Motorist told police he drank three pints shortly before being stopped

A MOTORIST who mistakenly believed his car was insured has been handed a lengthy driving ban after admitting drink-driving and using a vehicle without insurance.

Louis Price, 36, was stopped by officers shortly after 10:30pm on November 21 as he drove his BMW through Market Square, Narberth. Police checks confirmed the vehicle had no valid insurance in place.

When questioned, Price told officers he had consumed three pints of alcohol around 20 minutes before the stop. A roadside breath test recorded 55 mcg of alcohol, well above the legal limit of 35.

Price, of North Road, Whitland, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court to both offences.

He was fined a total of £1,800, ordered to pay a £720 surcharge and £85 costs, and was disqualified from driving for 16 months.

Judge orders rehabilitation after ‘exceptionally high’ roadside reading

A JOHNSTON motorist who gave an exceptionally high roadside breath reading after crashing her vehicle into a signpost has been sentenced for failing to provide follow-up specimens at the police station.

Hannah Hayden, 30, was arrested on November 23 following a single-vehicle collision near Llangwm.

“He was travelling in excess of the speed limit,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week. “Both number plates appeared to have been removed from the vehicle, while the roadside breath test gave an exceptionally high reading of 93 mcg.” The legal limit is 35.

After being taken to Haverfordwest police station, Hayden failed to provide further samples for analysis.

Given the high roadside reading, District Judge Mark Layton ordered a pre-sentence probation report. The report stated that Hayden had been “struggling since the loss of her father” at the time of the offence.

Probation officer Julie Norman said Hayden had gone to Haverfordwest earlier that day and consumed wine with friends.
“She was returning to her mother’s address near Llangwm when she lost control of the vehicle,” she told the court. “She was breathalysed at the roadside and gave a very high reading, but she failed to provide at the station because she was very upset.”

Hayden, of Brookside Avenue, Johnston, was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was disqualified from driving for 29 months, fined £180, and ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Senedd Member criticises ‘deeply concerning’ timing of consultation

LOCAL Senedd Member Paul Davies has spoken out against Pembrokeshire County Council’s proposal to close Ysgol Clydau, warning that the timing of the public consultation — launched in the weeks before Christmas — is “deeply concerning” and unfair to affected families.

Mr Davies said the school plays a vital role in the community, and that any attempt to close it would have a damaging impact locally, including on efforts to promote and protect the Welsh language.

“Ysgol Clydau is a crucial part of the local community, and its closure would have a huge impact on the local area,” he said. “It’s unacceptable that this consultation has been launched without any discussion with local stakeholders, and announcing it just before Christmas is very disappointing.”

He pointed to the school’s strong record, noting that Estyn inspectors highlighted positive relationships between staff and pupils and praised a curriculum that makes purposeful use of the surrounding area to inspire curiosity.

“Closing this school would be to the detriment of local families, and it would also undermine efforts to protect and promote the Welsh language in the community,” he added.

Mr Davies urged Pembrokeshire County Council to ensure the consultation is meaningful by “genuinely listening to local voices” and working with parents, representatives and the wider school community to find a constructive way forward.