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Drink-driver handed hefty fine after failing to stop

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A DRIVER who failed to stop after he collided with a car in front of him has been given a hefty fine by Magistrates this week.

Andrew Smith, aged 36, of Hunwick Walk, Stockon-On-Tees, appeared before the Courts in Haverfordwest on Tuesday (Aug 7), and pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to stop and another of failing to provide a specimen.

Prosecuting, Mr Vaughan Pritchard-Jones told the Court: “The defendant was driving his white van up Bush Hill and the complainant was stationary, waiting at the lights but the defendant has driven into the back of him.

“Police received a call saying they had been driven into and that the car had driven off. The police arrived and the complainant said they had gone in the direction of Pennar. The police drove in that direction and saw the van not far away.

“They spoke to the defendant at the scene and he provided a roadside sample of 97. He was taken to the police station but officers noted that Smith was very flippant with them at the time and that he wasn’t taking the procedure seriously.

“He was asked if he had had anything to eat or drink and his reply was ‘yes, you gave me a burger and a pint of lager. He gave four samples but there was an insufficient flow for an evidential reading. The readings he did give ranged from 71-86 so he was somewhere in excess of twice the limit.”

Defending, Mike Kelleher added: “Smith made a misjudgement on this occasion, he thought the car in front was going to pull away but that didn’t happen and there was a collision.”

Smith panicked and drove off but the father of the complainant got out and walked to where Smith had parked up and told him to stay in the vehicle.

“That is where police found him, around half a mile away. This was a works van and he has been forced to resign from his job as a result of this but he has found another job in Bristol.

“As for the second charge of failing to provide, he is at a loss as to why he was able to do at the roadside but failed to do so at the police station. The readings taken had a range of 71-86.”

Magistrates told Smith that his behaviour at the police station was unacceptable as they were just doing their job stating: “Police don’t deserve to be treated like that.”

Smith was banned from driving for a period of 12 months and was also fined £266. He was also fined the same amount for failing to stop.

His license was also endorsed and he was ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.
Smith was also offered the drink-drive awareness course which could reduce his ban if completed successfully.

 

Crime

Four youths linked to night of disorder in Milford Haven

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A GROUP of four youths are believed to have been involved in a series of incidents in Milford Haven late on Sunday night, culminating in a reported break-in at the Lord Nelson Hotel.

At approximately 11.50pm, four young males walked into The Pembrokeshire Herald building on Victoria Road directly from the street.

They spoke briefly with editor Tom Sinclair and asked him for £10. When he refused, the group left the premises without further incident.

The youths are then believed to have gone to a nearby flat, where resident Ri Marr said they climbed scaffolding beside her home, banged on her windows and attempted to open her door.

Ms Marr, who lives alone, said she was terrified because she did not initially know who was outside.

She said police attended quickly and took a statement.

It is understood that two members of the group later entered the nearby Lord Nelson Hotel, where a substantial amount of stock was allegedly stolen from the bar.

Hotel manager James Findlay has released CCTV images showing two young males in the rear service area of the premises and appealed for help identifying them.

He said those responsible had an opportunity to return the stolen stock, adding that the hotel would otherwise fully support any police investigation using CCTV, fingerprints or other evidence.

The incidents all took place within a short distance of each other and over a relatively brief period.

The Herald understands that four youths were present during the earlier incidents, although only two are alleged to have entered the Lord Nelson.

Anyone who recognises those shown in the CCTV images, or who has information about the movements of the group, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

The Herald has approached the force for confirmation of the reported incidents and details of any investigation.

 

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News

RNLI lifeboat and lifeguard rescue kayakers blown offshore at Llangrannog

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TWO kayakers were brought safely ashore after getting into difficulty off Llangrannog on Sunday afternoon.

New Quay RNLI was tasked by Milford Haven Coastguard at around 4:00pm on Sunday, July 12, following reports that two people in a double kayak were struggling in the prevailing conditions.

An RNLI lifeguard had already reached the casualties and was assisting them from a rescue board. However, strong conditions were pushing the group further offshore and making it difficult for them to return safely to the beach.

New Quay RNLI’s D-class inshore lifeboat, the Will Morgan, launched immediately with three volunteer crew members on board.

The crew made their way quickly to Llangrannog, where they located the two kayakers alongside the lifeguard.

All three people were taken aboard the lifeboat and brought safely back to Llangrannog beach. No casualty care was required.

The volunteer crew then returned to sea to recover the double kayak and the lifeguard’s rescue board, bringing both back to the beach before returning to New Quay Lifeboat Station.

