News

Jail for ‘deluded and ill-tempered’ driver who ‘used car as a weapon’

Published

2 years ago

November 18, 2023

A DRIVER who killed a man walking near his home, robbing his family of a ‘devoted husband, father and tadcu’, has been jailed.

Barry Thomas, aged 73, was found to have been driving too close to the car in front of him, not allowing enough time to react when passing pedestrian Brian Guest on the B4317 near Ffos Las.

He convicted of causing the 61-year-old’s death at Swansea Crown Court last month, and was sentenced on Friday, November 17.

The court heard that Thomas was driving his black Mercedes on January 23, 2022, when he swerved into the nearside verge. As he did, he collided with Mr Guest, who was walking home. The 61-year-old suffered catastrophic injuries and died in hospital in the company of his loved ones.

Thomas denied that his driving was dangerous, attempting to shift the blame onto an innocent driver who he also collided with. But evidence was given by the driver of the car in front of Thomas, proving the defendant was too close. The witness told he court he had seen Mr Guest walking towards him on his nearside, and that he had moved towards the middle of the road to give him space. As he did so, he saw Thomas’s car alongside the passenger side of his vehicle, before it collided with Mr Guest.

Dyfed-Powys Police officer in case Sergeant Sara John said: “What made this incident even more heart-breaking was that Mr Guest’s wife heard a disturbance outside their home and went outside to find out what was going on.

“She then realised that her husband had been struck by a car and was seriously injured. Despite seeing the devastation he had caused, the defendant still denied that his actions amounted to dangerous driving.”

In a victim impact statement, Mr Guest’s wife spoke directly told the defendant, saying: “You used your car as a weapon that day, a weapon that killed Brian. Your actions that day were avoidable, and you have shown no remorse for your actions. We no longer have our normal lives.”

Mr Guest’s family later added: “The defendant has destroyed our lives, stolen our future with Brian, and robbed us of a wonderful, devoted husband, father and tadcu.”

Thomas, of Garden Suburbs in Kidwelly, was sentenced to eight years in prison, with a 10 year driving ban.

On sentencing, HHJ Geraint Walters described Thomas as ‘deluded and an ill-tempered driver’. He added: “Your impatience on the day took the life of a healthy 61-year-old man – a loving son, husband, adored father and grandfather who should have seen them grow up. You have left the family devastated by your actions.”

Entertainment

Hubberston Girls exhibition launches new space at Waterfront Gallery

Published

29 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW exhibition exploring memories of growing up on a council estate has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

Artist Lynn Stuart is launching the gallery’s new exhibition space with her solo show, Hubberston Girls, which runs until Saturday, May 30.

The exhibition features a deeply personal series of works drawn and painted on brown paper. The material was chosen for its connection to everyday memories, including lunch bags and magazines wrapped in paper.

Once oiled, the paper becomes semi-transparent, allowing paint to be applied to the reverse and creating layered, intimate images.

The Waterfront Gallery is extending its opening hours for the exhibition and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 10:30am to 4:00pm.

A private view will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and all are welcome.

The gallery is based in the Old Sail Loft on Discovery Quay, Milford Waterfront, Milford Haven. It is one of south west Wales’s leading art galleries, a registered charity, and home to the Wales Contemporary annual competition.

The gallery is run by artist volunteers who exhibit there regularly.

Community

Vintage tractor tour sets off from Pembroke Dock for Ireland

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FIFTY-three vintage tractors left Pembroke Dock Ferry Port on Saturday (May 2) as part of a long-running tractor tour to Ireland.

The group boarded the ferry for the latest stage of an exchange which has been running since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

Organiser Alun Mason said: “The Tour of Ireland has been ongoing since 2011, when the National Vintage Tractor Run was held in Pembrokeshire.

“A large contingent travelled from Ireland and continue to do so every other year, with our visit this weekend and the Irish tractors due to visit in 2027.”

Some of the tractors taking part travelled from as far as Burry Port, Bridgend, Llandrindod Wells, Llandovery and Ceredigion before gathering at the ferry port.

The event brought together vintage tractor enthusiasts from across Wales ahead of the crossing to Ireland.

Pictured are organisers Jo Richards and Alun Mason, and the group waiting to embark at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port.

Vintage tour: Jo Richards and Alun Mason with tractors at Pembroke Dock Ferry Port (Pic: Martin Cavaney).

Community

Volunteers praised as Rath paddling pool gets summer makeover

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Questions raised over new netting as community pitches in to prepare popular spot

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their efforts to get Milford Haven’s Rath paddling pool ready for summer – but a new addition has sparked debate among locals.

A group of residents, including Caroline Jones, Derek Abbott, Jordy, Tina Hawkins and Isla, were pictured this week installing colourful netting along the fence surrounding the pool.

The work forms part of ongoing efforts by the community to clean, maintain and improve the popular splash area ahead of the warmer months.

Caroline explained the netting had a practical purpose as well as an aesthetic one.

She said: “It’s partly to try and prevent some of the grass cuttings getting into the pool but also to brighten the area up.”

Others suggested it could also help reduce the amount of litter blowing into the water – an issue that has been raised in previous summers.

The efforts were widely welcomed online, with many residents thanking those involved for giving up their time.

One commenter wrote: “A bit of praise for these volunteers who give our little ones a bit of enjoyment at the paddling pool. Well done all.”

Another added: “Well done and thank you everyone.”

Some questioned the need for the netting, with one resident saying: “I don’t understand the netting around the pool. It looked lovely as it was.”

The Rath paddling pool is a well-used facility during the summer months, particularly by families with young children, and relies heavily on volunteer support to keep it clean and operational.

Local groups, including TipTop Wheelies, are understood to be involved in helping prepare the site for the season.

Despite mixed views on the netting, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for those working behind the scenes to keep the facility open.