A PEMBROKE DOCK driver who caused the deaths of a young couple in a road crash has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Alexander MacCallum, aged 28, of Llanreath, Pembroke Dock, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court to 16 months in prison, suspended for 12 months. He was also banned from driving for 18 months.

MacCallum had previously admitted two counts of causing death by careless driving when he appeared before the same court on 9 February.

The case related to a fatal two-vehicle collision on the A477 near Llanddowror at about 3:50pm on 13 June 2024.

The court heard that MacCallum was driving a Jaguar XKR when he lost control in wet conditions, crossed the carriageway and collided with a Ford Fiesta being driven by Adam Muskett, aged 27. His partner, Katie Worrell, aged 25, was a passenger in the car.

Mr Muskett died at the scene. Ms Worrell was taken to hospital with catastrophic injuries but died later the same day.

In a joint family statement, relatives of the couple said: “We would like to thank the emergency services who attended that fateful day and the people who stopped to help Katie and Adam. We are forever grateful to them.

“We recognise the sentence of the court, but there is no sentence that will ever bring our children and siblings back. We appreciate the work of Dyfed-Powys Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to secure a conviction.

“Adam and Katie’s deaths were unnecessary. Had the defendant not driven his car in the manner that he did, they would still be with us.

“We now wish for privacy after what has been a long and difficult journey to the conclusion of this prosecution.

“We urge everyone to consider the manner and speed in which they drive their vehicles.”

PC Lucy Brookes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Following the tragic deaths of Adam and Katie, a full investigation into the collision was launched, and after consideration of the evidence it was deemed that MacCallum’s manner of driving was inappropriate for the very poor weather conditions.

“He was charged through a postal requisition in November 2025 and has now been sentenced.

“This has been a lengthy investigation into an incident which claimed the lives of two young people. While nothing can undo the loss of Adam and Katie, it is hoped that today’s sentence goes some way to providing justice for their loved ones, who have shown incredible strength throughout this process. Our thoughts very much remain with them.”

FIONA and Vince Malone, owners of Tenby Stores, in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, and members of the Federation of Independent Retailers (the Fed), met with Marc Tierney, Welsh Labour candidate for Ceredigion Penfro and Pembrokeshire County Councillor in the upcoming Senedd elections on May 7.

The meeting on Saturday, February 28, focused on the critical challenges facing independent retailers and followed the publication of the Fed’s manifesto for the Welsh election.

Key issues addressed during the meeting included the impact of rising business rates bills on small shops, as well as the significant social and economic value that post offices and convenience stores offer to their neighbourhoods. The Malones highlighted the rising costs resulting from above-inflation increases in the national minimum wage and higher National Insurance Contributions (NICs) that have placed further financial strain on independent businesses such as theirs, and others across Wales and the rest of the UK.

The importance of post offices in providing essential banking facilities was emphasised, underscoring their role in sustaining local economies through their range of services including postal and banking as well as government services such as vehicle tax renewal and passport applications.

Additionally, the conversation touched on the pressing issue of retail crime. The Malones showed how they had taken steps to reduce this problem, including the implementation of extensive CCTV coverage and the utilisation of AI technology, but that the threat remained.

With the introduction of the deposit return scheme (DRS) in Wales on the horizon, the Malones expressed their support for initiatives aimed at improving recycling rates. However, they raised concerns regarding the inclusion of glass in the scheme in Wales, highlighting that it would be difficult for small shops to implement because of the dangers associated with broken glass and weight involved in moving it.

Vince Malone said: “I want to thank Marc again for his visit and discussing these important issues and for his clear interest. Fiona and I remain committed to advocating for the interests of small shops – as members of the Federation of Independent Retailers – working with all parties at the Senedd ahead of May’s election and beyond.”

Marc Tierney said: “Vince and Fiona are active retailers, who go the extra mile for their community and are well known for their advocacy for the independent retail sector, not just in Wales but across the UK. My visit highlighted the importance of their postal service, banking hub and convenience shop. Providing these services under one roof is exactly the type of model that can sustain services in our rural, coastal communities. I look forward to working with them in the run-up to the election and beyond.”

£2m upgrade aims to ease pressure on emergency department and improve care for patients

THE REFURBISHED Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit at Glangwili Hospital has reopened to patients and staff this week following a major £2 million upgrade.

On Monday (March 30), Hywel Dda University Health Board chief executive Dr Phil Kloer visited the unit to tour the new facilities and meet staff and patients.

The refurbishment was made possible by £2.096 million in Welsh Government funding and has delivered more consultation rooms, an improved reception area, and a brighter, more welcoming environment for both patients and staff.

Health board bosses say the upgraded SDEC is expected to reduce pressure on Glangwili’s emergency department and forms part of wider efforts to improve patient experience across acute hospital sites, as well as the Minor Injury Unit at Prince Philip Hospital.

Dr Kloer said: “Thank you to everyone who has worked on this project. One of our biggest challenges as a health board is the unscheduled care system and how services in the community and hospitals connect, and SDEC plays a key role in that.

“I am delighted that we are opening the refurbished SDEC building. I’m really impressed with all the work that has been done, but really it is the people and the team that are most important.”

During his visit, Dr Kloer also paid tribute to Dr George Eltom, who played a central role in establishing the SDEC at Glangwili and who died around two years ago.

His memory has been woven into the unit through maple leaf artwork on the walls and windows, reflecting his dream of moving to Canada with his family. One of the consultation rooms has also been decorated with a blue butterfly in tribute to his love of Chelsea Football Club.

Dr Kloer said: “The fact that George’s memory has been embedded in the work is extremely important to everyone working here. I know that will mean a lot to all of us who knew him so well because he worked here for a long time. He was the heart and soul of it for so many years.”

One of the first patients to be treated in the refurbished unit was Anita Harmes, from Peniel, Carmarthen.

She said: “It’s my first time to visit the refurbished SDEC building and it’s absolutely fabulous. Hospital can be a scary place but this isn’t scary at all. How could you not be happy in here?”

Keith Jones, Hywel Dda’s Director of Operational Planning and Performance, said the investment would make a real difference.

He said: “We are very grateful to Welsh Government for the £2.096 million funding that has enabled us to increase the capacity of the SDEC at Glangwili.

“We anticipate that the refurbishments at SDEC will now help to reduce capacity pressures on the Emergency Department and enable our staff to provide a much smoother and swifter experience for patients in our care.”

Services temporarily moved to Y Lolfa, formerly Padarn Ward, have now returned to the SDEC building. These include the Discharge Lounge, Medical Day Unit, previously based at the Priory Day Hospital, and the Primary Care Out of Hours Service.

Access routes for services that remained at the Priory Day Hospital during the work, including podiatry, neuro-rehabilitation and occupational therapy, have also returned to normal.

Patients and visitors are being advised to follow the permanent signage or ask staff if they need help finding their clinic.

Mr Jones added: “Patients will be informed of changes and the return of services to SDEC in their appointment letters. We would still ask patients attending any of the clinics affected to double-check their appointment letters for information about the location of their treatment. If unsure, patients can also call the department on the number in their appointment letter.”