Crime

Romantic getaway ends in court for drink-driving plumber

Published

7 months ago

July 1, 2025

Third conviction for Birmingham man who drank on beach before driving

A ROMANTIC weekend in Pembrokeshire ended in court for a 43-year-old plumber after he was caught drink-driving following a tip-off that he had been swigging cider in a car park before getting behind the wheel.

Police were alerted at around 10:30am on June 15, after a report of a man seen drinking from a can of Strongbow cider in a Saundersfoot car park before driving away in a silver Peugeot.

Officers intercepted the vehicle travelling east on the A40 near the St Clears roundabout. It was being driven by Richard Powell, of Hollinwell Place, Birmingham, with his girlfriend in the passenger seat.

A roadside breath test gave a reading of 99mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. Further tests at the police station confirmed a reading of 87mcg. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Repeat offender

The court heard that this is Powell’s third conviction for drink-driving, following previous offences in 2004 and 2009.

“He’d come to Pembrokeshire on a romantic weekend and intended to propose to his girlfriend,” said his solicitor, Mike Kelleher. “But as they prepared to leave, his partner wasn’t feeling well and very foolishly, the defendant offered to drive, as he felt OK.”

Drinking on the beach

Probation officer Catrin Jones told the court that Powell had been drinking heavily during his holiday to celebrate the planned proposal. He drank on the beach that morning as a “farewell to Wales,” believing he was still fit to drive.

Shockingly, he admitted to drinking two pints of Carling before arriving at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for Tuesday’s hearing.

“He began drinking at the age of 13 and was alcohol dependent by 35,” said Ms Jones. “He now drinks twice a week, but during binge sessions, which happen roughly once a month, he consumes up to 18 cans of lager. Alcohol is clearly an issue for Mr Powell.”

Sentencing

Powell pleaded guilty to drink-driving, driving without a valid licence, and driving without insurance.

He was banned from driving for 22 months and sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days and a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement. He was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.

Crime

Pembroke Dock woman admits breaching community order

Published

2 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates revoke sentence after missed appointments

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has admitted breaching the terms of a community order.

Shannon Charge, aged 30, of Pater Court, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

She admitted failing to attend a scheduled probation appointment and a drug dependency appointment.

Magistrates revoked the existing community order and ordered her to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the order related to earlier offences, for which she had been made subject to rehabilitation and drug treatment requirements. A further review hearing is listed for March 2.

Crime

Milford Haven man given extra unpaid work after breaching court order

Published

3 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates add hours after missed appointments

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been ordered to complete extra unpaid work after breaching the terms of a community order.

Peter Jones, aged 33, of Precelly Place, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

He admitted failing to attend scheduled unpaid work and a probation appointment earlier this month.

Magistrates varied the order, imposing an additional 10 hours of unpaid work. Jones was also ordered to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the original community order followed an earlier conviction.

Crime

Dorset man stopped at Fishguard ferry given domestic violence order

Published

3 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates told of 13 prior incidents as protection order imposed

A DORSET man was stopped by police at Fishguard Harbour while attempting to travel to Ireland and has now been made subject to a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

Nathaniel Cruickshank, aged 22, of Gillingham, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

The court heard he had travelled to Pembrokeshire on January 30 and was intercepted at the ferry port while planning to board a sailing to Ireland with his partner, prompting police intervention.

Magistrates were told Cruickshank has a lengthy history of domestic violence and abusive behaviour, with officers having attended 13 separate incidents involving him.

Prosecutors outlined a number of previous allegations, including an incident in which he punched his mother in the face and another where he smashed a family television with a guitar after being refused money.

The court also heard that on January 29 a protected person attended their GP surgery expressing fear of him, triggering safeguarding measures.

Police subsequently served a Domestic Violence Protection Notice, and Cruickshank was later arrested at Fishguard.

Magistrates granted a 28-day Domestic Violence Protection Order preventing him from threatening or using violence, making any direct or indirect contact with the protected person, or returning to her address.

Issuing a warning in court, magistrates told him any breach would have serious consequences.