Crime
Banned for driving Defender when more than twice over drink-drive limit
A PEMBROKESHIRE caught driving his Land Rover Defender when he was over twice the legal drink-drive limit claimed he had consumed just one pint of Stella earlier that morning.
Guy Owen, 58, of The Stables, Enfield Road, Broad Haven, was stopped by officers at around midday on December 15 as he was driving his Defender along the Dale Road near Haverfordwest.
“The officers were carrying out a routine stop check on his grey Land Rover Defender, but there was a clear smell of alcohol emanating from inside the vehicle,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told a District Judge sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates earlier this week.
“The defendant was asked if he’d drunk anything and he said he’d had one pint of Stella.”
A roadside breath test carried out by officers proved positive and Owen was conveyed to the police station where he was asked to provide further breath tests . These gave a lowest reading of 89 mcg of alcohol; the prescribed legal limit is 35.
Owen pleaded guilty to a charge of drink-driving. He was legally represented in court by Mr David Williams.
“My client has taken significant steps after recognising that he has issues with alcohol,” he said. “He now wants to address those issues.
“ As a result of this offence, his work has come to an end and his family has become separated.”
District Judge Mark Layton questioned Guy Owen about the car he was driving at the time of the offence. Owen stated that the Defender was under the ownership of Land Rover and will subsequently be returned to the company following his drink-drive conviction.
Owen was disqualified from driving for a total of 22 months. He was fined £400 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £160 surcharge.
Crime
Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order
AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.
On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.
The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.
The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.
Crime
Police find knuckleduster and drug evidence in coke dealer’s home
SIMON WILLIAMS was at his residence on Woodland Close when officers conducted the raid on March 6. Prosecutor Sian Cutter reported that the police found the knuckleduster on the kitchen table and a cannabis joint on a bedroom cabinet.
“Under the kitchen sink, a black tray contained two bags of what was thought to be cocaine, but was later found to be creatine and bicarbonate of soda,” Cutter explained.
An analysis of Williams’ phone revealed messages dating back to March last year, indicating his involvement in cocaine dealing to about 20 customers. Cutter noted that Williams had sent messages referring to “flake” and “bash” – slang terms for cocaine – and discussed “preparing baggies” and having “a stash”.
In his police interview, Williams denied being a drug dealer, claiming he was only a user of cocaine and cannabis and that the knuckleduster was “for decoration only”.
The court heard that Williams, 41, had 11 previous convictions for 14 offences. He initially admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, asserting that he used cocaine to alleviate a head injury and only sold some to friends to fund his usage. However, the prosecution rejected this basis, citing further phone evidence showing he had been dealing to around 20 people.
Williams eventually fully accepted charges of being concerned in the supply of cocaine, as well as possession of cannabis and possession of the knuckleduster.
Defence counsel Dan Griffiths stated, “It’s clear that only an immediate custodial sentence can be imposed.” He added that Williams’ involvement in drugs began many years ago with the use of cannabis and that he was introduced to cocaine by others due to its prevalence in the area. Griffiths described Williams’ dealing as a way to fund his habit, marking an “escalation” in his offending.
Judge Huw Rees sentenced Williams to two years and four months for being concerned in the supply of cocaine. No separate penalties were imposed for the possession of cannabis and the knuckleduster.
Crime
Man charged with assault, strangulation, and controlling behaviour
LIAM BRIAN, 30, of Owen Street in Pennar, appeared at Swansea Crown Court facing four serious charges. The allegations include assaulting and strangling a woman in Merlin’s Bridge on August 11 of the previous year.
In addition, Brian is charged with engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour from January 2023 to January 2024. The accusations detail that he prevented the woman from seeing her family members, denied her access to a bank card and house keys, and restricted her from showering before work. It is also alleged that Brian dictated what clothes she could wear, controlled her contact with male colleagues, and subjected her to further assaults and strangulation.
Brian also faces a charge of attempting to pervert the course of public justice. On January 24, it is alleged he pressured the same woman to withdraw her witness statement to the police.
At a previous court appearance on April 29, Brian pleaded not guilty to all charges. The hearing was adjourned because the charges had been uploaded late, preventing his defence counsel, Dean Pulling, from having a full conference with him to offer advice.
Brian returned to court on May 17, where Mr Pulling confirmed that the defendant’s not guilty pleas remained unchanged. The court has set a trial date for September 3, and Brian was remanded back into custody.
-
Entertainment5 days ago
Dolly Parton to explore Welsh roots near Tenby in upcoming TV special
-
News6 hours ago
Two men arrested following death of Milford Haven woman
-
Crime6 days ago
Milford woman ’caused significant life-changing injuries to motorcyclist’
-
News4 days ago
Life literally ‘buzzing’ for west Wales EuroMillion winners
-
Crime4 days ago
Four young Pembrokeshire men arrested on suspicion of rape
-
Crime1 day ago
Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire
-
News6 days ago
Sian Batchelor: Police issue new appeal for information
-
Crime3 days ago
Arrest made following report of sexual assault in Haverfordwest