Court hears woman turned to cocaine to cope

A WOMAN struggling with the anniversary of the Haverfordwest paddleboard tragedy turned to cocaine to cope, a court heard.

Vicki McKinwen, 53, was stopped by police while driving a Volvo V70 in Milford Haven and later found to have 363 micrograms of benzoylecgonine in her system, well above the legal limit.

Her solicitor Jess Hill said McKinwen had been directly affected by the tragedy and her mental health deteriorates around the anniversary.

“She now understands the consequences and never wants to use drugs again,” she added.

McKinwen, of The Square, Hubberston Road, Milford Haven, was banned from driving for 12 months. She was fined £138 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £55 surcharge.

Sentencing adjourned for further victim impact statement

A PENSIONER has been given an interim driving ban after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving.

Hedley Williams, 80, was driving on the A477 in July 2025 when his Honda collided with a vehicle driven by Peter Watson.

“As a result of the collision, Mr Watson sustained serious injuries and spent a month in hospital,” the court heard.

Williams, of Maesteg Road, Cwmfelin, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Sentencing was adjourned until February 24 to allow an updated victim impact statement to be obtained. Williams was released on unconditional bail.

Court hears driver had ‘made dreadful decision’

A PEMBROKESHIRE fisherman has appeared before magistrates after being caught driving while disqualified.

David Morgan, 42, was stopped by police on December 29 while driving a BMW on the A413 at Penally.

Officers established that Morgan was uninsured and already serving a 16-month driving ban following a drug-driving conviction.

His solicitor Mike Kelleher told the court that Morgan had driven after receiving distressing news about a close family member.

“He went out to clear his head and made a dreadful decision,” he said.

Mr Kelleher added that Morgan’s son is confined to a wheelchair and his wife does not drive, meaning a further ban would cause hardship.

Magistrates chose not to impose a further disqualification. Morgan was fined £500 and ordered to pay a £200 surcharge and £85 costs. His licence was endorsed with six penalty points.