Crime
Motorist banned after being caught driving with cocaine in his system
Blood tests showed drug levels far above the legal limit, court hears
A PEMBROKESHIRE motorist has been banned from driving after being caught behind the wheel with extremely high levels of cocaine in his system.
Rhun Francis, 53, was stopped by police on August 13 while driving his Ford Puma through Letterston. Subsequent blood tests revealed he had 800 micrograms of benzoylecgonine and 103 micrograms of cocaine per litre of blood. The legal limits are 50 micrograms and 10 micrograms respectively.
Traces of cannabis were also detected in his blood, but these were within the specified legal limit.
“These levels are extremely high and, as a result, cross the community threshold,” District Judge Mark Layton said after Francis pleaded guilty to two counts of drug-driving at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
Francis, of Alclud, Penbanc, Fishguard, was said to have taken steps to address his drug use since the offence.
Probation officer Julie Norman told the court that he had not used drugs since his arrest and had sought support from the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service.
“He has struggled with substance misuse for many years and also has alcohol issues, but he is now motivated and taking positive steps to address these problems,” she said.
Francis was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order, during which he must complete ten rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was also disqualified from driving for 20 months, fined £120, and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 in costs.
A HAVERFORDWEST man has been fined after admitting a public order offence.
Gareth Williams, aged 45, of Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jan 7).
The court heard that Williams was charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour, contrary to the Public Order Act, during an incident on December 28, 2025.
He pleaded guilty to the offence at the first opportunity.
Magistrates imposed a fine, and ordered Williams to pay prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.
A PEMBROKE man has been fined and disqualified from driving after admitting a motoring offence.
Rhys Phillips, aged 33, of Bush Street, Pembroke, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jan 7).
The court heard that Phillips drove a motor vehicle without insurance on October 2, 2025.
He pleaded guilty to the offence.
Magistrates imposed a fine, endorsed his licence with penalty points, and imposed a driving disqualification due to his record. He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.
A HAVERFORDWEST woman has been fined after admitting breaching the terms of a criminal behaviour order.
Samantha Hughes, aged 29, of Prendergast, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jan 7).
The court heard that Hughes breached the terms of a criminal behaviour order, imposed following previous convictions, by entering a prohibited retail premises on December 22, 2025.
She pleaded guilty to the offence.
Magistrates imposed a financial penalty, ordering Hughes to pay a fine, together with prosecution costs and a victim surcharge. No further action was taken on the underlying order, which remains in force.
No reporting restrictions were imposed.
Community joins police effort as search continues for man missing in River Teifi
A CO-ORDINATED land search involving police and local volunteers is taking place today (Thursday, Jan 8) as efforts continue to...
Petition launched after second Pembrokeshire blood biker dies in line of duty
A PETITION calling for blood bikers to be allowed to use green emergency lights has been launched following the death...
Reform UK complains to BBC over Caerphilly debate audience
Party questions impartiality after audience member who challenged candidate later selected as Plaid Cymru councillor REFORM UK has complained to...
Milford Haven publican remanded in custody over cocaine supply allegation
A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been remanded in custody after denying being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Daniel Booth...
Seal pup who swam 120km in four days now recovering at RSPCA wildlife centre
A grey seal pup found underweight and dehydrated in St Brides Bay has been taken into specialist care after making...
Trial begins over death of six-month-old in Tenby car park
The trial has begun for a man accused of causing the death of six-month-old Sophia Kelemen in Tenby. Flaviu Naghi,...
Worsening weather prompts early service closures across Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire County Council has warned residents that worsening weather this afternoon, particularly in the east of the county, will affect...
Yellow weather warning for snow and ice extended until Tuesday Morning (Jan 6)
A yellow weather warning covering Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and other parts of Wales has been extended until 11 am on Tuesday,...
Search for missing man in River Teifi enters second day
Multi-agency operation to resume this morning after overnight stand-down SEARCH teams will resume efforts today (Monday, Jan 5) as a...
Tributes paid to County Councillor Mike Stoddart following his death
TRIBUTES have been paid from across Pembrokeshire following the death of County Councillor Mike Stoddart, who passed away peacefully today...
-
Crime3 days agoFormer carpenter jailed for sexual and physical abuse of children
-
Crime2 days agoPembrokeshire stalker to be sentenced after two-year campaign of harassment
-
Crime2 days agoJury sworn as judge considers whether Tenby baby death trial can proceed
-
Community7 days agoClaims Pembrokeshire pension funds linked to genocide could be discussed
-
Local Government6 days agoStaff sleeping in caravan at Johnston nursing home
-
Crime6 days agoMan to be sentenced for multiple child rape offences
-
Crime2 days agoPembroke Dock motorist elects Crown Court trial over serious injury collision
-
Business7 days agoCouncil withdraws £7,200-a-day claim as riding schools challenge licensing fees