Crime

Fatal collision trial: Defendants’ memory lapses and denials in court

Published

3 years ago

December 18, 2023

THE MAN charged with the fatal car crash that killed 21-year-old Ella Smith and seriously injured Daisy Buck in 2021, claimed to have no memory of the incident.

The tragic collision occurred on the B4341 at Portfield Gate, near Haverfordwest, on June 13, 2021. Jago Clarke, now 21, faces charges alongside Emma Price, also 21, for causing death by dangerous driving, serious injury, and driving without a license and insurance.

Clarke, the driver of the Ford Ka carrying Ella Smith, told the court of his amnesia regarding the day of the crash, resulting from severe injuries including a brain bleed, collapsed lungs, and a fractured rib.

He tearfully expressed his wish to remember the event to provide more clarity in the case.

Conversely, Emma Price, accused of driving competitively and recklessly with Clarke, leading to the collision, tearfully denied the allegations. She insisted on her innocence, refuting witness statements that depicted her dangerous driving behavior, including overtaking on the wrong side of the road.

Price did admit to an attempt to overtake a friend’s car on a clear road stretch and acknowledged asking her father to drive her car from the crash scene, citing her distressed state.

Clarke, in a poignant admission, acknowledged that he should not have been driving that day, especially under the influence of alcohol.

He also accepted the evidence presented by witnesses and the police forensic accident examiner, which indicated no signs of braking or slowing down before the crash.

The jury is now tasked with determining whether to accept Clarke’s guilty plea to the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving. Meanwhile, Price, maintaining her innocence, faces the challenge of convincing the jury of her non-involvement in the fatal accident.

The trial continues.

Crime

Police appeal after reported rape at Young Farmers rally

Published

2 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an allegation of rape at a Young Farmers Club rally in Builth Wells.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident was reported to have taken place at Wernhalog Farm on Saturday, June 13.

Officers said it happened in the portaloo area sometime between 11:00pm and 11:45pm.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information which could help the investigation, is asked to contact police.

Reports can be made online through the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the Crimestoppers website.

Quote reference: 26*472649.

Crime

Dock woman given mental health treatment order after supermarket thefts

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been placed on a mental health treatment requirement after repeatedly stealing meat, cheese and other grocery items from local supermarkets.

Lisa Stewart, 45, admitted three theft offences when she appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

The first offence took place on March 11, when Stewart stole Vanish, Lenor and three packs of Persil capsules from Home Bargains in Pembroke Dock, with a total value of £58.41.

The following month, she stole four small beef joints, four steaks and three blocks of cheese from Asda in Pembroke Dock, worth £55.68.

Seven days later, she stole four legs of lamb from Farmfoods in Pembroke Dock, valued at £99.96.

Stewart, of Truscott House, London Road, Pembroke Dock, also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to police bail on or around May 26.

She was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries, who told magistrates the thefts involved items of relatively low value and were not the result of “sophisticated offending”.

“The defendant has had an exceptionally difficult time, as last year she lost her partner to cancer and has struggled profoundly to process that grief,” said Ms Harries.

“Instead, she has attempted to cope by taking more of her prescribed medication than she should. And this is what has led her to be here today.”

Ms Harries said Stewart is now motivated to address her issues.

Magistrates sentenced Stewart to an 18-month community order. She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

The order will include monthly reviews in court.

Stewart must also pay £214.05 compensation to the supermarkets, together with a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Grandmother banned after cocaine drug-drive offence

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A GRANDMOTHER has been banned from the roads after being caught behind the wheel with 800 mcg of a cocaine metabolite in her system.

Eleri Phillips, 57, was stopped by police in the early hours of December 18 as she drove her Audi Q5 along Derwent Avenue, Steynton.

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive, and further blood tests carried out at the police station showed she had 45 mcg of cocaine in her system and 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.

The legal limits are 10 mcg and 50 mcg respectively.

Phillips, of Brook Close, Steynton, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. She was legally represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“She is absolutely ashamed of what has happened,” Mr Kelleher told the court.

“She had been out with friends that evening and someone offered her cocaine. Very foolishly, she took it.

“As a result, she is now going to be disqualified from driving, which is going to cause problems not only for her but for her family, as she regularly helps look after her grandchildren with general pick-ups from school.”

Phillips was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £120. She must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.