News

Builder drove from pub whilst almost three times over the limit

Published

3 years ago

February 28, 2023

A SELF-EMPLOYED Pembrokeshire builder who spent the evening drinking at a Saundersfoot pub, foolishly decided to drive home despite being almost three times over the legal drink-drive limit.

David Lewis, 44, of Mayfield Acres, Kilgetty, was subsequently stopped by on-duty police officers as they carried out traffic checks on Milford Terrace, Saundersfoot on the evening of January 31.

When he was asked to step out of his Vauxhall Astra, Lewis proceeded to become abusive towards the officers.

“He tripped one officer over causing him to fall to the floor and kicked another officer to her knee, causing severe bruising,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

Photographs of the injuries sustained by both officers were submitted to the magistrates.

Lewis was taken to the police station for further breath tests to be carried out. These lowest reading confirmed he had 92 mcg of alcohol in his breath, the legal limit being 35.

“That reading speaks for itself,” added Ms Vaughan.

Lewis pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting the emergency workers and of driving whilst over the legal drink-drive limit.

He was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher who claimed the offences were committed as a result of ‘difficulties’ his client had been experiencing at home.

“One of the ways of dealing with a difficult situation is to absent yourself from it,” he said. “But instead of driving, my client should have walked.”

Mr Kelleher went on to say that Lewis’s problem was further exacerbated by the fact that the self-employed builder is currently suffering from long covid.

“As a result, he’s been out of work for some considerable time and was understandably feeling very low,” he said.

Mr Kelleher’s comments were backed up by probation officer Julie Norman.

“Mr Lewis has been using alcohol to cope with his current situation,” she said.

“He left his house, went to Saundersfoot and visited a pub to drink alcohol,” she said.

“When he was stopped by police, he was looking for somewhere quiet to park his vehicle for the night. He’s unable to explain why he acted in the way he did.”

After considering the evidence, Lewis was sentenced to a 12 month community order comprising 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He was ordered to pay £150 compensation to the police officers, £85 court costs and a £114 court surcharge.

For the offence of drink-driving he was disqualified from driving for 23 months.

News

Former West Wales MS says Starmer resignation felt ‘increasingly inevitable’

Published

2 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Samuel Kurtz says public frustration has grown after two years of Labour controversies and policy decisions

FORMER West Wales MS Samuel Kurtz has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation felt “increasingly inevitable” after months of controversy and public frustration.

The Welsh Conservative said he watched the Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement with “genuine frustration”, adding that he wanted the UK to be respected regardless of which party was in government.

Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour leader, just 12 days before the second anniversary of Labour’s 2024 general election victory.

Mr Kurtz said: “As a British citizen, I sighed genuine frustration while watching this morning. Whatever the political colour of the Government, I want our country to be respected at home and on the international stage.

“But, in truth, this moment has felt increasingly inevitable as the weeks turned into months.”

He pointed to a series of controversies and policy decisions, including the Lord Alli gifts row, winter fuel allowance cuts, the Family Farm Tax, rising National Insurance, defence spending and domestic energy production.

Mr Kurtz said people “simply feel worse off”, adding that confidence in the economy remained low.

He said: “A Government should ultimately be judged on whether life is getting better for the people it serves.

“After two years marked by the controversies and a series of damaging policy decisions mentioned above, it’s difficult to argue this Government has passed that test.”

Mr Kurtz also questioned what would happen next, asking whether Labour would see an “Andy Burnham coronation”, whether Wes Streeting could build enough support, or whether an outsider could emerge.

He added that he would be watching the leadership contest “from the sidelines with interest”.

Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader on July 9, with Starmer remaining in office until his successor is chosen.

Community

Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work

Published

2 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

News

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

Published

3 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.