News

‘I can’t be sent to prison, I have small children in the back of the court’

Published

3 years ago

January 18, 2023

A BIRMINGHAM man who was due to go into immediate custody has been given a seven day postponement due to having small children with them at the court case.

Louis Smith of Fordfield Road, Birmingham, was due to face the bench at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 17 at 10am to face a charge of driving whilst disqualified, however failed to attend.

A warrant for arrest without bail was issued

Upon the activation of the warrant, 34-year-old Smith made an application to the court to surrender before the day’s proceedings concluded.

Judge Leyton accepted the surrender and the case was heard at 3.30pm.

Kelly Rivers, prosecuting, told the court how Smith, who is currently in the area on holiday, was pulled over by police at Broadmoor, where it is alleged the defendant gave false driver details to the police.
Upon further investigations, it concluded that Smith was disqualified from driving until August 2024.

Ms Rivers went on to tell the court how Smith has 68 convictions and the majority of these offences are driving related.

She added that Smith has been disqualified from driving five times since 2001 and has been convicted of driving whilst disqualified twice previously, one of which landed them with a prison sentence.
Smith was unrepresented in the dock.

Judge Layton told the defendant “You have a blatant disregard for the law, you have been to prison for the offence before and you will be going to prison today.”

However the defendant offered mitigating circumstances to the court claiming his three young children were sitting in the waiting room and he could not leave them stuck in another country and pleaded with the judge to grant him enough time to get his children home and safe.

After consideration, Judge Layton gave the defendant seven days to take his children back to Birmingham and return to the court for his custodial sentence.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

1 hour ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.