Crime
Farm mechanic admits drink driving after losing control of vehicle
A PEMBROKESHIRE farm mechanic has been sentenced by magistrates after driving his vehicle at speed towards another car when he was over the drink-drive limit.
William Griffiths was driving his Seat Leon on an unclassified road between Maenclochog and Clarbeston just before 7pm on April 22.
“Another motorist was on her way home and she slowed down when the vehicle in front of her indicated to turn right,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“But she then heard the sound of screeching tyres and saw a car travelling towards her at speed, breaking heavily and swerving across the road.”
The out-of-control car was being driven by William Griffiths, 47, of Clyn, Maenclochog.
“He shunted forward and skid marks could be seen on the road,” continued Ms Jackson. “Police officers were called and when they spoke to the defendant, they could smell alcohol on his breath.”
A roadside breath test proved positive and Griffiths was taken to a police custody suite where he gave two further breath tests, the lowest giving a reading of 67 mcg. The legal limit is 35.
Ms Jackson confirmed that during a police interview, Griffiths admitted drinking three pints of lager earlier that evening.
“It’s sad that someone at the age of 47 comes before the court with a hitherto clean character,” said his barrister, David Griffiths, in mitigation.
“This was an exceptional situation as my client had been told that one of his friends had died suddenly that day.
“Because of this, he called into a pub and drank more than he should have.”
Mr Griffiths said that his client works as a self-employed mechanic on his family farm.
After considering the facts, magistrates disqualified Williams Griffiths from driving for a total of 18 months. He was fined £440 and ordered to pay a £176 court surcharge and £85 costs.
Crime
Police standoff ends after four-hour incident in Pembroke Dock
ELIZABETH COURT SCENE STOOD DOWN AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT
A FOUR-HOUR police standoff in Pembroke Dock has ended with a 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident at Elizabeth Court has now been stood down and the scene released.
The man has been taken to hospital to receive medical attention.
Chief Inspector Dominic Jones said: “I want to thank local residents for their patience while we dealt with this incident. I understand that such a large police presence in a residential street is concerning to see, and I’m grateful to everyone who co-operated with our officers at the scene.
“I’d like to offer my reassurance that our units responded to an isolated domestic incident, and there was no further threat posed to the wider community. The scene has now been released, and we will investigate the full circumstances of this morning’s incident.”

Officers were called to the address this morning (Saturday, May 9), with a large police presence remaining in the area for several hours.
Eyewitnesses told The Herald that police were asking a man upstairs to come down, with tasers drawn during the incident.
Police dogs, specialist officers and what appeared to be a negotiator were also seen at the scene.
The incident lasted from around 11:00am until about 3:10pm.

Crime
Teen denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher
TEENAGER REMANDED AHEAD OF JULY TRIAL
A 15-YEAR-old boy has denied attempting to murder a teacher during a stabbing incident at Milford Haven School.
The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (May 8).
He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding with a knife.
The charges relate to an incident at Milford Haven School on Thursday, February 5, when emergency services were called after reports that a teacher had been assaulted by a pupil carrying a weapon.
The school was placed into lockdown and pupils were later safely evacuated.
The injured teacher was taken to hospital with stab wounds, but was discharged later the same day.
Police said at the time that specialist officers were supporting the victim and the wider school community.
The teenager was remanded in custody following Friday’s hearing.
A trial is due to begin on July 6.
Crime
Racial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge
ARMED police were called to a supported accommodation building in Johnston after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside a room while behaving aggressively and racially abusing staff.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were called to Silverdale Lodge at around 8:55am on Saturday (May 2) following reports of disorder involving a resident.
According to police, the man allegedly acted aggressively towards staff members and made racially abusive comments before barricading himself inside a room at the property.
The force said armed officers were deployed to ensure the safety of staff, other occupants and the man himself.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police was called to Silverdale Lodge in Johnston at approximately 8.55am on May 2 following a report of a male behaving in an aggressive manner and being racially abusive towards a member of staff.
“Officers attended the scene and the male had barricaded himself in a room.
“In order to ensure the safety of the male, staff members and other occupants of the building, armed officers attended the scene.
“The man was detained and arrested. There were no injuries to members of staff or officers reported. There is currently no ongoing threat to the public.”
Police confirmed Billy Pitman, aged 29, has been charged with racially aggravated public order offences, criminal damage and threats to cause criminal damage in connection with the incident.
Pitman was remanded into custody and appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 4).
We will bring you the court result as we receive it.
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