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Crime

Pembrokeshire lifeguard admits drink-driving through town centre

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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

Arrests made after large-scale cannabis operation raided in Pembroke Dock

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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)

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Crime

Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident

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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.

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Crime

Police arrest suspects following vehicle interferences in Haverfordwest

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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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