News

Attempts to contact crisis team led to ‘drive of desperation’

Published

3 years ago

February 21, 2023

A KILGETTY motorist who spent over two hours attempting to contact the mental health Crisis team eventually decided to drive to the Bro Cerwyn health unit, Haverfordwest, despite being almost twice over the legal drink-drive limit.

On the morning of July 21, 2022, Nicholas Evans made repeated attempts to telephone the Crisis team from his home in Kingsmoor Common, Kilgetty. But after failing to get the help he required despite two hours of phone calls, Evans made the foolish decision to drive his Nissan Juke to Haverfordwest.

Upon his arrival at the Bro Cerwyn unit, an on-duty nurse realised his intoxicated position, and promptly rang 999.

“In the meantime, the defendant returned to his car and continued to drink more alcohol,” said Crown Prosecutor Simone Walsh.

Ms Walsh said that information supplied by Dyfed-Powys police officers confirmed that Evans, 49, had consumed around a box and a half of Budweiser beer, which amounted to some 27 beers.

Evans was unable to perform a roadside breath test as a result of him being a heavy smoker with breathing issues. He was subsequently taken to the police station where blood tests were carried out. These confirmed he had148 milligrammes of alcohol in his blood; the legal limit is 80.

Nicholas Evans was represented in court by Mr Stuart John.

“On the morning of the offence my client was trying to speak to the Crisis team but, as we’re well aware, they’re presently under extreme pressure,” he said.

“ After he failed to get any help from them for well over two hours, in some degree of desperation he decided to drive.

“Perhaps this was an emergency decision.”

After listening to the mitigation, Evans was banned from driving for 18 months. He was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £48 surcharge and £85 court costs.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.