A SERVING soldier has admitted driving when he was almost three times over the legal drink-drive limit.

Alfred Kempton, 26, was observed by officers ‘swerving all over the road’ as he drove a white Renault Kangoo at Pelcomb Bridge, Haverfordwest, just after 10:30pm on November 30.

When officers stopped the vehicle, they discovered Kempton’s eyes were glazed and there was a strong smell of alcohol. A roadside breath test proved positive, and subsequent tests at the police station revealed he had 102 mcg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Crown Prosecutor Nia James described the reading as “very high.”

Kempton’s solicitor, David Williams, urged magistrates to refrain from imposing a community order, warning that it would result in Kempton’s dismissal from the army.

“He is one of only four people in his entire squadron with expertise in electronic warfare and signal intelligence,” said Mr Williams, adding that Kempton’s position was supported by two senior army officers who attended court.

Magistrates fined Kempton £1,141, ordered him to pay a £456 court surcharge and £85 costs, and disqualified him from driving for 24 months.

“This is a very high reading, and if it happens again, you will not be so lucky,” said the presiding magistrate. “You are now classified as a high-risk offender.”

A MAN who repeatedly contacted his ex-partner, despite being told their relationship was over, has been sentenced for stalking.

John McMichael, 36, pleaded guilty before Haverfordwest magistrates to stalking his ex-partner over a six-month period.

Crown Prosecutor Nia James told the court that McMichael’s relationship with his ex ended in February due to violent behaviour and substance abuse issues.

Despite being told not to contact her, McMichael sent handwritten letters to her from prison between May and November. In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “Knowing that he is out is really frightening me… I just want him to leave me alone.”

McMichael’s solicitor, Jess Hill, argued the letters were not threatening but admitted his actions caused distress.

Magistrates sentenced McMichael to a 24-month Community Order with 30 rehabilitation activity days and 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs. A two-year restraining order was imposed, prohibiting him from any direct or indirect contact with his ex-partner.

A FORMER chef who resorted to stealing food and alcohol after losing his job has been sentenced.

Ashley Mardon, of The Inbetween Guest House, Pembroke Dock, admitted to five counts of theft from September to December.

Mardon, a father of five, stole items including alcohol, food, and groceries from stores in Haverfordwest, Pembroke, and Pembroke Dock, with the total value reaching £88.02. His solicitor, Mike Kelleher, said Mardon’s offences were driven by unemployment, homelessness, and alcohol problems.

Magistrates sentenced Mardon to a 24-month Community Order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days, 200 hours of unpaid work, and a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He must also pay £85 court costs, a £114 surcharge, and compensation for the stolen items.