News

Suspended sentence for driving offences in Pembroke Dock

Published

3 years ago

May 25, 2023

AT A HEARING at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Charlie Petterson, a 30-year-old resident of 6c Albion House, Bush Street, received a suspended sentence for a string of driving offences committed on May 6, 2023.

Petterson, who appeared before District Judge J Layton, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including failing to stop for a constable, driving while disqualified, driving with an excess alcohol level, and driving without third-party insurance.

The court heard that Petterson was driving a Ford Transit van, with registration index YS13GFX, on High Street in Pembroke Dock when he failed to stop for a constable in uniform.

Additionally, it was revealed that Petterson was already disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence at the time of the incident.

The prosecution presented evidence that Petterson was driving under the influence of alcohol, with a breath test showing 48 micrograms of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath, exceeding the prescribed limit.

Moreover, he was found to be driving without third-party insurance, contravening the requirements of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

During the hearing, Petterson entered guilty pleas for all the charges.

The judge took into account his guilty pleas and his realistic prospect of rehabilitation, leading to the imposition of a suspended custodial sentence.

Petterson was handed a total custodial period of 18 weeks, which has been suspended for 12 months. He will also be subject to a supervision period of 12 months.

As part of the sentence, Petterson will be subject to a four-month curfew with electronic monitoring. His curfew will be in effect daily from 20:00 to 06:00.

He is required to remain at his address at 6c Albion House during the curfew period.

Additionally, Petterson must comply with the instructions of the responsible officer and participate in rehabilitation activities for a maximum of 10 days.

The court ordered Petterson to pay a total of £239 in costs and surcharges, with the Crown Prosecution Service receiving £85 in costs and a surcharge of £154.

He was also fined £450 for driving with an excess alcohol level and received a mandatory disqualification from driving for 15 months.

This is not the first time Petterson has faced driving-related offences.

His previous offences and the seriousness of the charges contributed to the imposition of the suspended custodial sentence.

Judge Layton emphasised the importance of road safety and the need for individuals to adhere to driving laws. He warned Petterson that any breach of the suspended sentence would result in immediate imprisonment.

The next hearing for Petterson’s case is scheduled for June 20, 2023.

Crime

Jury told to continue deliberations in historic child sex abuse trial

Published

50 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Judge says majority verdict may be accepted after jurors report deadlock at Swansea Crown Court

A JURY has been told to continue its deliberations in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after indicating it could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is on trial at Swansea Crown Court accused of oral rape and sexual assault of a child. The offences are alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen.

At midday on Wednesday (Dec 18), the jury returned to court to say they were unable to reach a verdict on which all jurors agreed.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told the jury that while he would be prepared to accept a majority verdict if at least ten jurors were in agreement, he still wanted them to continue deliberations in an effort to reach a unanimous decision.

The jury was then sent back out to continue considering its verdict.

The trial continues.

Crime

Police appeal to locate 69-year-old man wanted in harassment investigation

Published

1 hour ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for information to help locate a man from the Ammanford area who is wanted in connection with a harassment offence.

Alan Tait, aged 69, is being sought by officers as part of an ongoing investigation.

Police believe he may currently be in the Derbyshire area, but say he also has links to South Wales and Gwent.

Anyone with information that could assist officers in locating him is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Charity

Bluestone Foundation marks year of impact with more than £60,000 for local causes

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE BLUESTONE FOUNDATION, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort, has marked a significant year of community investment after raising and distributing more than £60,000 to support projects across Pembrokeshire in 2025.

Run in partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services (PAVS), the Foundation has continued to expand its reach, backing a wide range of charities and community organisations working at the heart of the county.

During the year, the Foundation’s Community Fund delivered three rounds of grants, supporting projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, and environmental protection.

Environmental organisations including BlueGreen Cymru, Greener Growth CIC and Sea Trust Wales received funding, alongside wellbeing and inclusion groups such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift, No Shame Foundation and Silbers CIC.

Creative, youth and heritage organisations including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and VC Gallery also benefited.

In total, £32,968.57 was awarded through the Community Fund in 2025.

Fundraising events held at the Blue Lagoon Water Park generated a further £19,500 in unrestricted income. Under the Foundation’s funding model, 75 per cent of that money is passed directly to charities, with the remaining 25 per cent placed into a flexible fund to support causes that fall outside the Community Fund’s criteria.

Flexible funding totalling £4,500 was used this year to support initiatives including Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project, refurbishment work at Martletwy Young Farmers Club hall, Bloomfield Bus and Green Dragon Bus services, and Nacro’s Christmas appeal, providing food, warm clothing and essential items to people in crisis.

The Foundation also supported the PATCH Christmas Toy Appeal, encouraging staff and visitors at Bluestone to donate gifts for families referred to the charity during the festive period.

In addition, more than one hundred fundraising events across the region were supported through prize donations from the Foundation, including over 200 family passes to the Blue Lagoon Water Park, 32 overnight spa breaks and nine Bluestone holiday breaks.

Marten Lewis, Chair of the Bluestone Foundation said: “This year’s achievements reflect the heart of who we are at Bluestone. The Foundation exists to uplift the people and places that make Pembrokeshire such a special community.

“The impact of our partners, grant recipients and fundraising efforts in 2025 shows what is possible when we work together, and we are proud to see the difference it continues to make across the county.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the Foundation has confirmed continued support for Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project and will act as gold sponsor of the DPJ Foundation’s Macchu Picchu trek.

Five further Blue Lagoon fundraising events are already scheduled between February and August, supporting Local Cadets, Belles Story, Martletwy YFC Hall, Blue Horizons Coastal Adventure and Friends of Portfield School.

Tickets for those events are available via the Bluestone Foundation’s Eventbrite page.

For more information about the Bluestone Foundation, visit the Bluestone website.