Crime

Pembrokeshire lifeguard admits drink-driving through town centre

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2024

A PEMBROKESHIRE lifeguard has found himself before magistrates after being caught driving through Haverfordwest town centre when he was over twice the legal drink-drive limit.

Police officers observed Ben Macdougall drive his BMW 1 Series along Quay Street, Haverfordwest at around 1.30am on January 21.

“Police decided to stop him as a result of the standard of his driving,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“There were passengers in the vehicle and initially he didn’t stop. He was obstructive to begin with, but was then compliant.”

MS Vaughan said that when Macdougall was taken to a police custody suite, he provided breath samples which gave the lowest reading of 72 mcg of alcohol. The legal limit is 35.

Macdougall, of Ivy Park, Burton, pleaded guilty to a charge of drink-driving. He was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher who presented District Judge Mark Layton with a character reference which he described as ‘a glowing picture’ of his client.

“He’s just finished a plumbing course in Pembrokeshire college and is now looking for an apprenticeship, although he’s still working part time as a lifeguard,” he said. “But his job prospects are going to be far more difficult now, after losing his licence.

“This is the first time he’s been stopped by police and it was a terrible mistake on his part.”

After considering the mitigation, District Judge Mark Layton disqualified Macdougall from driving for 19 months. He was find £200 and ordered to pay £100 costs and a £50 court surcharge.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

19 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Police seize off-road bike after anti-social driving complaints in Hakin

Published

21 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

OFFICERS from Milford Haven and Neyland Police have seized an off-road bike following multiple reports of reckless and anti-social driving in the Hakin area.

Members of the public raised concerns about the manner in which the bike was being ridden, prompting police action. The vehicle was seized yesterday (Tuesday) as part of efforts to address ongoing issues linked to illegal off-road biking.

Police have reminded residents that such bikes are not road legal and must only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Officers are urging the public to continue reporting incidents and sharing information to help tackle the problem in local communities.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, via email at [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Milford roofer fined after abusive call to rival firm

Published

23 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

56-year-old admitted making threats and using offensive language in business dispute

A MILFORD HAVEN roofer has been fined after making an abusive and threatening phone call to a rival company.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that on Sunday (Feb 2), John Fitzgerald, 56, made a single phone call to a competing roofing business.

“During the course of the phone call, threats were made to the other company’s boss,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.

“The reason for the threats was that the defendant believes this other company is taking business away from him. The lady who took the call felt alarmed and distressed as he used foul language towards her.”

The court heard the victim contacted police following the incident but chose not to provide a victim impact statement and did not seek a restraining order.

“When he was spoken to by officers he said he’d been a d***,” added Nia James.

“He said he’d had a couple of beers and was getting wound up, as he was fed up with them nicking his work. But it was just one phone call.”

Representing Fitzgerald, Fenn Richards said he accepted his wrongdoing.

“He accepts wrongdoing as he’d had a few too many drinks, he made the phone call, and people were winding him up,” she said.

“The defendant has been in the roofing trade since he was 14, and he believed this person had set up a new business and was taking business away from him. But he didn’t mean any harm by it.”

Fitzgerald, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge.