Crime

Disqualified driver caught four times in Ceredigion jailed

Published

8 months ago

April 23, 2025

A DANGEROUS driver who caused a woman’s death has been jailed again after he was caught behind the wheel in Ceredigion on four separate occasions – despite being banned from driving for ten years.

Alexander May, aged 36, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week after being spotted driving a dumper truck at various locations across the county.

The court heard that May was disqualified from driving in December 2017 after a jury at Salisbury Crown Court found him guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. During that trial, it was revealed that May’s BMW had ploughed into a nurse who had just finished a shift at Savernake Hospital in Swindon. The woman died at the scene. He was sentenced to six years in prison and banned from driving for ten years.

Despite the lengthy disqualification, CCTV footage showed May driving a dumper truck on four occasions between March 8 and April 21 this year.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of driving while disqualified and four counts of driving without insurance.

“He has no excuse for what he’s done – it was pure stupidity,” said his solicitor, Fenn Richards.

Richards told the court that May, a father-of-five, had moved with his wife from Wiltshire to Devil’s Bridge to give their children access to better education. He said May’s primary concern was whether he would receive an immediate custodial sentence, given his “unique personal circumstances and caring responsibilities.”

May was sentenced to 24 weeks in custody. A further 18 months was added to his current driving disqualification, meaning he is now banned for an additional 53 months. He was also ordered to pay a £187 surcharge and £85 in costs.

“You were driving a very large vehicle while carrying children in the car, possibly for reward,” said the presiding magistrate. “And possibly this vehicle had been acquired during your disqualification.”

Crime

Van driver avoids ban after speeding on A48

Published

15 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A VAN driver who was caught speeding on the A48 near Nantycaws avoided disqualification after magistrates accepted that a ban would cause exceptional hardship to others.

Norman Andrew Chapman, aged 59, of Rock Drive, Gelli, Pentre, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15).

Chapman admitted driving a Ford Transit 350 panel van at 68mph on a dual carriageway subject to a 60mph limit for that class of vehicle. The offence occurred at 1:05pm on April 2 and was detected using laser equipment.

The court heard detailed mitigation outlining Chapman’s caring responsibilities. He helps care for his housebound mother, who is on oxygen, and has taken on additional responsibilities while his brother undergoes cancer treatment. Magistrates were also told he assists a lifelong friend with panic attacks by taking her shopping, and that losing his licence would jeopardise his employment and potentially affect his employer’s business.

Finding exceptional hardship, the court decided not to disqualify Chapman.

He was fined £193, ordered to pay £400 in prosecution costs, and had three penalty points added to his driving licence.

Crime

Harassment case against Milford Haven man dismissed

Published

15 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A HARASSMENT case against a Milford Haven man was dismissed after prosecutors offered no evidence.

David Daley, aged 45, of Murray Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15) for trial.

Daley had denied a charge of harassment without violence, relating to allegations that between October 28 and October 30 he persistently sent unwanted messages and attended at the home address of a female in Prioryville, Milford Haven.

No evidence was offered by the Crown Prosecution Service, and the charge was formally dismissed by the court.

Crime

Carmarthen man given restraining order after public order offence

Published

15 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A CARMARTHEN man has been handed a restraining order after admitting a public order offence involving a woman known to him.

Joe Davies, aged 40, of Rhos Las, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15), where he pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The offence took place in Carmarthen on April 10, when Davies directed his behaviour towards Helena Davies.

The court heard that a victim personal statement was presented and read aloud by the prosecution.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge, taking Davies’ guilty plea into account. He was also ordered to pay £350 in prosecution costs.

A restraining order was imposed, banning Davies from contacting Helena Davies directly or indirectly, entering her home, or referring to her on any electronic device or online platform. The order will remain in force until December 15, 2026.