Crime
Stoned driver was seven times over the drug-drive limit
A GOODWICK motorist who admitted driving his vehicle when he was seven times over the drug-drive limit has been ordered off the roads by a district judge.
Stephen Oldhoff, 25, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates earlier this week when he admitted driving on the A40 near to the Corner Piece pub, Haverfordwest after consuming Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. Blood tests carried out by police officers revealed he had no less than 16 mcg of the drug in his system; the legal limit is 2.
“It was a routine stop check carried out by officers at around 1pm on September 12, 2023,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court.
“During the conversation, officers discovered that the defendant had taken cannabis the previous evening.”
But Oldhoff’s solicitor, Fenn Richards, said that his drug intake was a means of dealing with the sudden loss of his father.
“His father passed away suddenly in August, and this has had a devastating impact on him,” she said.
“My client lost his job as a result of his grief, and this led to him taking cannabis.
“He’s now going to start a new job where he will be regularly drug tested and will spend a great deal of time out at sea.”
Oldhoff, of Plas y Gamil Road, Goodwick, Fishguard, was disqualified from driving for three years by District Judge Mark Layton. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.
“I understand there are difficult circumstances that led to this offence,” commented Judge Layton when imposing sentence.
Crime
Police appeal following assault outside Haverfordwest store
POLICE in Pembrokeshire are investigating an assault that happened outside B&M stores, Haverfordwest, at about 6.30pm on Tuesday, April 23.
The suspect is described as a teenage male wearing a balaclava and a cast on his wrist. He is believed to have left the location in a silver car.
The victim did not sustain any injuries.
The police have asked for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to get in touch with PC 1296 Clarke, either by:
| https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
| Direct message us on social media
| 101
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Crime
Businessman to stand trial for assault and strangulation
A HAVERFORDWEST businessman is to stand trial at Swansea Crown Court in September after denying charges of assaulting and strangling a woman
Appearing from custody, Oliver Torkington, 38, of Pembroke Road, appeared at the court for a plea hearing on April 26 where he pleaded not guilty.
Torkington is alleged to have assaulted a woman in St Clears on March 23, causing her actual bodily harm.
He is also accused of strangling her.
Crime
Arrested Pembroke Dock man jailed after hospital escape attempt
- Ashley Rickard, claimed he was entitled to flee custody at Withybush Hospital, believing he hadn’t committed the alleged offences.
IB a dramatic turn of events at Withybush Hospital, Pembroke Dock resident Ashley Rickard, 26, of Elizabeth Court, made a failed bid for freedom, resulting in a 27-week prison sentence. The incident occurred shortly after Rickard, who was under arrest for a series of alleged crimes, managed to break free from his handcuffs.
Prosecutor Georgia Donohue detailed the events leading up to the escape during the trial. Rickard had been apprehended at his grandmother’s home on December 4, suspected of offences that included burglary, making threats to kill, and criminal damage. Following his arrest, Rickard complained of ingesting a substance, believed to be Valium, which necessitated medical attention at Withybush Hospital.
While at the hospital, despite being handcuffed and flanked by police, Rickard succeeded in freeing one hand and fled as he was escorted through the hospital doors. His flight took him across the car park and into a nearby housing estate, though he was captured the following day hiding at his grandmother’s residence.
Defence barrister Harry Dickens conveyed Rickard’s belief that he had been wrongfully detained, claiming this perception fueled his decision to escape. However, Judge Paul Thomas KC dismissed this justification, stating, “If everyone did that there would be chaos. Anarchy would ensue.”
Despite the dramatic circumstances, Rickard’s escape was described by Mr. Dickens as “not a sophisticated attempt,” noting that Rickard had acted alone and returned to a familiar location.
On the day set for his trial, Rickard pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody, a plea accepted by the prosecution as witnesses for the other charges were not supportive. The court subsequently entered formal not guilty verdicts for the remaining allegations.
The episode has reignited discussions on the security measures in place for handling detainees at medical facilities and the broader implications of individuals taking justice into their own hands.
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