Crime
Chef admits driving after taking cannabis
A MOTORIST who uses cannabis to self-medicate as a result of his ADHD has appeared before magistrates for sentence after being caught driving over the legal drug-drive limit.
Daniel Sutton, 23, was stopped by police officers on August 3 as he drove his Volkswagen Scirocco along the B4328 at Whitland.
“He was stopped as a result of his excessive speeds,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
A roadside drugs swipe proved positive and Sutton, of Clos Griffith Jones, St Clears, was taken to the police custody suite where further blood tests were carried out. These confirmed that he had 3.6mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in his blood; the specified legal limit is 2.
Sutton pleaded guilty to a charge of driving over the specified controlled drug limit and was legally represented in court by Mr Tom Lloyd.
The solicitor explained that the mandatory disqualification will have grave repercussions on Sutton who is employed as a chef.
“My client is a trained chef and will now find it impossible to seek work which he can walk to or get to on public transport from his home in St Clears,” he said.
“The disqualification is going to affect him dramatically.”
Mr Lloyd went on to say that Sutton was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of nine, for which he has been receiving regular treatment. But when he turned 16, Sutton found himself waiting for transferral to the adult register.“
He’s still waiting for treatment and as a result, he very foolishly started self medicating with cannabis,” said Tom Lloyd.
Imposing sentence, presiding magistrate Ms Mary Smith increased Sutton’s fine as a result of the excessive speeds which were reported by the officers following his arrest.
He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £80 court surcharge. He was disqualified from driving for three years.
Crime
Arrest made following report of sexual assault in Haverfordwest
DETECTIVES in Haverfordwest are appealing for witnesses following a report of a sexual assault which occurred at approximately 10:00pm-11:30pm on Thursday (May 16) in the vicinity of Dew St, Haverfordwest.
A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
The police have asked that anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the area at the time and may have information that could help officers with enquiries, is asked to contact police.
Police can be contacted either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference:427 of 16th
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crime
Four young Pembrokeshire men arrested on suspicion of rape
DETECTIVES looking into a serious allegation of rape and sexual assault that took place in Saundersfoot on Saturday (May 11) have made arrests, The Herald can confirm.
Four males, aged 22, 21, 20 and 19 were arrested on suspicion of rape. They have now been released pending further enquiries.
A police spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire Herald on Thursday (May 16): “Dyfed Powys is investigating an allegation of rape and sexual assault that took place in Saundersfoot on May 11. The victim is being supported by specialist officers.
“Four men, aged 22, 21, 20 and 19 have been arrested on suspicion of rape. All four have been released on conditional bail pending further police enquiries.
Crime
Father must stay out of trouble be jailed, says judge
A FATHER who attacked his then-girlfriend in a violent outburst has been sentenced to a suspended prison term, with the warning that any further trouble will result in jail time.
Christopher Bendall, 33, of Great Eastern Terrace, Neyland, must remain law-abiding for the next 18 months or serve a 12-month prison sentence for two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 6 August 2022, when Bendall returned home after a night out. His then-girlfriend, who had also been out separately, entered his unlocked home at approximately 4.20am. Upon waking Bendall, she questioned him about messages from another woman found on his phone. The confrontation escalated from a verbal dispute to a physical altercation.
Bendall threw a footstool and the victim’s mobile phone at her, both of which missed. He then pushed her to the floor, dragged her by her hair, slapped her face, and dragged her into the hallway. The victim managed to escape by grabbing Bendall by his testicles, causing him to release her grip. She fled the property, taking Bendall’s mobile phone with her.
Following the assault, Bendall called 999, accusing the woman of attacking him. Police initially arrested her but released her after noticing her injuries, which included carpet burns, bruises, and redness. Bendall was then arrested.
The court heard that this was not the first assault. In May, Bendall had thrown his mobile phone at the woman, breaking her finger.
Bendall initially denied the charges but later pleaded guilty to the two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Three other charges, including controlling or coercive behaviour, assault by beating, and strangulation, were dropped, and not guilty verdicts were formally entered for these counts.
In her victim impact statement, the woman revealed that she had been seeing a counsellor and was on anxiety medication following the assaults. She expressed that she still struggled to feel normal and feared going out alone.
Bendall’s defence highlighted that he was a father of three, a successful solar electrician, and previously of clean character. They noted that he was a good father, very involved with his children, and had well-paid employment. It was also stated that he had abstained from alcohol and had no further incidents since August 2022.
Judge Mr Recorder D Elias KC took into account Bendall’s plea, a pre-sentence report, and two character references. He acknowledged the psychological harm caused to the victim and described the injuries from the second assault as ‘nasty.’
Bendall was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to attend a Building Better Relationships course, undertake ten days of rehabilitation activity, and complete 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £1,500 in court costs and a £156 victim surcharge within six months.
-
Entertainment3 days ago
Dolly Parton to explore Welsh roots near Tenby in upcoming TV special
-
News6 days ago
Cyclist dies during annual charity ride to Tenby
-
Crime4 days ago
Milford woman ’caused significant life-changing injuries to motorcyclist’
-
News2 days ago
Life literally ‘buzzing’ for west Wales EuroMillion winners
-
Crime2 days ago
Four young Pembrokeshire men arrested on suspicion of rape
-
News4 days ago
Sian Batchelor: Police issue new appeal for information
-
Community4 days ago
Work to begin on Pembrokeshire’s ‘treacherous’ stretch of road
-
Crime4 days ago
Pembrokeshire firefighter admits drink-driving