News
Young driver was ‘bragging about his driving’ before crash, court hears
A TRAGIC road accident that claimed the life of a young woman and left another severely injured in June 2021 has been brought to the forefront in a court case, shedding light on the perils of reckless driving.
The accused, Jago Clarke and Emma Price, both aged 21, are currently standing trial. They face serious charges including causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and driving without a license and insurance.
The incident occurred on the B4341 at Portfield Gate near Haverfordwest. Ella Smith, 21, a passenger in the Ford Ka driven by Clarke, lost her life in the horrific crash. Daisy Buck, travelling in a Seat Ibiza, was critically injured.
Witness Luis Heathfield, who was with the group earlier at Broad Haven beach, testified that Clarke, holding only a provisional licence, had been boastfully discussing his driving skills. Heathfield vividly recalled warning Clarke against driving, especially after observing him consuming alcohol. Despite these warnings, Clarke chose to drive, leading to the fateful accident.
The court heard how Clarke and Price were driving at high speeds, with Price allegedly trying to prevent Clarke from overtaking her vehicle. This high-speed chase led to Clarke losing control and crashing the vehicle.
Further testimony came from the injured party, Daisy Buck, who recounted the terrifying speed at which the cars passed by before the crash. The court also heard from first responders and an off-duty police officer who described the chaotic and distressing scene, confirming the fatality at the site.
Clarke has since pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of causing death by careless driving and to driving without a license and insurance. However, the jury is tasked with deciding whether to accept Clarke’s plea to the alternative charge.
Emma Price, however, has denied all allegations against her.
The case continues.
Health
MS Slams Decision to Proceed with GP Surgery Closure
SENEDD Member Paul Davies has criticised Hywel Dda University Health Board’s decision to
proceed with the transfer of patients from St David’s surgery to surgeries elsewhere in
Pembrokeshire. In a board meeting held on the 26 th September 2024, the Health Board also
confirmed that it is in discussions with Shalom House in St David’s about the establishment
of a branch surgery to deliver some services.
Mr Davies said, “It’s shameful that Hywel Dda University Health Board is pushing ahead with
these plans, despite the vocal opposition shown by the local community.
“The city of St David’s will soon be the only city in the United Kingdom without a GP surgery,
and I’m appalled that the Health Board has allowed this to take place. For many people the
travel to other surgeries from St David’s is just too far and too stressful and a weak
commitment to coordinate surgeries with bus times is just not going to cut it.”
“Residents have been trying to engage with the Health Board and urging the management to
look at a range of other options and it appears as though the Health Board is unwilling to
consider the views of the people of St David’s. The people of St David’s deserve better, and
I hope all political representatives in Pembrokeshire can work together to stand up for the
local community.”
Business
New electric vehicle charging stations installed in Kilgetty
TWO new electric vehicle (EV) rapid charging stations have been installed on Carmarthen Road in Kilgetty as part of InstaVolt’s expanding network across the UK. The site includes one fully accessible bay, with an additional 1.2 metres of space on either side, providing ease of use for all drivers.
The chargers are flush with the ground and feature lower screens, along with an improved cable management system for easier manoeuvrability.
Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, expressed his excitement about the new installation: “We’re delighted to bring more of our award-winning rapid chargers to the area, with class-leading reliability. InstaVolt is on hand to offer a fast charge that will get drivers back on the road in no time.”
Lane also highlighted the user-friendly nature of the chargers: “EV drivers can be confident that when they arrive at the site, they’ll find an easy-to-use charger with payment by contactless debit or credit card, as well as on-site driver amenities. With an extensive, fully nationwide network, EV drivers are never far away from an InstaVolt rapid charger. A bit of route planning in advance using search engines or InstaVolt’s app makes long journeys easier.”
InstaVolt, one of the UK’s largest public EV rapid charging networks, continues to expand rapidly. With over 1,560 chargers currently installed nationwide, the company aims to have 10,000 rapid chargers in place by 2030. The new stations in Kilgetty contribute to the growing infrastructure supporting the more than 1.2 million fully electric cars now on Britain’s roads.
Praised as one of Britain’s top rapid charging networks, InstaVolt’s chargers are designed for convenience, accepting contactless payments without the need for a subscription. Drivers can find their nearest charging station, check real-time availability, and pay for their charge all through InstaVolt’s website or app.
Crime
Man charged with possession of offensive weapon and assault
A MAN has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and common assault following an incident in the Pembrokeshire village of St Dogmaels.
David Rees, 62, is set to appear in court on 9th October in relation to the incident, which took place on 16th September and left one person with minor injuries.
Locals reported that armed police, dog units, and a police helicopter descended on the scene, creating a significant emergency response in the normally quiet village.
In a police update that evening, it was confirmed that the ‘unusual police presence’ was due to an ‘isolated incident’ which had been ‘safely resolved’. Two police patrol cars remained in the village late into the evening to reassure residents and members of the public.
An update issued by Dyfed-Powys Police on Wednesday, 25th September, confirmed they had responded to reports of an assault resulting in injury to the victim. Following their response, officers arrested and charged a man with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and common assault in connection with the incident.
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