A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has denied driving while over the alcohol limit.

Joanna Whittall, 39, of West Merrion Drive, Pembroke Dock, is accused of driving a Ford Focus on West Merrion Drive on December 30, 2025, with 43 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Whittall pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing and appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 21) for further case management.

She was released on unconditional bail.

A trial is listed for June 4 at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

Jury hears conflicting accounts over roadworks incident in Milford Haven

A NEYLAND man has appeared before Swansea Crown Court accused of driving dangerously through temporary roadworks and running over a traffic management worker’s foot.

Mark Crane, 45, of Honeyborough Grove, Neyland, denies a charge of dangerous driving following an incident on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, on December 10, 2024.

The court heard that Ian Lloyd was working as a traffic management operative at roadworks on the street and was manually controlling traffic using a stop-and-go sign.

Giving evidence to the jury, Mr Lloyd said he had turned the sign to “stop” to halt traffic and allow vehicles travelling in the opposite direction to proceed.

He told the court that he saw a grey Toyota estate approaching and did not initially recognise the driver until the vehicle stopped beside him.

Mr Lloyd alleged that Crane then “aggressively took off”, driving over his foot as he moved away. The jury also heard claims that the manner of driving caused other motorists to take evasive action.

Asked about the injury, Mr Lloyd said his toes hurt from pressure against the steel caps in his boots but confirmed he did not seek medical treatment.

Crane, giving evidence in his own defence, told the court that he and Mr Lloyd were neighbours and described their relationship as “not a positive one”.

He said he had been travelling to a dog-walking job when he encountered the temporary traffic controls.

Crane told the jury that Mr Lloyd appeared distracted and was “looking around” rather than concentrating on traffic management. He said he checked for oncoming vehicles himself and believed it was safe to continue.

He denied driving dangerously and told the court he believed Mr Lloyd was standing on the pavement as he passed.

Crane also claimed he believed Mr Lloyd struck his vehicle with either the stop sign or his fist during the incident.

The trial continues at Swansea Crown Court.

Health, police and support services unite after rising concerns in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire

COCAINE has been identified in a significant number of drug-related deaths across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire over the past year.

Frontline teams have also reported rising incidents of violence, aggression and criminal justice involvement among people accessing drug and alcohol support services.

Dyfed-Powys Police data shows cocaine is now the force’s second most seized drug, and remains widely used across a range of settings.

In response, the Dyfed Area Planning Board brought together representatives from health, policing, commissioned services, social services and community organisations for a regional summit aimed at understanding the scale of the problem and agreeing joint action.

Hywel Dda’s Community Drug and Alcohol Team opened the event with an overview of emerging substance use trends. Dyfed-Powys Police then shared enforcement intelligence, while Public Health Wales provided a national perspective on stimulant use.

Clinical specialists also outlined the impact of cocaine use on maternity services, blood-borne virus transmission, exercise culture and the night-time economy.

The summit concluded with harm reduction training and group discussions focused on strengthening prevention, treatment pathways and community support across West Wales.

Steve Reynolds, Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service manager, said: “DDAS are incredibly encouraged by the success of this cocaine summit. Cocaine-related harms are complex and evolving, and through collaboration and open dialogue we can respond effectively.

“The summit reinforced the importance of reducing stigma, expanding access to support, and ensuring that people who use our services receive compassionate, person-centred care.

“We remain committed to working with partners in developing practical actions that improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.”

Detective Superintendent Gareth Roberts, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “It was a pleasure to host this valuable event at Dyfed-Powys Police.

“As a force, we are committed to working in partnership to improve the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities as we work hard to reduce the risk of drug-related harm.”

Craig Jones, Hywel Dda Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, said: “This summit marks the beginning of a coordinated regional effort to reduce harm, improve outcomes and strengthen support for individuals, families and communities affected by cocaine use.

“Partners will now work together to address availability, risk reduction and access to support.”

Anyone experiencing problems with substance use, or anyone seeking more information about the Community Drug and Alcohol Team, can visit hduhb.nhs.wales/drug-and-alcohol.