Crime

Banned motorist ‘crossed custody threshold’ after being caught driving

Published

2 years ago

March 13, 2024

A MOTORIST who drove to Pembrokeshire just eight weeks after receiving a driving ban this week learnt that his actions ‘crossed the custody threshold’.

Leon Davies, 24, was disqualified by Swansea magistrates in December 2022, when he was told that his licence wouldn’t be returned until 2025.

But on February 18, police officers patrolling the A478 at Pentlepoir noticed a Ford Transit Connect vehicle being driven by the defendant. Further investigations revealed that Davies wasn’t insured to drive the vehicle as a result of his disqualification.

This week Davies, of Llwyn Derw, Fforestfach, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates where he pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified and of using the vehicle in a public place without third party insurance.

“He and his partner were having relationship issues, so they decided to come to Pembrokeshire for an overnight stay,” probation officer Julie Norman told the court.

“They were on their way back to Swansea when the defendant was stopped.

“He knew he’d been disqualified by Swansea magistrates, but he took a silly chance.”

Ms Norman added that as a result of the offence, Davies has lost his employment as a plant operator.

“He knows how silly he’s been, and this is something he deeply regrets,” said his solicitor, Mr Tom Lloyd.

Davies was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.

“Because this offence was committed so soon after your disqualification, it crosses the custody threshold,” said the presiding magistrate.

Davies was ordered to carry out ten rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work He was disqualified from driving for 24 months.

He must also pay £85 court costs and a £154 surcharge.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

59 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

Crime

Youth given conditional discharge after series of offences in Haverfordwest

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A YOUTH has been given a conditional discharge after admitting a series of offences in Haverfordwest, including assault, shop theft and interfering with motor vehicles.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offences took place over a number of days in December 2025.

The court was told that on Saturday (Dec 6), the youth assaulted another child by beating them during an incident in the town. On the same date, they also stole two cans of Red Bull worth £5.40 from Tesco.

Further offences were committed on Tuesday (Dec 9), when the youth interfered with multiple vehicles at a vehicle repair workshop at Havens Head Business Park, Milford Haven. The offences involved attempts to interfere with vehicles with the intention of theft.

The youth appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where guilty pleas were entered to all matters.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge for each offence, taking into account the early guilty pleas.

The court also ordered the youth to pay £100 in compensation to the victim of the assault and £5.40 in compensation to Tesco. No order for costs was made due to the financial circumstances involved.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.