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Suspended sentence for drunk driver

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Screen Shot 2016-02-11 at 14.54.12A PENNAR MAN who drove his father’s BMW while drunk, despite never having had a driving lesson, damaged five vehicles, and ran away from the scene of the crash was given a suspended prison sentence by M agistrates in Haverfordwest on Wednesday (Jan 27).

Elliot Lewis, 20, of Stranraer Road, pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated vehicle taking, drink-driving, driving without insurance or a licence, failing to stop after an accident, and failing to report an accident.

Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said that Lewis had caused serious damage to a VW Golf, including snapping the suspension, severely denting the driver’s door and breaking an alloy wheel.

He also broke the wing mirror of another vehicle, scratched and dented a Ford Fiesta, and damaged a Vauxhall Astra when one of the other vehicles he hit came into contact with it.

Ms Morgan said that after they were alerted to the accident, they traced the car registration to the house where Lewis lived with his parents. Lewis’ mother had no idea that the car had been taken.

An officer found a red hoodie in the kitchen, and a bloodied kitchen towel. A witness has claimed to have seen a man wearing a red hoodie leaving the scene of the crash.

When speaking to the police, Lewis admitted that he had been drinking, but denied taking the vehicle. He made no comment when told that his DNA matched a sample found on the car airbag.

The court heard that this Lewis had a previous conviction for a similar offence, as well as convictions for theft and possession of a class A drug.

A representative of the Probation service said that Lewis had been undergoing ‘pressure’ as a result of difficult family circumstances.

She added that Lewis was ‘extremely remorseful,’ and had apologised to his neighbours.

Magistrates told Lewis that the offence was ‘extremely serious,’ and that he was ‘lucky not to have killed someone.’

Lewis was given a six month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, undertake 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity, and was banned from driving for three years.

 

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Community

Spitfire latest: Pembrokeshire flypast looks more likely this afternoon

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THE LATEST public updates suggest the iconic Spitfire is now expected to leave RAF Valley at around 2:00pm today (Apr 15) after yesterday’s Welsh leg was postponed by bad weather.

That is later than some earlier reports had suggested, with older schedule information pointing to a morning departure before the delay.

Route details linked to the tour still indicate the aircraft is expected to travel around the Welsh coastline on its way to MOD St Athan, meaning Pembrokeshire remains one of the areas most likely to catch a glimpse.

However, timings remain approximate and could still shift depending on weather and operational conditions.

People hoping to see the aircraft should keep an eye on the skies this afternoon rather than this morning.

 

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Community

Doorstep warning issued after reports of suspicious callers in Pembrokeshire

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Residents in Haverfordwest and St Davids urged to watch out for vulnerable neighbours after social media alerts

A WARNING has been issued to residents in parts of Pembrokeshire after separate social media reports of suspicious doorstep callers in both Haverfordwest and St Davids.

In Haverfordwest one resident said a man called at his home at around 6:10pm on Tuesday (Apr 14), claiming he was an ex-convict from South Shields selling cheap household goods in an effort to get his life back on track.

The Merlins Bridge resident said the man claimed there was a wider team operating in the area in a similar way. He reported that the caller then knocked at several more homes along Venns Close before heading towards Greenhill Drive and the roundabout.

The man was described as wearing black waterproof trousers and a royal blue waterproof coat, with dark medium-length hair and no hat. He was also said to be carrying a large holdall, possibly containing items for sale.

In a separate post circulating online, residents in St Davids were also warned to be cautious after reports of men wearing backpacks and baseball caps going door-to-door.

The post claimed police had been in the area several times during the day looking for the individuals. Residents were urged to keep doors locked and to contact police if they saw anything suspicious.

While none of the claims have been independently verified by The Herald, the reports have prompted calls for people to remain vigilant, secure doors, gates and vehicles, and check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Residents suggested the activity may be linked to so-called “Nottingham Knockers”, a term often used to describe cold callers selling goods door-to-door, sometimes amid concerns that vulnerable households may be targeted.

He said he had reported the Haverfordwest incident to Dyfed-Powys Police via the force’s website. The reference number given was CDS-76190-26-6300-002.

Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour is advised to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police.

 

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Crime

Romino’s licence revoked after illegal workers found and fire risks exposed

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Takeaway in Cardigan ordered to shut by 11:00pm after council hearing backed by immigration officials, police and fire service

A TAKEAWAY in Cardigan has lost its premises licence after repeated enforcement visits uncovered illegal working and serious fire safety failings.

Ceredigion County Council’s Licensing Sub Committee decided to revoke the premises licence for Romino’s Pizza and Kebab following a hearing held on Monday, April 7.

The review was brought by Home Office Immigration Enforcement and supported by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police.

During four separate visits to the business, officers found a total of eight people said to be working illegally at the premises.

Fire safety inspectors also identified a number of serious breaches, leading to prohibition notices being issued because of the risks posed to staff, customers and the wider public.

The committee concluded that revoking the licence was proportionate and necessary in order to uphold the licensing objectives, in particular the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of public safety.

As a result of the decision, the business will now be required to close at 11:00pm unless an appeal is lodged.

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: “We welcome the Licensing Sub Committee’s decision to revoke the Premises Licence for Romino’s in Cardigan. This reflects the seriousness of the issues identified and the clear risks posed.”

The action follows earlier enforcement steps taken in March.

On March 5, immigration officers visited the premises and found two Turkish men allegedly working there illegally. A closure notice was issued at once, preventing access to the site and stopping any work from taking place.

The Home Office said that on three previous visits, a further six people had been found working illegally at the same business. Those responsible were handed fines totalling £135,000.

An illegal working compliance order was later granted at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 6. Such orders place strict conditions on a business, including requirements to carry out right-to-work checks and permit ongoing inspections.

Although the takeaway later reopened, the Home Office pressed ahead with its application for a licence review on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder.

A spokesperson said illegal working harms lawful businesses, drives down wages and can be linked to organised immigration crime.

 

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