A MAN from Monkton has been remanded in custody accused of inflicting serious injuries and intentionally strangling a woman.

Lance Finnegan, aged 34, of Monkton Main Road, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) charged with grievous bodily harm with intent and intentional strangulation.

The court heard allegations that on Friday (Feb 7) at Monkton, Pembroke, Finnegan unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm to a female, with intent to cause serious injury, contrary to Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

He is also charged with intentional strangulation, contrary to Section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015, relating to an incident alleged to have taken place the following day.

No pleas were entered at the magistrates’ court.

Because of the seriousness of the offences, the case was sent directly to the Crown Court for trial under the Crime and Disorder Act.

Magistrates Dr S Hancock, Mr L Evetts and Mrs L Harrison remanded Finnegan in custody.

Bail was refused on multiple grounds, including concerns he could commit further offences, interfere with witnesses, or abscond.

The court cited the nature and seriousness of the allegations and the defendant’s previous record and character.

Finnegan is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court, The Law Courts, St Helens Road, Swansea, for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Friday, March 13.

Wet conditions and loss of control cited as defendant pleads guilty at Swansea Crown Court

A DRIVER has admitted causing the deaths of two young Pembrokeshire people after his car crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with their vehicle.

At Swansea Crown Court, Alexander MacCallum, 28, of Beach Road, Llanreath, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving following the fatal crash on the A477 road.

Katie Worrell, aged 25, from Pembroke, and Adam Muskett, aged 27, from Tenby, were travelling together in a Ford Fiesta when it was struck by MacCallum’s Jaguar during heavy, wet conditions at around 4:00pm on June 13, 2024.

Prosecutor Craig Jones told the court the defendant’s vehicle lost control and drifted across the centre line. The loss of control was described as “momentary”, with standing water on the carriageway believed to have contributed.

The impact proved fatal for both occupants of the Fiesta.

MacCallum accepted responsibility for what happened and expressed remorse for the consequences of his driving.

Judge Huw Rees adjourned sentencing to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared. He warned the defendant that every option remains available to the court, including an immediate custodial sentence.

MacCallum was granted bail but disqualified from driving in the interim. He is due to return to court for sentencing on April 2.

Addressing relatives present in the courtroom, Judge Rees said the court recognised the scale of their loss.

The families later paid tribute to the couple.

Katie’s loved ones described her as a devoted daughter, sister and friend who embraced life, loved travelling and had recently completed a Masters degree. They said she worked hard, cared deeply for others and “loved Adam beyond words”.

Adam’s family said he was a much-loved son and brother who adored Tenby, football and his partner. They said they were left heartbroken by the loss of his “big kind heart and cheeky smile”.

Both families said their lives would never be the same without them.

Pupil remanded into youth detention as attempted murder case sent to Crown Court

A TEENAGER has been charged with attempted murder following an alleged knife attack on a teacher at Milford Haven Comprehensive School.

The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons because of his age, appeared before magistrates at the weekend after the incident at the Pembrokeshire secondary school on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5).

He faces charges of attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and possession of a bladed article on education premises.

Magistrates heard the alleged attack took place shortly after 3:00pm while the teacher was working with the pupil in a classroom. It is claimed the boy used a kitchen knife during the incident.

The female teacher suffered injuries to her head, finger and back and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The defendant spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the short hearing. Members of his family were present in court.

The case was deemed too serious to be dealt with at magistrates’ level and has been sent to Swansea Crown Court.

He was remanded into youth detention accommodation.

The teenager is due to appear before the Crown Court on Monday, March 9.

Police and education officials have not released further details at this stage