Crime
Haverfordwest Woman Sentenced for Drug Offences
AT Swansea Crown Court this week, Melissa Morris, a 30-year-old from Haverfordwest, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison after admitting to a series of drug-related charges. The charges include possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of criminal property, possession of cannabis, and possession of amphetamine.
The court heard that police were called to Morris’s residence on Goat Street around 6 pm on January 10, following reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers were greeted by Morris, who initially claimed to have been upset over her partner. However, a search of the premises revealed a significant quantity of drugs, including 62.238g of cocaine, valued at approximately £7,900, 11.3g of cannabis, and 1.8g of amphetamine.
Additionally, law enforcement found digital scales with powder residue, small packaging bags, and £850 in cash, which Morris attempted to dismiss as savings and holiday funds. She attributed the presence of the drugs to her ex-partner, suggesting he had left them behind.
Prosecutor Sian Cutter presented the evidence, while Morris’s defence, led by Dan Griffiths, highlighted her struggles with substance abuse and a series of challenging relationships. Griffiths pointed to Morris’s efforts to rehabilitate, noting her completion of a detox programme while in custody.
Judge Huw Rees, in his remarks to Morris, underscored the severity of her offences and the broader societal harm caused by drug distribution. He emphasized the need for Morris to make more constructive life choices moving forward.
Morris’s sentence includes concurrent terms for the possession of criminal property and possession of both cannabis and amphetamine, alongside the primary sentence for her cocaine charge. Judge Rees also decreed that the seized £850 be allocated to Dyfed-Powys Police for initiatives aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
This case sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by communities in West Wales in combating drug-related issues and the legal system’s efforts to address these concerns.
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.
-
News2 days ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News2 days ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
News2 days ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Crime3 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
Business7 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Business3 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News20 hours ago
Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor
-
News3 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson