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Car drifter’s ‘moment of madness’

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‘A moment of madness’: Ben Griffiths

‘A moment of madness’: Ben Griffiths

A VIDEO posted on the Pembrokeshire Herald website and Facebook page showing dangerous driving on a Haverfordwest roundabout last year has led to the driver of the vehicle being banned.

Over 100,000 people viewed Ben Griffiths’ antics in the film which depicted him ‘drifting’ his BMW around a roundabout.

The Milford Haven man appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday (Apr 26) where the 21-year-old pleaded guilty to the offence, which happened last November in Haverfordwest.

Prosecutor Ellie Morgan told the court: “Police got to find out about this incident because of some footage placed by a friend of Mr Griffiths on social media. This led to Officer Dwayne arresting Mr Griffiths for this incident of dangerous driving which happened on November 1 at 12.38am.

“The vehicle in question was found in a lock up managed by the defendant, which was found to match the vehicle in the film.

“The video shows the car heading eastbound on to the Cardigan roundabout at the top end of Haverfordwest. The ground was dry at the time.

“The driver of the car negotiates the roundabout, heading towards Scotchwell. The footage stops, then shows the vehicle coming back.

“The driver, Mr Griffiths, purposely makes the car slide around the roundabout, doing one and a half circuits, continuing his drift manoeuvres.

“Police, who undertook a vehicle examination of the defendant’s BMW found it to be defective, stating that it is ‘unroadworthy’ and in dangerous condition.

“Mr Griffiths presented himself as a potential hazard for road users. The car was also modified, with its 1.9 litre engine being removed and replaced with a 3 litre engine, which wasn’t disclosed in the vehicle’s insurance. Mr Griffiths has no previous convictions.”

In his statement, Ms Morgan said that Griffiths stated: “I only use the car for Pembrey Circuit drift track. When the video was circulated online, I’ll admit it is me. I shouldn’t have done it on a public road. I didn’t put anyone in danger though.”

Mark Layton, representing Griffiths, explained: “Ben Griffiths is a man of clean character. He is hard-working and is currently holding down a job.

“This incident was a moment of madness. He is passionate about drifting, but doesn’t try to minimise his actions that night – he knows it was stupid. He feels as if he has placed everything in jeopardy.

“Mr Griffiths is a valued employee. His boss gave a character reference for the court. It speaks highly of him, also mentioning: ‘

As his job is fixing cars and driving cars, he’s not going to be able to fulfil his employment responsibilities.’”

“The defendant hopes that his career hasn’t been destroyed. It has already been badly damaged by his actions.

“He was alone in the vehicle and says he was completely in control due to his off-roading experience. He says that no one else was endangered by his actions. He felt comfortable in carrying out this skill, but just did it in the wrong place.

“Not being able to drive will add four hours to his commute to and from work.”

Probation Officer Ms Norman told the court: “I have talked to Mr Griffiths. He had been working on his vehicle. He took it up the bypass for a test drive.

“He can’t explain his actions in driving the car. There could’ve been a risk of something happening. It was a stupid action on his part.

“Fixing cars is his life. He’s been working in the garage for four and a half years. He’s recently moved in with his girlfriend and any effect on his employment will affect his girlfriend too.

“This is his first offence. Hopefully he would’ve learned his lesson about driving like this on a public road.”

Mark Layton continued: “Mr Griffiths’ clean character speaks for itself. He hasn’t been to court before and he is unlikely to come to court again.

“Driving is his life – it is a great love of his. He relied on it in his work, and this driving ban will definitely have career implications.

“If the disqualification is not for too long then his employers may keep him on until he can complete the extended driving test in twelve months time.”

Magistrates told Griffiths: “We have reduced the severity of the sentence due to Layton’s mitigation and early guilty plea.”

Magistrates issued Griffiths with a 12 month driving disqualification, with the need to complete an extended retest at the end of the ban.

He was also told he would have 12 weeks custody suspended for 12 months. As part of this, he will have to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. He also had to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £80 victim surcharge.

Magistrates told Griffiths: “Consider yourself a very lucky man. Lucky that you’re walking out of this court and not down to the cells and lucky you didn’t kill or injure anyone.”

 

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Crime

Five seriously injured in A4067 crash near Craig-y-Nos

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Child airlifted to hospital as two men arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving

FIVE people were seriously injured following a multi-vehicle collision on the A4067 near Craig-y-Nos, Powys, on Sunday evening.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 5:50pm on Sunday, July 5, and involved a green Ford Fiesta, a black Volkswagen Polo and a grey Vauxhall Grandland.

