Crime
Convicted drug-driver caught flouting ban by police
A 66-YEAR-OLD motorist who was banned from driving following a drug-drive conviction has re-appeared before magistrates after being caught driving despite his disqualification.
Philp O’Connell was spotted by officers as he drove his Audi A4 along the A40 in Cartlett, Haverfordwest, on January 12.
“Police checks showed that the vehicle had no insurance,” Crown Prosecutor Kelly Rivers told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
Further checks confirmed that O’Connell had been disqualified by magistrates in March, 2023 for a total of 12 months after being convicted of driving after consuming illegal drugs.
But his solicitor, Mr Tom Lloyd, informed magistrates that O’Connell believed his disqualification had terminated in November.
“But he accepts now that he should not have been driving that day,” he said.
Mr Lloyd went on to describe his client as ‘an extremely vulnerable individual’.
O’Connell, of Abbots Close, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified and of using a motor vehicle without third party insurance.
He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge. He was also disqualified from driving for an additional five months.
Crime
Arrests made after large-scale cannabis operation raided in Pembroke Dock
POLICE in Pembroke Dock have uncovered yet another large-scale cannabis operation, as part of an ongoing clampdown on illegal farms in the area. On Monday (Nov 4), Dyfed-Powys Police executed a search warrant at a property on Dimond Street, where officers found over 500 cannabis plants in a sophisticated cultivation setup.
Two men, aged 26 and 34, have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently in police custody. The raid follows a series of similar operations in Pembrokeshire, targeting properties used for illegal drug cultivation.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Crime
Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident
RHYS GRIFFITHS, a former bin lorry driver, has been banned from driving after injuring a man by colliding with his car door during a road confrontation on St Issels Avenue, Haverfordwest, on 22 February 2023.
Swansea Crown Court heard from Prosecutor Harry Dickens that Griffiths, 32, accelerated towards the victim’s vehicle, stopping bumper-to-bumper. Following a brief verbal exchange, the victim turned back to his car, only to hear Griffiths rev his engine, mount the kerb, and strike the driver-side door, pinning the man against his own car. Though the victim felt pain in his thighs, he did not require medical attention, and only minor damage was reported to the car.
Griffiths left the scene without stopping, and a witness alerted the police. The victim later told officers: “There was no need for this incident at all.”
Griffiths initially pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving, later changing his plea to guilty on the day of his trial. His defence lawyer, Emily Bennett, expressed Griffiths’ “deep shame” over the incident, noting he had been redeployed from his job as a bin lorry driver due to the offence.
Judge Paul Thomas KC described Griffiths’ actions as “incredibly stupid” and sentenced him to 10 months, suspended for 18 months. Griffiths must complete 100 hours of unpaid work, 25 rehabilitation days, and pay £1,200 in costs due to the lateness of his plea. Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must pass an extended driving test to regain his licence.
Crime
Police arrest suspects following vehicle interferences in Haverfordwest
HAVERFORDWEST police responded swiftly after reports of multiple vehicle interferences in the Tasker Way area on Sunday night/early Monday morning (Nov 4).
Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPPT) conducted extensive house-to-house enquiries, gathering evidence and reassuring the community. These efforts led to the identification of two suspects.
Both NPPT and Response teams acted promptly, locating and arresting the suspects, who are now in police custody.
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