Crime
Second drug-driving offence in ten years admitted in court
A HAVERFORDWEST motorist has been taken off the road for three years after committing his second drug-driving offence in ten years.
Philip O’Connell, 66, was stopped by officers just after 10.30pm on January 2 as he drove his Audi A4 along the A40 at Scotchwell, Haverfordwest.
Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Haverfordwest magistrates that this was because officers believed he may have been committing a driving offence.
A roadside drugs swipe proved positive and O’Connell was then asked to provide blood tests for further analyses. These showed he had 446 mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system, which is a derivative of cocaine. The legal threshold limit is 50.
The court was told that in March 2023, O’ Connell, of Abbots Close, Haverfordwest, was convicted of a similar drug-driving offence.
He was legally represented in court by Mr Tom Lloyd.
“He is not a well man at all,” Mr Lloyd told the court.
“He has significant health problems including angina, a quadruple bypass, bowel cancer, ulcers on his feet and he’s also had a stroke and is diabetic. His health is in a terrible state and he’s used cocaine to help him.”
Mr Lloyd added that in March of this year, his partner of 30 years passed away.
“Since her death, he hasn’t coped very well at all. This is a very difficult time for him and he’s really struggling with the grief.”
O’Connell was disqualified from driving for three years. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.
DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating a domestic burglary which occurred at an address in Precelly Place, Milford Haven, on Wednesday (Apr 23).
Officers hand-delivered letters to residents in the area on Thursday (Apr 24), appealing for information that may assist with the investigation.
No arrests have been made at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.
A MAN from St Davids is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse, including physical assault and coercive control, spanning more than two years.
Ryan Bowen, aged 44, of Nun Street, appeared in court accused of controlling and abusive behaviour towards his partner between August 2019 and January 2022.
Bowen is alleged to have physically assaulted the woman by slamming a car door on her leg, punching her in the ribs, and pushing her. The court also heard he verbally abused her, belittled her as a mother, and threatened to kill her.
It is further alleged he controlled her finances, dictated what she wore, where she could sleep, and where she was allowed to work.
Prosecutors also claimed he threatened to take her children away and told her he would kill himself if she ever left him.
Bowen has denied the charges.
Judge Paul Thomas KC asked defence barrister Dyfed Thomas whether his client would consider pleading guilty to any lesser charges. Mr Thomas responded that Bowen was “adamant” the allegations were untrue and would not be changing his plea.
A trial has been listed for December 9. Bowen was granted bail until that date.
POLICE are investigating the theft of a motorbike from the A470 near Storey Arms, close to Brecon.
The Lexmoto LXR, described as blue and silver in colour, was awaiting recovery when it was stolen sometime between 9:00pm on Tuesday (Apr 8) and 11:00am on Wednesday (Apr 9).
Officers are appealing to anyone who was travelling along the A470 during that time and may have seen anything suspicious.
Dash cam footage could be especially helpful to the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via:
| Online form
| 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk
| 101
Quote reference: 25*307219
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