News
Suspected child groomer remanded
A MERLINS BRIDGE man has been remanded into custody after denying trying to groom a 14-year-old girl.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard last month that from October 14 to October 20 in Haverfordwest, Shaun Smith, 53, used Facebook messenger to groom a 14-year-old girl and then made attempts to meet that girl in the local McDonald’s restaurant.
Appearing in Swansea Crown Court today (Nov 23) Smith, of Glen View, Merlins Bridge, admitted attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual intercourse.
But he denied going to a McDonald’s restaurant in the town hoping to meet her.
He will now stand trial on February 11 and was remanded in custody meanwhile.
His barrister, Jim Davis, told the court that Smith denied he was the man filmed by a CCTV camera approaching the restaurant on October 15.
John Hipkin, prosecuting, said Smith had been communicating via the internet with a man pretending to be a schoolgirl.
Anti-paedophile group Welsh Warriors were responsible for providing police with information which led to his arrest.
Crime
Drink-driver crashes car while over twice the legal limit
AN AMBLESTON motorist was disqualified after crashing his car into a hedge while over twice the drink-drive limit.
Andrew John, 59, collided with a signpost and hedge near Clarbeston Road on November 2.
Breath tests revealed 89 mcg of alcohol in his system; the legal limit is 35.
John pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving without a valid licence.
He was handed a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity days and was banned from driving for 22 months.
John was also ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.
Crime
Homeless man avoids jail after supermarket assault
A HOMELESS man narrowly avoided jail after assaulting a security guard at Morrisons in Haverfordwest.
Michael Carruthers, 32, pleaded guilty to attempting to steal food and assaulting security guard Maxwell Opoku, causing him to fall and injure his shoulder.
In court, Carruthers’ solicitor highlighted his client’s homelessness and ongoing struggles.
Carruthers was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 28 weeks, with 20 rehabilitation activity days and £200 compensation to Mr Opoku.
He must also pay £185 court costs and a £154 surcharge.
Crime
Man jailed after breaching restraining order weeks after sentence
A MILFORD HAVEN man has been jailed for breaching a restraining order just three weeks after being sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.
Zachariah Roberts, 23, of Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, was prohibited from contacting Briony Smith.
However, police found evidence of contact via a GPS tracker and discovered Smith’s belongings at Roberts’ property on January 6.
Roberts pleaded guilty to breaching the order and was sentenced to six weeks in custody, serving half in jail and the rest under supervision.
He was also ordered to pay a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.
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