News

Drink-driver handed hefty fine after failing to stop

Published

8 years ago

August 8, 2018

A DRIVER who failed to stop after he collided with a car in front of him has been given a hefty fine by Magistrates this week.

Andrew Smith, aged 36, of Hunwick Walk, Stockon-On-Tees, appeared before the Courts in Haverfordwest on Tuesday (Aug 7), and pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to stop and another of failing to provide a specimen.

Prosecuting, Mr Vaughan Pritchard-Jones told the Court: “The defendant was driving his white van up Bush Hill and the complainant was stationary, waiting at the lights but the defendant has driven into the back of him.

“Police received a call saying they had been driven into and that the car had driven off. The police arrived and the complainant said they had gone in the direction of Pennar. The police drove in that direction and saw the van not far away.

“They spoke to the defendant at the scene and he provided a roadside sample of 97. He was taken to the police station but officers noted that Smith was very flippant with them at the time and that he wasn’t taking the procedure seriously.

“He was asked if he had had anything to eat or drink and his reply was ‘yes, you gave me a burger and a pint of lager. He gave four samples but there was an insufficient flow for an evidential reading. The readings he did give ranged from 71-86 so he was somewhere in excess of twice the limit.”

Defending, Mike Kelleher added: “Smith made a misjudgement on this occasion, he thought the car in front was going to pull away but that didn’t happen and there was a collision.”

Smith panicked and drove off but the father of the complainant got out and walked to where Smith had parked up and told him to stay in the vehicle.

“That is where police found him, around half a mile away. This was a works van and he has been forced to resign from his job as a result of this but he has found another job in Bristol.

“As for the second charge of failing to provide, he is at a loss as to why he was able to do at the roadside but failed to do so at the police station. The readings taken had a range of 71-86.”

Magistrates told Smith that his behaviour at the police station was unacceptable as they were just doing their job stating: “Police don’t deserve to be treated like that.”

Smith was banned from driving for a period of 12 months and was also fined £266. He was also fined the same amount for failing to stop.

His license was also endorsed and he was ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.
Smith was also offered the drink-drive awareness course which could reduce his ban if completed successfully.

Education

Haverfordwest High closes early after heat raises safety concerns

Published

34 minutes ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST VC HIGH SCHOOL has closed early today after extreme heat affected wall-mounted soundproofing boards around the building.

The school said several of the boards, including some positioned at height, could become unsafe and fall from the walls.

Pupils were initially moved to safe areas and placed under supervision while the situation was assessed by the school’s site management team and Pembrokeshire County Council maintenance officers.

Following discussions, a decision was made to close the school early so the boards could be removed safely.

School buses were due to arrive at 1.15pm to transport pupils who normally travel home by bus. Children attending a trip at Scolton Manor were expected to return to the school by 1pm.

Parents and carers who usually collect their children were asked to do so from 1.30pm.

Pupils who normally walk home were only permitted to leave after receiving parental permission. Parents could provide permission by sending their child a text message to show their form tutor or by contacting the school reception.

The school said it expected the affected boards to be removed today, allowing the school to reopen as normal tomorrow, Tuesday, July 14.

Parents will be updated through ParentMail if the work cannot be completed as planned.

Entertainment

Open-air theatre brings mystery and musical adventure to Carew Castle

Published

2 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SUMMER evenings at Carew Castle will be filled with mystery, music and family entertainment as two much-loved stories are brought to life in the historic castle grounds.

Audiences are being invited to pack a picnic, bring a rug or low-backed chair and enjoy professional touring theatre in one of Pembrokeshire’s most atmospheric settings.

Hot drinks and ice creams will also be available during the performances.

The first of this summer’s open-air productions takes place on Thursday, July 30, when the critically acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company presents a new adaptation of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Featuring live music, audience interaction and inventive theatrical comedy, the production follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the deadly secret behind the Baskerville family curse.

Suitable for all ages, although parental guidance is advised, the show promises an evening of suspense, mayhem and laughter.

The entertainment continues on Tuesday, August 4, when Immersion Theatre brings its trademark energy to a musical adaptation of The Jungle Book.

Packed with original songs, audience participation and larger-than-life characters, the production follows Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera on a fast-paced jungle adventure.

The story features cheeky monkeys, a slithering snake and the fearsome tiger Shere Khan.

Recommended for children aged four and above, the show promises a funny, exciting and entertaining evening for the whole family.

Daisy Hughes, manager of Carew Castle, said: “What works so well about outdoor theatre at Carew Castle is the relaxed, sociable feel of it.

“People can bring a picnic, settle in with family and friends, and enjoy professional touring theatre without the formality of a traditional auditorium.

“This year’s productions offer two very different experiences, from the suspense and humour of Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles to the colour, music and energy of The Jungle Book.

“They are exactly the kind of performances that work beautifully outdoors, with plenty for families and theatre fans to enjoy.”

Gates will open at 5.30pm for Sherlock Holmes and The Hound of the Baskervilles, with the performance beginning at 6.30pm.

The show will run for approximately two hours, including an interval.

For The Jungle Book, gates will open at 4.45pm and the performance will begin at 5.30pm.

The show has an approximate running time of one hour and 25 minutes, with an interval between acts.

Tickets cost £16 for adults and £12 for children aged between three and 16.

A family ticket, covering two adults and two children or three adults and one child, costs £50.

Booking is essential through the Carew Castle website.

Tickets are non-refundable and performances will go ahead in wet weather. Visitors are advised to wear warm, waterproof clothing and bring a torch.

Caption: Live theatre returns to Carew Castle this summer, bringing stories, songs and suspense to the historic grounds.

Crime

Operation Lion returns to tackle summer antisocial behaviour in Tenby

Published

2 hours ago

July 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A JOINT policing operation aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire will return during the busy summer holiday period.

Operation Lion brings together Transport for Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police and British Transport Police to provide an increased visible presence in the area as visitor numbers rise.

The annual operation, first launched in 2015, will run throughout the six-week school summer holidays, with dedicated patrols every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

British Transport Police officers will patrol Tenby and the surrounding area, working alongside Dyfed-Powys Police to respond to incidents and reassure residents, businesses and visitors.

Transport for Wales security teams will also patrol train services between Tenby and Pembroke Dock, while additional cover will be provided on the final service to Carmarthen.

The operation aims to reduce antisocial behaviour, public disorder and vandalism, while improving public safety through a visible police and security presence.

Organisers say the initiative has helped reduce summer incidents in previous years and has received positive feedback from businesses and communities in Tenby.

Transport for Wales security manager Simon Turton said: “We’re proud to once again support Operation Lion alongside our colleagues from British Transport Police and Dyfed-Powys Police.

“This initiative is a great example of partnership working in action. Through a proactive, community-focused approach, we have helped reduce antisocial behaviour in Tenby and across Pembrokeshire over the years, and we are committed to building on that success again this summer.

“Our aim is simple: to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy everything these fantastic areas have to offer in a safe and welcoming environment.”