Crime

Romantic getaway ends in court for drink-driving plumber

Published

12 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

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

9 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

9 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.