A five-year-old child was airlifted to hospital with injuries believed to be life-threatening. Police said the child remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Four other people were also seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

The driver of the green Ford Fiesta, a 39-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and child neglect.

Police later identified a yellow Ford Fiesta as also being involved in the incident. Its driver, a 65-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Both men remain in police custody.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who was travelling on the A4067 near Craig-y-Nos at the time of the collision and may have dashcam footage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: DP-20260703-277

 

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Charity

St Davids RNLI honours Dai John after 40 years of lifesaving service

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Former coxswain praised for four decades of dedication, major rescues and service to the Pembrokeshire coast

ST DAVIDS RNLI has paid tribute to Dai John after an extraordinary 40 years of dedicated service to the lifeboat station and the wider community.

Dai joined the crew in 1986, continuing a proud family tradition. His father served as coxswain at St Davids, while his grandfather was also a member of the crew.

Over the past four decades, Dai has been involved in countless rescues and emergency launches, serving as coxswain for 16 years and helping to save lives in some of the most challenging conditions off the Pembrokeshire coast.

Among the many incidents remembered by the station are the 14-hour rescue of the trawler Western Belle and her five crew during a night of rough seas and gale-force winds, and the dramatic rescue of three fishermen from the burning Yves Marie Amil near South Bishop Lighthouse in 2004.

Dai also recalls his very first launch, which was to a crashed jet while serving aboard the old wooden lifeboat Ruby and Arthur Reed. His service also included major incidents such as the Sea Empress disaster, as well as many other rescues which have left a lasting impression on him and his fellow crew members.

His contribution to St Davids RNLI has extended far beyond emergency call-outs. Dai was coxswain during the construction of the new lifeboat station, welcomed the arrival of the Norah Wortley lifeboat to St Davids, and helped mark the station’s 150th anniversary in 2019.

Reflecting on his 40 years of service, Dai thanked current and former crew members for their friendship, support and dedication. He also extended his thanks to RNLI fundraisers, supporters, neighbouring lifeboat crews and the emergency services he has worked alongside throughout his time with the charity.

Although his time at St Davids RNLI has now come to an end, Dai hopes to continue serving the charity by transferring to Penarth Lifeboat Station as a Launch Authority and shore crew member.

In a statement, St Davids RNLI said: “From everyone at St Davids RNLI, thank you, Dai, for 40 years of selfless service, dedication and friendship. We wish you every success in your next chapter and fair winds for the future.”

 

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Crime

Prosecution outlines ‘planned attack’ as Milford Haven teacher stabbing trial opens

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Jury hears teenager allegedly brought kitchen knife into school before teacher was stabbed in the head

THE JURY in the trial of a 15-year-old boy accused of attempting to murder a Milford Haven teacher has this afternoon heard the prosecution’s detailed account of the alleged classroom attack.

The teenager, who cannot be named because he is under 18, denies attempting to murder Vicki Williams at Milford Haven Comprehensive School on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

Opening the case at Swansea Crown Court, Christopher Rees KC told jurors that the boy had brought a large kitchen knife into school in his bag before allegedly following Miss Williams into an empty classroom shortly after 3pm.

The prosecution alleges the teacher was alone and vulnerable when the defendant entered the room and launched what Mr Rees described as a “planned and murderous attack”.

Jurors were told Miss Williams suffered a penetrating stab wound to the top of her head, as well as injuries to her hands during a struggle for the weapon. The court also heard she sustained scratches and grazes to her back.

Mr Rees told the court: “The prosecution say the defendant planned and launched a murderous attack on the teacher. He deliberately stabbed Vicki Williams in the head.”

The court heard that Miss Williams shouted for help, after which the defendant ran from the classroom.

Emergency services attended the school and Miss Williams was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. She was discharged later the same evening.

The alleged attack led to a temporary lockdown at Milford Haven Comprehensive School and caused widespread concern among parents, pupils and staff in the town.

This morning’s proceedings included jury selection and legal discussions before the prosecution opened its case shortly after midday. A jury of 12, along with an alternate juror, has been sworn in.

The defendant denies attempted murder, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding. He has previously admitted possessing a bladed article.

Matthew Roberts KC is representing the teenager. The trial is being heard before Judge Paul Thomas KC and is expected to last up to three weeks.

The court is expected to hear further evidence over the coming days about the circumstances leading up to the incident, the injuries suffered by Miss Williams, and the explanation put forward by the defence.

The trial continues.

 

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