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Two convicted following fatal car crash which took Ella’s life

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IN A HEARING Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday (Dec 20), Emma Price and Jago Clarke, both 21, have been found guilty of causing the death of 21-year-old Ella Smith by dangerous driving.

This tragic event unfolded on the B4341 at Portfield Gate, near Haverfordwest, on the evening of June 13, 2021.

Ella Smith, a passenger in Clarke’s Ford Ka, lost her life in the crash, while Daisy Buck, traveling in a Seat Ibiza, suffered severe injuries. Price, though not directly involved in the collision, was accused of competitive speeding with Clarke, contributing to the fatal outcome.

After extensive deliberation, the jury rejected Clarke’s plea of causing death by careless driving, convicting him of the more severe charges of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving. Price, who denied all charges, was found guilty as charged.

The court heard harrowing details from that fateful day.

Clarke had invited Smith to Broad Haven beach, intending to drive her car back despite only holding a provisional license and having consumed alcohol.

Luis Heathfield, a witness, recounted Clarke’s reckless boasting about overtaking everyone on the return journey.

The sequence of events leading to the crash was vividly described by witnesses. Heathfield recalled Price driving aggressively, seemingly to prevent Clarke from overtaking.

Rowan Fair, the Seat Ibiza’s driver, described witnessing the high-speed overtaking maneuver and the ensuing chaos.

Tragically, the aftermath was grim. Buck sustained serious injuries, undergoing surgery and extensive hospital treatment. Clarke himself suffered significant injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, and had no recollection of the incident.

Technical evidence revealed by the vehicles’ black boxes painted a stark picture. Clarke’s Ford Ka averaged 70mph in the lead-up to the crash, exceeding the 60mph speed limit. At the moment of impact, its speed was 51mph.

Price’s defence, denying any racing or reckless overtaking, was ultimately unpersuasive.

The defendants await sentencing on January 19, currently out on bail and disqualified from driving.

Judge Paul Thomas KC commended the jury for their diligent consideration of this complex and tragic case.

 

Crime

Drug and weapon charges after Pembroke Dock arrest

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Man remanded in custody following Diamond Street vehicle search

A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing at Swansea Crown Court charged with drug, weapon and driving offences following an arrest in Pembroke Dock.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers from Pembrokeshire Roads Policing and response teams searched a vehicle on Diamond Street on Saturday (Apr 4).

Following the search, Zamurd Hussain, 43, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Hussain was later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Apr 6), where he was remanded in custody.

His next court appearance is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court at 9:00am on May 8.

 

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Crime

Woman fights order taking four dogs from her

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Swansea Crown Court hears appeal after long-running barking dispute in Trefin

A PEMBROKESHIRE woman has told Swansea Crown Court that complaints about her dogs are unfair as she appeals against the sentence imposed on her by magistrates, including the order that led to four of her dogs being taken from her.

Julia Goodgame appeared before His Honour Judge Simon Hughes on Friday (Apr 10) in the latest stage of a long-running case arising from complaints by residents in Trefin about persistent dog barking.

The appeal follows a ruling by Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in December, when Goodgame, of Bryn Y Derwydd, admitted breaching a Community Protection Notice issued by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Magistrates ordered the immediate forfeiture and seizure of four Border Collies, which Goodgame said were the only dogs in her possession.

The court heard on Friday that residents had complained of constant barking, with only short breaks of around 30 minutes, sometimes continuing until 10:00pm.

The dogs have reportedly remained in kennels since December while the appeal is dealt with.

Goodgame told the court: “My dogs are exceptionally well behaved.”

She also raised concerns about the conditions the animals are being kept in, saying the kennels were exposed to the weather and did not provide a suitable environment.

Goodgame said she had attended conflict resolution classes and had tried her best to resolve the issues raised by neighbours, but said she could not understand why the dogs had not been returned.

The original case followed months of complaints from residents in Trefin about dog noise and control. In addition to the forfeiture order, magistrates imposed a fine, costs and a Criminal Behaviour Order.

The case continues.

 

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Plaid Cymru commits to review 182-day rule

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SUPPORTING local tourism businesses is key, Plaid Cymru said as it launched its manifesto and confirmed it would review the 182-day threshold for holiday accommodation in Wales.

The party said it would also introduce clear and reasonable national exemptions in cases where accommodation should not be treated as a private home.

Plaid Cymru says many holiday-let business owners in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are struggling to meet the 182-day threshold each year due to factors beyond their control, including poor weather, and that this is having a serious impact on both their businesses and their wellbeing.

Under the party’s proposals, national exemptions would be introduced to ensure genuine holiday-let operators are treated fairly and given the support needed to help their businesses succeed.

Kerry Ferguson, Plaid Cymru Senedd candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, said: “As a business owner myself, I know how much financial pressure small businesses are under at the moment and the toll that can take on owners, their friends and families.

“We have heard directly from many furnished holiday-let owners in both Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire that lowering the 182-day threshold for overnight stays would make a huge difference to their businesses.

“I am pleased that Plaid Cymru has committed to reviewing the 182-day rule for non-domestic rates in Wales and to introducing national exemptions to help genuine businesses that are unfairly affected by the rule, while excluding self-catering accommodation that cannot be used on the open housing market.”

 

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