News

Man steals Toyota after downing ‘several beers and a bottle of rum’

Published

2 years ago

April 3, 2024

A COURT has heard how a 21-year-old man downed ‘several beers and a bottle of rum’ at a Pembrokeshire nightclub before driving off in a Toyota Aygo without the owner’s consent.

Bryan John entered the Out nightclub in Pembroke Dock on the evening of December 9, 2023.

“He drank several beers and a bottle of rum and when he left the club, it was raining,” the probation service told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“He saw a vehicle which was unattended and insecure, with the keys left in the ignition, so he went inside it for shelter,”

“He then drove the car from Pembroke Dock to the Silverdale Lodge in Johnston, but he has no idea why he did this.”

Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker said that a staff member who was on duty at the Silverdale Lodge heard a vehicle drive into the lodge car park at around 4am.

“He saw Bryan John get out, and when he spoke to him, he could see that he was under the influence of alcohol,” she said.

“The staff member contacted the police and when officers arrived, they checked the vehicle’s information and discovered that it was stolen.”

John was arrested and taken to Haverfordwest police station where he was breathalysed and found to have 52 mcg of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 35.

He pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent; driving over the legal drink-drive limit; driving otherwise than in accordance with a driving licence and using the vehicle on a public road without third party insurance.

John was legally represented in court by solicitor Mr Tom Lloyd.

“My client had gone out that night, he’d had too much to drink and he did something really silly,” he said. “I can’t explain why he did it, but he knows that this kind of behaviour isn’t going to assist him in the future.”

John was sentenced to an 18-month community order during which he must carry out 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £114 surcharge.

“You’re very fortunate that nothing worse happened that night, before you were arrested,” commented presiding magistrate Mary Smith when passing sentence. “This is a wake up call to stop behaving like a kid.”

Charity

Tenby Freemasons donate £400 to cancer care charity

Published

7 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TENBY Freemasons have donated £400 to Tenovus Cancer Care following a raffle held during the lodge’s annual installation banquet.

The raffle took place on the night Damian Brown was installed as Master of Tenby Freemasons Lodge.

As is tradition at the annual installation meeting, the incoming Master chooses a charity to receive the proceeds.

Mr Brown selected Tenovus Cancer Care, a Wales-based charity which supports people affected by cancer through expert advice, counselling and mobile support units.

The charity also funds research into new cancer drugs, improved treatments, and better ways to diagnose and prevent the disease.

Mr Brown later visited the Tenovus shop in Pembroke with lodge charity steward Steve Thurgood, where he presented the donation to volunteer Elena.

Pictured: Damian Brown and Steve Thurgood present the donation to Tenovus volunteer Elena.

Charity

Local cycling legend Ted celebrates 90th birthday

Published

7 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Much-loved GTBAL regular inspires community with stories of adventure, resilience and kindness

A WELL-KNOWN face at one of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved community cafés is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Ted turns ninety.

For the last seven years, Ted has been a familiar presence at GTBAL — short for Get The Boys A Lift — the Haverfordwest-based community coffee shop and mental health support hub on Dew Street.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after the gym, Ted and friends make their way in for an extra hot cappuccino, conversation and companionship.

Staff and customers say Ted has become part of the “fabric of the community”, with many captivated by the extraordinary stories he shares from a life packed with adventure.

Ted’s experiences have included working as a fine jewellery designer, sailing around the world and raising his family while living aboard a boat.

But perhaps one of his most inspiring achievements came later in life.

At the age of eighty-five, Ted completed a solo and unsupported cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End on his famous trike, raising money for GTBAL along the way. He crossed the finish line on his eighty-sixth birthday.

Many local residents will recognise Ted from his distinctive trike, which has become something of a symbol of his determination and adventurous spirit.

GTBAL said: “What makes Ted so special isn’t just what he’s done. It’s his kindness, his positivity, his curiosity, and the way he can brighten someone’s day with a simple conversation.

“If you see Ted in the shop or out and about, stop and say hello. Spend a few minutes listening to his stories. You’ll leave richer for it.”

As Ted celebrates his ninetieth birthday, friends and customers alike have paid tribute to a man described as an inspiration — proof that age is no barrier to living life with purpose, adventure and generosity.

Cover image:

Ted on his famous trike during one of his fundraising adventures for GTBAL (Pic: GTBAL).

Community

Hospital staff to climb Pen y Fan for Ward 4 fundraiser

Published

10 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STAFF from Ward 4 at Withybush Hospital are preparing to climb Pen y Fan to raise money for their surgical ward.

The team will take on the challenge on Saturday, September 5, 2026, climbing the highest peak in South Wales in Bannau Brycheiniog.

The fundraiser aims to raise £500, with money going directly towards improving the ward environment for patients.

Staff said: “We have organised this event to raise funds that will go directly towards enhancing the ward environment for patients, including purchasing items such as TVs to improve comfort and wellbeing during their stay.

“We’re hoping to raise £500.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “A huge thank you to the team on Ward 4 for embracing the challenge and choosing to raise funds for their ward. We hope you have a fantastic day and truly enjoy the experience.

“The generous charitable donations we receive do not replace NHS funding. Instead, they support additional items and activities outside core NHS expenditure. These small extras make a big difference, and we are so grateful for every donation we receive.”

Donations can be made to the Ward 4 Pen y Fan fundraiser at: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/cf/ward-4-staff-at-withybush-hospital-s-pen-y-fan-cha

For more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit: hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales

Pictured:

Staff from Ward 4