Crime

Motorcyclist had life-changing injuries after collision in Milford Haven

Published

1 year ago

August 9, 2024

A MOTORIST has been sentenced after causing a motorcyclist to suffer life-altering injuries in a collision near Milford Haven. The tragic incident occurred when Charlotte Harding, 38, pulled out of a junction without properly checking for oncoming traffic, leading to a devastating crash with paramedic Sean Luby.

The court heard how Mr Luby, 65, was riding his Honda motorcycle along Steynton Road at around 5:15 pm on January 29 of last year when the collision occurred. Despite the fact that the motorcyclist’s headlight was illuminated, Harding, who was driving home from her parents’ house with her children in her Audi A3, failed to see him and pulled out directly into his path. In a desperate attempt to avoid the collision, Mr Luby swerved and braked hard, but was unable to avert the crash. The impact threw him from his bike, leaving him unconscious on the road with severe injuries.

Prosecutor Hannah George told Swansea Crown Court that Mr Luby sustained a catalogue of catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain damage, multiple broken bones, and serious internal injuries. He was immediately attended to by off-duty nurses and firefighters who happened to be nearby. Their quick response, which included performing CPR after Mr Luby went into cardiac arrest, was credited with saving his life. He was then airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where he was placed in a medically induced coma and received extensive treatment, including blood transfusions and surgeries.

The court was told that Mr Luby’s injuries were so severe that he required two months of hospitalisation at Cardiff before being transferred to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, and later to Neath Port Talbot Hospital for neuro-rehabilitation. His life has been irrevocably altered; he now suffers from limited mobility, impaired vision, chronic pain, and speaks with a stutter. Once a dedicated paramedic of over 30 years, Mr Luby is no longer able to work and has had to relocate to a bungalow better suited to his new physical limitations.

In an emotional impact statement read to the court, Mr Luby spoke of how his life had been “turned upside down” and expressed his bewilderment over why Harding had not seen him. He described the profound effect the crash has had on his family and lamented the loss of what had been a “boring and normal” life—one he would “take back in a heartbeat.”

Harding, who had no previous convictions and held a clean driving licence prior to the incident, expressed deep remorse for her actions. During her interviews with police, she acknowledged her fault, stating she was “mortified” by what had happened and admitted that she “had not looked long enough” at the junction. Her defence barrister, Ian Bridge, highlighted that Harding had been “broken” by the crash, expressing her deep regret and wishing she could turn back time to avoid the tragedy.

Judge Paul Thomas KC, in delivering the sentence, described the case as “tragic” and acknowledged the catastrophic impact the crash had on Mr Luby’s life. He noted that while the defendant had not acted with malicious intent, her carelessness had nonetheless resulted in devastating consequences. Judge Thomas pointed out that Harding “simply ought to have seen” the motorcyclist and should not have pulled out until she was certain it was safe.

Acknowledging the profound consequences of the incident, Judge Thomas sentenced Harding to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, 10 rehabilitation activity days, and was disqualified from driving for one year.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the life-changing consequences that can result from a moment’s inattention on the road.

Crime

Lamphey parent fined over child’s school attendance record

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PARENT from the Lamphey area has been fined after failing to ensure their child attended school regularly, magistrates heard.

The case was dealt with in the defendant’s absence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 11) following proceedings brought by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that between Wednesday (April 30) and Friday (May 23), the parent failed to secure regular school attendance for their child, who was of compulsory school age at the time.

The offence was brought under section 444 of the Education Act 1996, which places a legal duty on parents to ensure their children attend school regularly.

The case was proved in absence, and magistrates imposed a fine of £220. The parent was also ordered to pay an £88 victim services surcharge and £100 in prosecution costs.

A collection order was made, with the total balance of £408 to be paid by Thursday (Jan 9).

Magistrates imposed reporting restrictions under section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. These prohibit the publication of any information that could identify the child involved, including names, addresses, schools, workplaces or images. The restrictions remain in force until the child reaches the age of eighteen.

Crime

Haverfordwest couple fined over child’s school attendance

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A COUPLE from the Haverfordwest school area have been fined after failing to ensure their child attended school regularly, a magistrates’ court has heard.

The pair were dealt with at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 11) in separate but linked cases brought by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that over a period in May, the couple failed to secure regular attendance at school for their child, who was of compulsory school age at the time.

Both cases were brought under section 444 of the Education Act 1996, which places a legal duty on parents to ensure their children attend school regularly.

One parent admitted the offence, with the guilty plea taken into account during sentencing. They were fined £40 and ordered to pay a £16 victim services surcharge and £128 in prosecution costs.

The second parent did not attend court and the case was proved in absence. Magistrates imposed a £60 fine, along with a £24 victim services surcharge and £100 in costs.

Collection orders were made in both cases, with payments set at £24 per month starting in January.

Magistrates imposed strict reporting restrictions under section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. These prohibit the publication of any information that could identify the child involved, including names, addresses, schools, workplaces or images.

The restrictions remain in place until the child reaches the age of eighteen.

Crime

Trefin dog case ends in forfeiture order after protection notice breach

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Village protest followed months of complaints about barking

A WOMAN from north Pembrokeshire has been fined £1,000 and ordered to forfeit four dogs after repeatedly breaching a Community Protection Notice issued following complaints and protests in her village.

Julia Goodgame, aged fifty-eight, of Bryn Y Derwydd, Trefin, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Dec 11), where she admitted failing to comply with the terms of a notice served by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that on Friday (June 20) Goodgame failed to secure control of her dogs just three days after a Community Protection Notice was issued on Tuesday (June 17). The notice was served under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The case followed months of complaints from residents in Trefin relating to dog noise and control. Earlier this year, the dispute escalated into a public protest in the village, with a number of residents gathering to raise concerns about constant barking and its impact on daily life.

Goodgame had previously denied breaching the notice when she first appeared before magistrates in September. At that hearing, the council alleged multiple breaches across June and July and said enforcement action had been taken only after informal measures failed. A trial was later listed for Monday (Nov 10), with several witnesses expected to give evidence.

However, at the November hearing, Goodgame changed her plea from not guilty to guilty to one offence, with the remaining allegations not proceeded with.

As part of Wednesday’s sentence, magistrates ordered the immediate forfeiture and seizure of four Border Collie dogs, which Goodgame told the court were the only dogs in her possession.

Authorised officers from Pembrokeshire County Council are permitted to seize the dogs, with custody transferred to the council or an approved animal welfare organisation to ensure their humane handling and care. The court granted the council powers to rehome the dogs through reputable animal welfare organisations, or to destroy them if deemed necessary.

Goodgame was also ordered to pay the reasonable costs of seizure, transport, detention and any veterinary treatment required, along with additional enforcement costs.

A Criminal Behaviour Order was imposed until further order of the court. The order prohibits Goodgame from allowing her dogs to create unreasonable noise, leaving dogs outdoors while she is absent from the property, or allowing dog faeces to accumulate at the address. Any waste stored on the premises must be kept in secured bins away from boundary fences.

In addition to the £1,000 fine, she was ordered to pay a £400 victim services surcharge and £1,200 in prosecution costs. A collection order was made, allowing deductions to be taken directly from benefits if necessary.

The forfeiture order was made under section 50 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.