Witness saw pickup blocking house before police were called

A 56-YEAR-OLD woman from Marloes has admitted drink-driving after being found almost three times over the legal limit while behind the wheel of her pickup truck.

Magistrates sitting at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that Elizabeth Miles had been seen driving her Isuzu vehicle down a cul-de-sac in Yorkshire at around 6:00pm on December 10.

Prosecutor Nia James said there were footpaths on both sides of the road and residents quickly became concerned about her behaviour.

“A lady who lived in the street noticed the defendant’s car blocking the front of her house,” she told the court.

“She went up to the defendant to ask if she was ok, and the defendant replied no, she was ‘b*******’ and was driving back to Wales.”

After smelling alcohol coming from inside the vehicle, the witness returned home and contacted police.

While on the phone, she could see Miles continuing to manoeuvre the pickup backwards and forwards before mounting the kerb. Officers asked the caller to try to remove the keys for safety reasons.

“Elizabeth Miles handed the keys over without question,” said Ms James. “But it was obvious she was having difficulty seeing her phone.”

When officers arrived, they found an empty wine bottle in the vehicle’s footwell. Miles was described as extremely unsteady on her feet, with slurred speech.

Miles, of East End, Marloes, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

Her barrister, Caitlin Jones KC, told magistrates that earlier that day Miles had been visiting her mother at a care home near Hull and had not intended to attempt the full journey back to Wales.

“She planned to stop at a service station hotel,” she said. “She’s deeply ashamed and embarrassed to come before you today, and is grateful nobody was hurt. She understands the outcome could have been much worse.”

Magistrates disqualified Miles from driving for two years. She was fined £1,846 and ordered to pay a £738 court surcharge and £85 costs.

A DRUNKEN man smashed his moped through a neighbour’s front door after drinking half a bottle of vodka, a court has heard.

Police were called to an address in Vivian Drive, Hakin, shortly before 10:30pm on September 29 following reports that Delan Gibson was experiencing what callers described as a mental health episode.

Prosecutor Nia James told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court that Gibson had been “shouting and throwing things around the property” before leaving the area on a white moped.

Officers were unable to locate him at first and left the scene. However, around thirty minutes later, police received a further 999 call reporting that the 24-year-old had returned and crashed the moped into a neighbour’s front door.

During interview, Gibson admitted he had tried to mount a high kerb outside his address.

“He said he needed enough momentum to get over it,” the prosecutor said. “But after drinking half a bottle of vodka, he was so drunk that he missed the kerb. He then over-compensated by accelerating and crashed into the neighbour’s door, causing £1,430 worth of damage.”

Breathalyser tests later showed 74 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than double the legal limit of 35.

The court heard the neighbour had already experienced ongoing issues with Gibson’s behaviour over several years.

“The neighbour is very concerned for the safety of her family should he return to the property,” said Ms James. “His behaviour has continued over a four-year period and it has left her feeling persistently anxious with an overwhelming sense of dread.

“That night she was very, very scared, particularly when the moped drove into her front door.”

Gibson, of Marina View, Vivian Drive, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and causing criminal damage.

Defence solicitor Jess Hill said the incident was not deliberate and her client was deeply remorseful.

“This was not a targeted incident and was not intentional,” she said. “He drove while intoxicated, missed the turning and drove into the front door. He apologised to the homeowner as soon as she came out.”

The court heard Gibson has since stopped drinking and engaged with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service.

After considering a probation report, magistrates imposed a 12-month community order. He must complete 15 rehabilitation activity days, 80 hours of unpaid work and a 90-day alcohol monitoring requirement.

He was also ordered to pay £1,430 compensation, a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs, and was banned from driving for 17 months.

FISHGUARD, Goodwick and communities across north Pembrokeshire are being urged to back a campaign for a modern 4G all-weather sports pitch, led by local Members of the Senedd Paul Davies and Samuel Kurtz.

The project would provide clubs, schools and young people with a reliable, high-quality facility that can be used all year round. Suitable for both football and rugby, from juniors through to seniors, a 4G pitch would also complement the existing astroturf at Ysgol Bro Gwaun, home to the twin town’s successful hockey club.

Local teams say matches and training sessions are regularly cancelled due to waterlogged pitches, limiting opportunities for players and reducing sporting activity across the community.

Paul Davies MS said: “A 4G pitch would be a major boost for our young people and local clubs. It would improve sporting opportunities and strengthen pride and community spirit across north Pembrokeshire.”

Samuel Kurtz MS added: “With the weather as it is, too many fixtures are lost due to waterlogged pitches. A 4G pitch would give clubs, schools and youth teams consistent access throughout the year, and could also help Fishguard attract tournaments and visitors, bringing wider economic benefits.”

The Members of the Senedd say the pitch would be an investment in health, wellbeing and youth development, and are urging residents to show their support to help strengthen the case for funding.

Paul Davies added: “We need as many people as possible to get behind this campaign. Every signature helps show the strength of local support and the need for this facility in Fishguard.”

Residents can support the campaign by signing up on the website – Support our 4G Pitch for Fishguard & Goodwick Campaign | Pembrokeshire & Ceredigion or before 20th March.