Crime

Plumber keeps licence after being found asleep at wheel in Haverfordwest car park

Published

3 months ago

January 21, 2026

Ben John, 33, was discovered in a running car at Bridge Meadow and later gave a breath test reading of 74mcg, magistrates heard

A PEMBROKESHIRE plumber has kept his driving licence after police found him asleep behind the wheel of his car while over the legal alcohol limit.

Officers discovered Ben John, 33, in a red Mini at around 5:00am on December 27, as they carried out an unrelated search at Bridge Meadow car park, Haverfordwest.

“The keys were in the ignition, the engine was on and a can of Fosters could be seen in the cup holder,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“The officers could also see the defendant slumped over in the driver’s seat.”

Mr Davies said that when officers knocked on the window, John pressed his foot on the accelerator, causing the engine to rev. A breath test carried out at the police station later showed he had 74mcg of alcohol in his system.

John pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while above the legal alcohol limit. He was represented by solicitor Alaw Harries, who said her client accepted full responsibility.

“It was a cold night and he made the poor decision to get in the vehicle, turn the heating on and fall asleep,” she said.

Ms Harries described John as a “reliable and dedicated” plumber and warned that a disqualification would have serious consequences for his work and others who rely on him.

“A disqualification today would not only jeopardise his own employment, but also the employment of others, including an apprentice who he drives to work on a daily basis,” she said. “We have here a genuine, hard-working individual, who’s reflected on this offence and won’t place himself in this position ever again.”

John, of Priory Avenue, Haverfordwest, was fined £433 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £173 surcharge. His licence was endorsed with ten penalty points.

Crime

Man appears in court charged over death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer

Published

22 minutes ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

FAMILY WATCHED FROM PUBLIC GALLERY AS CASE SENT TO CROWN COURT

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with causing the death of Blood Bike Wales volunteer Tim Minett by dangerous driving.

Mr Minett was riding a Blood Bike Wales Honda motorcycle on the afternoon of July 2, 2025, when it was involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Crafter van on the A478 between Glandycross and Blaenffos.

He had been transporting blood supplies for the NHS at the time.

This week the van’s driver, Roger King, 57, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with causing Mr Minett’s death by dangerous driving.

King stood in the dock to confirm his name, age and address as members of Mr Minett’s family watched from the public gallery.

Magistrates were told that, due to the seriousness of the allegation, the case can only be dealt with at the Crown Court.

Proceedings will continue at Swansea Crown Court on May 29.

King was released on unconditional bail until that date.c

Crime

Man breached restraining order by entering woman’s home

Published

39 minutes ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

COURT HEARS APPLICATION MADE TO DISCHARGE ORDER

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been sentenced after being found inside a woman’s home despite being banned from contacting her.

Peter Bromley, 51, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard, was made subject to a restraining order by Haverfordwest magistrates on February 26.

The order prevented him from having any direct or indirect contact with Rhiannon Bowen.

But on April 8, police received a call claiming Bromley was present at Ms Bowen’s address in Fishguard.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that when officers arrived at the property, Ms Bowen initially denied that Bromley was there.

However, when officers gained access to the property, they found Bromley inside the kitchen.

This week Bromley pleaded guilty to breaching the restraining order.

He was legally represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who told magistrates that Ms Bowen had recently begun proceedings to have the restraining order removed and discharged.

“Considerable progress has been made by the defendant in various areas of his life,” said Mr Lloyd.

Bromley was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £80 surcharge.

He must also complete a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement.

Crime

Drink-driver hit bicycle and failed to stop

Published

1 hour ago

April 28, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

SENTENCE ADJOURNED FOR PROBATION REPORT

A 23-YEAR-old motorist has been given an interim driving ban after admitting he was over the drink-drive limit when he damaged a bicycle in a collision.

Ajay Mathias was driving his Ford Fiesta along the A478 at Allensbank on April 8 when he collided with the bicycle.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that subsequent breath tests showed Mathias had 44 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Mathias, of Min y Llan, Letterston, appeared before magistrates this week where he pleaded guilty to drink-driving and failing to stop after a road accident.

Sentencing was adjourned until April 30, when magistrates will consider a probation report.

Mathias was released on unconditional bail until that date.