Blood trail led police from damaged shelter to defendant’s home

A FATHER-OF-THREE had admitted carrying out over £500 worth of damage to a bus stop after a drinking binge in Milford town centre.

A blood trail led officers from the bus stop to Hawthorn Way, to the home of Hayden Dimond.

This week Dimond, 31, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates where he admitted the criminal damage offence.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan informed magistrates that the damage caused to the bus stop totalled £530.60.

“The defendant accepted responsibility in his police interview and pointed them in the direction of the damaged bus stop,” Diamond’s solicitor, Jess Hill, informed the Bench.

“At the time he was highly intoxicated and acted upon impulse.

“He had problems with binge drinking but now rarely consumes alcohol, but whenever he does, it’s monitored so he remains on an acceptable level.”

“What happened that night was not intentional.”

Dimond, Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, was ordered to pay £530 compensation to Pembrokeshire County Council and was fined £40. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £16 surcharge.

Defendant accused of contacting former partner and attending her home days after order imposed

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody after harassing his former partner despite being the subject of a restraining order.

Thomas Jones, 35, is accused of harassing his former partner by attending her home address between February 28 and March 2 and of making reference to her on social media. Jones is prevented by doing both of these things via a restraining order imposed by Swansea Crown Court on February 27.

This week Jones, of Croft Road, Broad Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates via a video link from Swansea Prison where he has been remanded in custody. He admitted no pleas to the allegations.

He will next appear before Haverfordwest magistrates court on April 7 via a live link from Swansea Prison.

Police officers forced to jump aside as modified electric bike accelerated towards them

A COURT has heard how a group of E-bike riders hurled abuse at officers as they sped down a narrow, pedestrianised alleyway in Pembroke town centre.

The officers had been informed via their radios that the E-bikes had been seen in Pembroke just before midnight on September 6.

“We heard them approaching down Orange Way, which is a strictly pedestrianised, very narrow alleyway,” commented one of the officers when the matter was brought before Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “We called for them to stop but they made no attempt to do so and shouted obscenities at us.”

One of the riders was 24-year-old garage mechanic Joshua Miller who was riding an electric Surron bike.

“He was driving slowly on the grass verge and the officers directed him to stop when he was less than a metre away from them,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan.

“One of the officers grabbed hold of him, but he continued gripping onto the handlebars of the bike.”

Miller then applied the throttle, causing the bike to move forwards.

“The two officers moved forwards with him, but fortunately neither of them were hurt,” added Sian Vaughan. “But that was more luck than judgement.”

Meanwhile county councillor Jonathan Grimes stressed to the court via a victim impact statement the problems that E-bikes similar to Miller’s are having on local communities.

“The use of E-bikes has had a significant impact on public confidence and safety,” he said. “I’ve been contacted by many residents who are concerned about these being ridden at speed by people wearing face coverings…and the wearing of balaclavas is of particular concern to many residents as they give off a very sinister look.”

Miller, of Marshall Road, Monkton, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously failing to stop his vehicle when directed to do so by police officers, and using the vehicle without third party insurance.

He was represented in court by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who said that since buying the E-bike, Miller has since spent approximately £10,000 on improving it.

“The defendant is aware of how serious this is, and deeply, deeply regrets it,” he said. “The proceedings have had a profound impact on him.

“After he was interviewed, he was placed on extremely strict bail conditions which included a daily curfew which he’s never once breached; this has been a particular hardship for a young man who’s extremely hard working, and reliable.

“He knows what he did is wrong and he’s deeply remorseful for what took place.”

Character references were submitted to the magistrates for their consideration prior to sentencing.

Miller must complete 150 hours of unpaid work during his 12 month Community Order. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must take an extended driving test before getting back on the roads. A deprivation order was made for the E-scooter and for its removal from public circulation. Miller was also ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.

(Image: Stock image for illustrative purposes only)