A MERLINS BRIDGE man has been sentenced for driving dangerously along a prolonged stretch of road between Merlins Bridge and Herbrandston.

Dashcam footage captured Nathan David Waller, 22, committing a series of dangerous manoeuvres, including:

• Crossing the central white line while approaching oncoming cars;
• Straddling the central white line repeatedly;
• Narrowly avoiding collisions with oncoming vehicles;
• Driving through two sets of red traffic lights;
• Crossing the central white line on bends.

This week, Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court reviewed the footage after Waller, of Freemans View, Merlins Bridge, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

‘Prolonged course of dangerous driving’

Crown Prosecutor Nia James told the court: “The defendant was seen by another motorist driving his silver Ford Focus between 11:20 am and 11:45 am on September 17.

“He contravened two sets of red traffic lights, prompting the motorist to continue following him and record the incident on a dashcam. It was a prolonged course of dangerous driving, and there appears to be absolutely no reason for what he did.”

Personal struggles and remorse

Probation officer Julie Norman revealed that Waller had no recollection of the events, citing personal difficulties at the time.

“Around that time, there was a bereavement in the family when his grandmother passed away, and his long-term relationship ended,” she said. “He moved back in with his mother and was taking over-the-counter medication to help with his sleep.”

Waller’s solicitor, Tom Lloyd, added: “This isn’t something he’s taken lightly, and the disqualification is going to be a huge punishment for him.”

Sentencing

Waller, who has no previous convictions, was sentenced to a 12-month community order, requiring him to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and will need to retake his driving test.

The court also ordered Waller to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

A PEMBROKESHIRE man accused of assaulting his former partner on two separate occasions has been remanded in custody after Crown Prosecution Service concerns that he may reoffend while on bail.

“Can he be trusted?” Crown Prosecutor Nia James asked Haverfordwest Magistrates this week, as Reece Cookson appeared via video link from Swansea Prison.

“The Crown is saying the answer is in the negative,” she added.

Cookson, 33, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, is accused of assaulting Cherrella McCalla on December 6, 2024, and again on January 19, 2025. The first incident allegedly involved assault by beating, while the second reportedly caused actual bodily harm. Cookson denies both charges.

Prosecution details alleged offences

“The offences go back to December 6 when the defendant arrived at the victim’s property in the early hours of the morning, armed with a knife, which was later found in the side of a settee,” explained Nia James.

“He damaged the kitchen door and kicked the woman in the mouth, causing damage to her lips. He was placed on conditional bail but was charged with fresh offences on January 19.”

In addition to the assault charges, Cookson is accused of possessing a knife in a public place and cultivating and possessing cannabis, a Class B controlled drug. He pleaded guilty to these additional offences.

Defence argues for bail

Cookson’s solicitor, Jess Hill, contested the Crown’s request for remand, arguing that Cookson’s grandparents in Devon had offered him a place to stay.

“He’s been in contact with his grandparents, and they’ve offered their address so he can live with them in Devon,” she said. “He believes it’ll be good for him to get out of the area and have the support of his family. This will help him to change his behaviour.”

Magistrates reject bail request

Following a short adjournment, magistrates rejected Jess Hill’s request and remanded Cookson in custody.

“There are substantial grounds to believe you might interfere with witnesses and commit further offences,” said presiding magistrate Mary Smith.

Cookson will remain in custody until February 25, when he is due to reappear before Haverfordwest Magistrates.

A HAKIN woman has been banned from contacting her mother after admitting to assaulting her in front of young children.

Rhian Gillard, 32, arrived at her mother’s home just before 9.30 am on June 25, with her mother, Peggy Sandy, previously agreeing to look after Gillard’s young children. The situation escalated when an argument broke out between the two women.

“They both had a challenging relationship,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

“An argument broke out, and Rhian Gillard ripped the glasses off Peggy Sandy’s face, grabbed her, put both hands around her throat and held it for a few seconds. The victim felt pain to the right side of her head.”

As Peggy Sandy sat on the settee, she used her feet to push against Gillard’s stomach to prevent her from approaching her again.

“I told her not to do this, particularly in front of the children, but she said I’d have to force her out,” Peggy Sandy said in her victim impact statement.

“I was shocked at her behaviour and very disappointed. Her temper is terrible, but I needed to put the children first.”

Gillard, of Waterloo Square, Hakin, pleaded guilty to assaulting Peggy Sandy by beating. She was represented in court by solicitor Fenn Richards.

“My client was instantly remorseful for her actions and handed herself in to the police station that same day,” Richards said. “Clearly, people don’t go out of their way to assault family members, but there had been ongoing issues between them. However, she acknowledges that what she did was wrong.”

After reviewing a pre-sentence report from the probation service, Magistrates sentenced Gillard, who has no previous convictions, to a 12-month Community Order. As part of the order, she must complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Gillard was also fined £40 and ordered to pay £75 in court costs and a £114 surcharge.

A restraining order was imposed, prohibiting Gillard from having any contact with her mother for the next 12 months.