Crime
Disqualified driver avoids jail after ‘very foolish’ puppy trip
A DISQUALIFIED driver who took a chance of driving a hired Mercedes to Pembrokeshire in order to view a litter of puppies has narrowly avoided a prison sentence.
Michael Arundel, 33, made the decision from his home in Ammanford on February 6, despite being a disqualified driver. But as he drove the hired Europcar vehicle along the A40 in Letterston, he was stopped by police officers.
“The car had been hired by another individual, which meant that the defendant was not authorised to drive it,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
Meanwhile probation officer Julie Norman stressed the seriousness of the offence,
“This was a very foolish decision that he made and it does cross the custody threshold,” she said.
“That day, the Mercedes was parked outside his house in Ammanford, but he then decided to drive it to this area to have a look at some puppies. He took a chance, but didn’t think the police would stop a car like that.”
Arundel pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified, taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent and using the vehicle on a public road without third party insurance.
He was sentenced to an 18-month Community Order, during which he must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and ten rehabilitation requirement days. He was disqualified from driving for 24 months. He must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.
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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