government funding successes

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A CELEBRATION event brought together 25 community projects that have benefited from more than £1.3million in UK Shared Prosperity Funding in Pembrokeshire.

Pembrokeshire County Council facilitated the development programme for third sector organisations and social enterprises which covered three intervention areas across the County – capital projects, green infrastructure and social action.

The diverse range of projects including community facilities, youth projects, growing sites, environmental awareness action, pet therapy, museums and more.

Project leads came together at HaverHub, Haverfordwest on January 22nd to celebrate and discuss the outcomes of their work, with the majority having exceeded targets with some breath-taking achievements highlighted.

Some key successes already evidenced include the improvement or creation of around 25,764m² of publicly accessible spaces, 934 community events or activities supported and 2228 volunteering opportunities created/ supported, with final reports still to be submitted.

SPF Communities Coordinator Heidi Holland said: “This network of organisations has strengthened and benefited from opportunities to come together, visit other projects, share good practice and willingness to develop collaborative approaches as a legacy moving forward to impact on future generations.”

Among those at the event were Cilrath Acre, Sandy Bear, Cleddau Project, Milford Haven Maritime and Heritage Museum, West Wales Rivers Trust, Point – Fishguard and Goodwick Youth Project and Menter Iaith Sir Benfro.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member (SPF Lead), said: “It was great to see such a wide range of projects, from right across Pembrokeshire, who have benefited from the SPF Communities Funding. SPF funding will re-launch in April 2025 and we look forward to being able to support more organisations across the county delivering meaningful improvements in their communities.”

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News

Grandmother jailed for killing baby girl in Withybush Hospital crash

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A GRANDMOTHER has been sentenced to four years in prison for causing the death of eight-month-old Mabli Cariad Hall in a tragic crash outside Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest.

Bridget Carole Curtis, 71, of Begelly, appeared at Swansea Crown Court, where she admitted to causing death by dangerous driving. She was also banned from driving for eight years and must pass an extended test to regain her licence.

Tragic: Baby Mabli Cariad Hall died in 2023 after being hit by a car driven by Bridget Curtis (Image: DPP/WNS)

The devastating incident occurred on June 21, 2023, when Curtis’s white BMW struck Mabli’s pram at the hospital entrance. The baby, described as “bright” and “beautiful,” suffered severe traumatic brain injuries. Despite being airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and later transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Mabli passed away four days later, on June 25.

The court heard that Curtis had been searching for her handbag on the rear seat while the engine was running. Dash cam footage showed her car mounting a kerb and traveling 28 metres at a top speed of 29mph, hitting a tree after striking the pram. Data revealed the throttle was fully open for four-and-a-half seconds, with no brakes applied.

A family shattered

Flowers at the scene of the accident (Image: BBC)

Mabli’s father, Rob Hall, sustained injuries in the crash, which occurred as the family visited the hospital to say their goodbyes to Mr Hall’s mother, who was receiving palliative care. The court heard a heart-wrenching victim impact statement from Mabli’s mother, Gwen Hall, who said: “I don’t know who I am anymore… my heart breaks constantly.” She described watching helplessly as her baby died in her arms.

Mr Hall said Curtis’s actions had “ripped my baby out of my hands,” adding he has replayed the horrific moment “over and over again.”

‘Grossly reckless’ actions

Swansea Crown court where the case was heard (Image: BBC)

Judge Geraint Walters described Curtis’s driving as “grossly reckless,” emphasizing the devastating and irreversible consequences. “Mabli died senselessly and needlessly, and her death has changed lives forever,” he said.

Prosecutor Craig Jones told the court there was no evidence Curtis had suffered a medical episode, but rather what was described as a panic attack. The court heard she was previously of good character, with a clean driving record.

Curtis, who voluntarily surrendered her licence after the crash, expressed deep remorse in a letter read to the court. “I am so deeply sorry,” she wrote. “The sadness and grief will be with me ’til my dying day.”

Her defence barrister, John Dye, said Curtis now suffers from PTSD and depression, with frequent flashbacks of the incident.

In sentencing, Judge Walters acknowledged that Curtis had not intended harm but underscored the gravity of her actions. “You are responsible for the life-changing devastation,” he concluded.

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Crime

Farmer cleared of restraining order breach at Haverfordwest court

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A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been found not guilty of breaching a restraining order after being accused of referencing a protected individual in a Facebook post.

Philip Stoddart, 58, of Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 20) to face the charge. The prosecution, led by Ann Griffiths on behalf of the crown, alleged that between December 4 and December 13, 2023, Stoddart made a Facebook post that, by inference, referred to a person he was prohibited from contacting under a restraining order imposed by Swansea Crown Court on April 16, 2021.

The restraining order, issued under Section 360 of the Sentencing Act 2020, barred Stoddart from making any form of contact with her.

Prosecutors argued that the Facebook post constituted a breach of the order, contrary to Section 363 of the same act.

Stoddart denied the allegations and entered a not guilty plea during a prior hearing on October 1, 2024.

Magistrates Professor N. Negus, Mr. J. Steadman, and Mrs. J. Morris presided over the trial, which concluded on Monday.

After reviewing the evidence, the bench found Stoddart not guilty, dismissing the case.

The dismissal brings to a close legal proceedings that had been ongoing for over a year.

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