Crime
Woman denies crashing into concrete bollards while drink-driving
A HAVERFORDWEST woman has appeared before magistrates after allegedly crashing into five concrete bollards and a stone wall after drinking alcohol.
Leah Harries, 29, of Gerald Road, Haverfordwest was charged with drink-driving following the alleged incident at City Road, Haverfordwest in the early hours of February 17.
“It was 1.25 am and reports were made to the police about a single vehicle road collision,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.
“The vehicle, a Volkswagen Golf, had been travelling at speed and had taken out approximately five concrete bollards and had damaged a stone wall.
“Residents saw a male get out of the passenger’s side of the vehicle, and a female get out of the driver’s side.”
Ms Baker went on to say that when police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the male standing beside the vehicle, while the defendant had left the scene,
“Leah Harries was then found at her address following a short search of the area,” said Ms Baker. “When interviewed, she admitted that she was the person driving the vehicle and provided breath samples at the police station which gave a reading of 56 mcg.”
The prescribed legal limit is 35.
However Harries denies the charge of drink-driving. Her solicitor, Mr Michael Kelleher, told the court the defendant had consumed the alcohol after returning to her home following the accident.
The matter was adjourned to August 15 when Harries’s trial will take place. The defendant was released on unconditional bail
Crime
‘Sheer luck’ that out-of-control car did not hit mother and baby
IN MILFORD HAVEN a woman and her baby were on the way to the local shop on Saturday (Sept 28) when what was described at the scene as a “drunk driver” veered off the road, mounted the pavement, and struck the telegraph pole just next to them.
The pole, in Milton Crescent was damaged, causing heavy duty trunking to break off and hit the pram, damaging it, but narrowly missing the baby.
It seems Deanna Potter and her baby, Danny, were only saved by the fortunate position of the pole – which took a heavy impact – preventing the large black Audi from ploughing into them.
After the collision, the woman said, the driver “attempted to flee”, but her car was too damaged. She then exited her vehicle and walked away, “seemingly indifferent to the near-fatal accident” she had caused.
Police soon arrested the driver, and are investigating the incident.
Mother and baby are said to be doing fine, but are obviously shaken-up by the ordeal.
The police have been asked to comment. (Images: Facebook)
Crime
Man charged with possession of offensive weapon and assault
A MAN has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and common assault following an incident in the Pembrokeshire village of St Dogmaels.
David Rees, 62, is set to appear in court on 9th October in relation to the incident, which took place on 16th September and left one person with minor injuries.
Locals reported that armed police, dog units, and a police helicopter descended on the scene, creating a significant emergency response in the normally quiet village.
In a police update that evening, it was confirmed that the ‘unusual police presence’ was due to an ‘isolated incident’ which had been ‘safely resolved’. Two police patrol cars remained in the village late into the evening to reassure residents and members of the public.
An update issued by Dyfed-Powys Police on Wednesday, 25th September, confirmed they had responded to reports of an assault resulting in injury to the victim. Following their response, officers arrested and charged a man with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and common assault in connection with the incident.
Crime
Pembrokeshire due face trial after denying assault charges
PEMBROKESHIRE residents Christopher Lewis, 42, and Jenna Allen, 37, appeared in Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Sept 27) for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The duo, both of Kensington Road, Neyland, have been charged following an incident that allegedly took place on June 25, 2023.
The pair, who were arrested following the alleged assault, have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Lewis is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
The prosecution claims that on the date in question, he assaulted a male, causing actual bodily harm.
Meanwhile, Jenna Allen faces a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
It is alleged that she unlawfully inflicted grievous bodily harm upon a female during the same incident.
The case was previously heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in August.
During that hearing, both defendants entered not guilty pleas and were subsequently sent to Swansea Crown Court for trial under Section 51(1) & (2)(b) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
Both Lewis and Allen were granted unconditional bail and required to attend the Crown Court hearing scheduled for today.
The hearing at Swansea Crown Court lasted approximately 30 minutes. The session, classified as a plea and trial preparation hearing, was an important procedural step in finalising the arrangements for the upcoming trial.
The trial date has been confirmed for Tuesday, 18th March 2024. The court will then hear evidence, including witness statements and medical reports related to the incident. Both defendants are required to attend the trial, where the presented evidence will allow the court to deliberate on the charges against them.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Wales (South West) is handling the case, with Abigail Jackson representing the prosecution. The defence for both defendants is led by Fenn Richards.
As of now, no victim personal statements have been provided, and no pre-sentence report (PSR) has been ordered, pending the outcome of the trial.
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