Soldier nearly three times over limit avoids community order due to military career

A PEMBROKESHIRE army medic has admitted driving through a McDonald’s car park while nearly three times over the legal drink-drive limit.

Police were called to McDonald’s in Haverfordwest shortly before 1:00am on February 28 after a staff member reported concerns that a motorist entering the drive-through may have been under the influence of alcohol.

Officers found off-duty corporal combat medical technician Jessica Charles-Davies, 27, sitting behind the wheel of a Suzuki.

“She confirmed the vehicle was hers and said she had consumed alcohol, a pint of cider, around two hours earlier,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

However, a roadside breath test revealed 118 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than three times the legal limit of 35. Further tests at the police station recorded a lower reading of 92 microgrammes.

Charles-Davies, of Guillemot Avenue, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to drink driving. She was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd.

The court heard that after completing her AS levels at 17, she joined the military and now serves as a corporal combat medical technician.

“She’s worked all over the world, including deployments in East Africa, Europe, Mozambique and Kenya,” said Mr Lloyd. “Her work is her life.”

In a letter read to the court, the defendant expressed remorse for her actions.

“I’m deeply sorry and would do anything to take it back,” she wrote.

“I’m aware of the impact drink driving has on others, and I accept full responsibility. This has scared me to the core, and I don’t recognise the person I see in the mirror.

“I’m filled with remorse and shame, and this experience will stay with me forever.”

Due to the high reading, magistrates were advised that a community order would normally be imposed, including unpaid work and rehabilitation activity requirements. However, the court was urged to take her military career into account.

“This woman has an exemplary background and is highly regarded by colleagues and friends,” said Mr Lloyd.

“That night she made a serious mistake which she deeply regrets. The consequences are already life-changing.

“She faces demotion and relocation, likely far from her family and partner. The court must consider whether this is a case where sympathy is warranted, and we say it is.”

After a short adjournment, magistrates agreed to depart from sentencing guidelines.

“In the interests of justice, we are prepared to deviate from the guidelines,” said the presiding magistrate, citing the defendant’s previous good character and the mitigation presented.

Charles-Davies was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a £400 surcharge and £85 costs. She was disqualified from driving for 23 months.

Police appeal for witnesses following attack in Guildhall Square

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an alleged assault reported to have taken place in Guildhall Square, Carmarthen.

At around 12.30am on Sunday (Mar 15), an 18-year-old man was approached by a small group outside Cofio Lounge.

It is reported that the victim was pulled to the ground and assaulted before the group — described as one man and two women — left the area.

The victim attended hospital shortly after the incident, where he was treated for head injuries. He was discharged later the same day.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Information can be provided in the following ways:

Online: https://orlo.uk/KRjzb
Email: [email protected]
Call: 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: 26*208852

Town centre bridges sealed off as multi-agency response continues

A MAJOR emergency response is underway in the centre of Haverfordwest after reports of a body in the River Cleddau.

Multiple police units, fire crews and ambulance teams were called to the scene shortly before 11:00am on Tuesday (Mar 17), with large parts of the town centre sealed off.

The Herald understands that access across both the Old Bridge and the newly installed Instagramable Bridge near by has been restricted while emergency services deal with the incident.

A witness at the scene told The Herald that he was among several members of the public who contacted emergency services after spotting a body in the water.

He said that a significant response followed, including several police vehicles, multiple fire engines, and a specialist water rescue unit.

A rigid inflatable boat (RIB) was also deployed on the river as part of the operation.

An ambulance is also still in attendance.

Emergency services remain at the scene and the situation is ongoing.

There has been no official confirmation from Dyfed-Powys Police at this stage regarding the nature of the incident.

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