The lifeboat was then refuelled and made ready for its next service.

Huw Williams, New Quay RNLI’s volunteer helm, said: “This was a great example of the RNLI working together to help people in difficulty.

“The lifeguard had already reached the casualties, but the conditions were making it challenging to return safely to shore. Our crew was able to bring everyone back safely and recover the equipment.

“Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty in the water or on the shore, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

 

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Business

Welsh financial and legal firms set to benefit from landmark Swiss trade deal

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WELSH financial, legal and technology businesses could gain improved access to the Swiss market under a major new trade agreement announced by the UK and Switzerland.

The UK Government estimates the agreement could increase British services exports to Switzerland by £5.2 billion a year in the long term, although no separate estimate has been published for the potential benefit to Wales.

However, Wales already has an established services trading relationship with Switzerland.

UK Government analysis found that Welsh businesses exported £175 million of services to Switzerland in 2020, with financial and insurance services making up the largest category.

The new Free Trade Agreement is intended to make it easier for lawyers, accountants, architects, consultants and digital businesses to sell their expertise in Switzerland.

It will also reduce barriers for businesses transferring employees between the two countries and provide greater certainty for firms considering investment or expansion.

Cardiff-based Capital Law, which already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, said the agreement could strengthen the Welsh capital’s position as a growing professional services centre.

Christopher Nott, senior partner at Capital Law, said: “This FTA is a terrific result for Capital Law, our clients and Cardiff’s growing reputation as a leading professional services hub.

“The agreement locks in legal market access, reduces unnecessary barriers and provides the certainty we need to pursue opportunities in Switzerland.

“As a firm that already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, with one of our partners based there, we understand the value of a strong and predictable trading relationship.

“It’s exactly the kind of practical, modern trade deal that helps UK businesses compete and succeed internationally.”

The agreement could also create opportunities for Welsh businesses operating in life sciences, financial technology, cyber security, digital services and the creative industries.

Switzerland is the UK’s sixth-largest services export market, with bilateral services trade worth more than £30 billion during 2025.

Services account for around 81 per cent of UK economic output and 83 per cent of employment, making improved access particularly significant for regions seeking to grow professional and technology-based businesses.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the agreement would open new doors for businesses across Wales.

She said: “The UK-Switzerland trade deal shows how the UK Government is delivering real results for businesses in Wales and across the UK.

“Wales already has a thriving services sector. This landmark agreement supports further economic growth and encourages job creation by opening new doors for businesses and enhancing Wales’s reputation on the world stage.”

Under the agreement, UK services professionals will be able to travel visa-free to Switzerland for up to 90 days a year.

British businesses will also be able to transfer employees to work in Switzerland for periods of up to five years without being subjected to some of the economic needs tests currently applied to work permit applications.

The Government said this would make it easier for British professionals and graduates working in areas including finance, insurance and consultancy to obtain Swiss work permits.

The deal also aims to reduce paperwork, support digital payments and remove requirements for certain back-office functions to be physically based in Switzerland.

Provisions will lock in future liberalisation of Swiss services markets, meaning British companies would automatically benefit from further easing of trading rules.

British travellers are also expected to receive practical benefits.

Under a separate initiative announced alongside the agreement, UK passport holders will soon be able to use electronic passport gates at Swiss airports.

The UK and Switzerland also intend to remove international mobile roaming surcharges, allowing tourists and business travellers to use their phones as part of their normal contracts without additional charges.

Around 800,000 visits are made to Switzerland by UK residents each year.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Whether you’re growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK.

“It means British firms will find it easier to sell their expertise in one of our most important markets in Europe, supporting jobs and investment here at home.

“British people will also be able to enjoy using their mobile in Switzerland without extra roaming charges and, alongside the FTA, they will soon also have quicker trips through Swiss airports.”

Trade Secretary Peter Kyle described it as the most significant services trade agreement negotiated by the UK.

He said: “This deal will mean faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers to Switzerland, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas.”

Government figures estimate that exports to Switzerland supported 171,400 UK jobs in 2022, including 144,800 linked to services exports.

Those employment figures are based on economic modelling and include people employed directly by exporters and those working for businesses within their supply chains.

While ministers have presented the agreement as a major opportunity for Welsh businesses, its precise economic value to Wales remains uncertain.

The £5.2 billion estimate applies to the whole of the UK and the Government has not yet published a Wales-specific assessment of the expected increase in trade, investment or employment.

The agreement will now move towards formal signature and implementation, subject to the usual parliamentary scrutiny.

 

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