A VAN DRIVER has been fined for failing to comply with a traffic sign on the A40 near Narberth.

Ieuan Jones, 21, of Brynheulog, Maesglas, Tredegar appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Mar 12), where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

The court heard that on October 11, 2024, at 5:16pm, Jones was driving a Citroen Relay along the A40 when he failed to comply with a no-overtaking sign. The restriction was part of The A40 Trunk Road (Robeston Wathen Roundabout to Pengawse Hill Junction) Temporary Traffic Order 2022.

Jones was fined £40, ordered to pay £110 in costs, and a £16 victim surcharge. He must pay the total amount by April 9, 2025.

A second charge against him—failing to provide police with the identity of a driver—was withdrawn.

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has appeared in court accused of multiple serious offences, including rape and controlling behaviour, with the case now being sent to Swansea Crown Court.

Phillip Evans, 74, of Derwent Street, Llanelli, appeared before his local magistrates’ court on Tuesday (Mar 12) facing three charges: rape, sexual assault, and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship.

The court heard that Evans is accused of raping a female over the age of 16 at an address in Llanelli between October 31, 2022, and December 28, 2022.

A second charge alleges that during the same period, he sexually assaulted the same woman by penetration without her consent.

A further charge states that between September 1, 2022, and December 28, 2022, Evans engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour towards his former partner, knowing his actions would have a serious effect on her.

Evans did not enter pleas to the charges during the hearing.

The magistrates declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the allegations and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court under Section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

He was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Swansea Crown Court on April 4 at 9:30am.

Due to legal restrictions under the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992, the identity of the complainant is protected.

The case was heard by magistrates Mrs A Milward, Ms M Radford, and Mrs C Jones, with Sian Vaughan prosecuting on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service.

A Milford man has admitted hurling a barrage of racial insults at a male, after calling him ‘a black b******’ and ‘n** n**.

Appearing via a video link from HM Parc Prison, Ben Hilton, 32, admitted carrying out the racially aggravated harassment of Mr Mikeal Campbell between February 19 and February 27, 2024.

“Work had been carried out at the victim’s property in Market Street, Haverfordwest and a dispute broke out over money and how much work had been undertaken,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“There was a break down in their working relationship, and various comments were made to the victim.

“These included ‘a dirty conman’, ‘a dirty black b****** and a’n** n**’.

Hilton, 32, of Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven, was legally represented in court by Alaw Harries.

“No threats of violence were made, although he accepts that this was racially aggravated,” she said.

“He should not have made those comments, and he knows that.

“But the defendant was frustrated as he believed the victim owned him money for work. However some level of distress was caused to the victim.”

Alaw Harries said that Hilton is currently serving a custodial sentence following a previous conviction in July 2024.

“Since then, he’s made significant progress in custody and is in a stable environment where he can address his issues,” she said.

“He’s been working as a cleaner and has been doing educational work in English and maths.”

Hilton was sentenced to nine weeks in custody. He was ordered to pay a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.