Crime

Motorcyclist had life-changing injuries after collision in Milford Haven

Published

1 year ago

August 9, 2024

A MOTORIST has been sentenced after causing a motorcyclist to suffer life-altering injuries in a collision near Milford Haven. The tragic incident occurred when Charlotte Harding, 38, pulled out of a junction without properly checking for oncoming traffic, leading to a devastating crash with paramedic Sean Luby.

The court heard how Mr Luby, 65, was riding his Honda motorcycle along Steynton Road at around 5:15 pm on January 29 of last year when the collision occurred. Despite the fact that the motorcyclist’s headlight was illuminated, Harding, who was driving home from her parents’ house with her children in her Audi A3, failed to see him and pulled out directly into his path. In a desperate attempt to avoid the collision, Mr Luby swerved and braked hard, but was unable to avert the crash. The impact threw him from his bike, leaving him unconscious on the road with severe injuries.

Prosecutor Hannah George told Swansea Crown Court that Mr Luby sustained a catalogue of catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain damage, multiple broken bones, and serious internal injuries. He was immediately attended to by off-duty nurses and firefighters who happened to be nearby. Their quick response, which included performing CPR after Mr Luby went into cardiac arrest, was credited with saving his life. He was then airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where he was placed in a medically induced coma and received extensive treatment, including blood transfusions and surgeries.

The court was told that Mr Luby’s injuries were so severe that he required two months of hospitalisation at Cardiff before being transferred to Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, and later to Neath Port Talbot Hospital for neuro-rehabilitation. His life has been irrevocably altered; he now suffers from limited mobility, impaired vision, chronic pain, and speaks with a stutter. Once a dedicated paramedic of over 30 years, Mr Luby is no longer able to work and has had to relocate to a bungalow better suited to his new physical limitations.

In an emotional impact statement read to the court, Mr Luby spoke of how his life had been “turned upside down” and expressed his bewilderment over why Harding had not seen him. He described the profound effect the crash has had on his family and lamented the loss of what had been a “boring and normal” life—one he would “take back in a heartbeat.”

Harding, who had no previous convictions and held a clean driving licence prior to the incident, expressed deep remorse for her actions. During her interviews with police, she acknowledged her fault, stating she was “mortified” by what had happened and admitted that she “had not looked long enough” at the junction. Her defence barrister, Ian Bridge, highlighted that Harding had been “broken” by the crash, expressing her deep regret and wishing she could turn back time to avoid the tragedy.

Judge Paul Thomas KC, in delivering the sentence, described the case as “tragic” and acknowledged the catastrophic impact the crash had on Mr Luby’s life. He noted that while the defendant had not acted with malicious intent, her carelessness had nonetheless resulted in devastating consequences. Judge Thomas pointed out that Harding “simply ought to have seen” the motorcyclist and should not have pulled out until she was certain it was safe.

Acknowledging the profound consequences of the incident, Judge Thomas sentenced Harding to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, 10 rehabilitation activity days, and was disqualified from driving for one year.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the life-changing consequences that can result from a moment’s inattention on the road.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

6 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

Crime

Rugby player’s life changed forever by knife attack — attacker jailed for 22½ years

Published

7 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Seren Baker

A YOUNG rugby player was left fighting for his life after being stabbed repeatedly outside a Gorseinon social club — and on Friday (Dec 19) the man responsible was jailed at Swansea Crown Court.

Morgan Hopkins, aged 18 at the time of the attack, was seriously injured in the early hours of Sunday (June 22) outside The New Lodge Social Club on Alexandra Road.

Mr Hopkins, known to friends as “Hobby”, is a local rugby player with Morriston RFC. He had been waiting for a lift home with his girlfriend when trouble broke out nearby.

The court heard that Mr Hopkins attempted to defuse a confrontation between another group of males and Kane Evans. As tensions rose, Evans approached Mr Hopkins armed with a knife.

In a final attempt to calm the situation, Mr Hopkins reportedly said: “No one needed to get hurt.”

***Morgan Hopkins,18, pictured here with his parents was left with life-changing injuries following the attack***

Moments later, Evans launched a ferocious and unprovoked attack.

Mr Hopkins was stabbed no fewer than ten times to the chest and abdomen. Surgeons later told police that one of the wounds was less than half an inch from being fatal.

He underwent extensive emergency surgery and was left with lasting physical and psychological injuries.

In a victim personal statement read to the court, Mr Hopkins described the terror of the attack and the devastating impact it has had on his life.

He said his dream of playing professional rugby had been put on hold, adding that the loss of weekly matches had left him feeling lost and isolated. He told the court he no longer felt safe in his own home and struggled to go out, describing ongoing anxiety and depression.

Mr Hopkins also detailed the financial consequences of the attack, saying he had lost around £4,800 in wages and a further £800 from a cancelled holiday.

Police confirmed that Kane Evans, now aged 21, had gone out that night armed with a kitchen knife and may also have been carrying a second Stanley-type blade.

Officers said Evans was aggressive at the time of his arrest and was later charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.

At Swansea Crown Court today, Evans was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years to follow.

Passing sentence, the judge described the attack as random and extremely violent, warning that Evans posed a serious ongoing risk to the public.

Family members and supporters of Mr Hopkins were present in court as the sentence was handed down.

Since the attack, friends, teammates and members of the local community have rallied around Mr Hopkins, offering support as he continues his recovery from injuries that have permanently altered his life.

Crime

Police appeal after stolen Ford Fiesta crashes into lamppost

Published

8 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Officers ask residents to check CCTV and dashcam footage

POLICE are appealing for information following the theft of a vehicle in Ystradowen on Thursday evening (Dec 18).

A silver Ford Fiesta, registration CV05 CVJ, was reported stolen from a property on Brynawel Terrace, Penygraig Road, at around 5.30pm.

The vehicle was later discovered on New Road, Cwmllynfell, where it had been involved in a collision with a lamppost.

Dyfed-Powys Police are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who lives or travelled along the route between Brynawel Terrace and New Road, Cwmllynfell, to check their CCTV or dashcam footage in case the incident was captured.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101, or by sending a direct message via social media.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Quote reference: 25*1032732.