Crime
Dyfed-Powys Police’s road safety operation nets £2,000 in fines
A JOINT operation led by Dyfed-Powys Police, in collaboration with the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Carmarthenshire County Council, resulted in approximately £2,000 in fines as part of a concerted effort to improve road safety and curb illegal activity on the county’s road networks.
Thursday’s (Aug 22) operation, dubbed “Op Mini Invigor,” took place at Leekes Car Park in Cross Hands, where officers conducted a day-long inspection of vehicles traveling along the A48. With the support of the DVSA and Carmarthenshire County Council, officers targeted a range of road safety issues, focusing on the “Fatal 5” driving behaviors—speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, using a mobile phone while driving, and careless driving—alongside other infractions such as vehicle overloading and illegal tyre treads.
Throughout the operation, approximately 40 vehicles were pulled over and inspected. Officers discovered several violations, including overweight vehicles, trailers without brakes, and vehicles with illegal tyre treads. In some instances, vehicles were prevented from continuing their journey until the necessary repairs were made. The combined efforts of the Roads Policing Unit and the DVSA resulted in around £2,000 in fines being issued on the spot.
The operation is part of an ongoing effort by Dyfed-Powys Police and its partners to ensure the safety of road users in the region. By cracking down on dangerous driving behaviors and vehicle defects, the authorities aim to reduce the risk of accidents and save lives.
Inspector Mark Evans of Dyfed-Powys Police commented on the operation, saying, “The safety of our road users is a top priority, and operations like this allow us to take direct action against those who put others at risk. We are committed to working with our partners to make our roads safer for everyone.”
Residents are encouraged to report any concerns about road safety in their area. More information and advice can be found on the Dyfed-Powys Police website.
Dyfed-Powys Police extends its thanks to Brodyr Evans Bros for their support in making the operation a success.
For more details on road safety and how to report unsafe driving, visit the Dyfed-Powys Police website at https://orlo.uk/NphHm.
Crime
Swansea Crown Court to deal with Narberth rape case
A 46-YEAR-OLD Haverfordwest man has appeared before a District Judge charged with raping a woman at an undisclosed location in Narberth.
Richard Murray, recently of Hill Street, Haverfordwest is accused of raping the woman on August 25, 2022. He is further charged with sexually assaulting a woman and of causing a female to engage in sexual activity without her consent. Both offences are alleged to have been committed on the same date, August 25.
Murray denied all three charges when he appeared before District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, September 17.
Judge Layton declined jurisdiction in the matter and the case will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court.
Murray was released on conditional bail, the condition being not to have any direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim.
The matter will next be heard at Swansea Crown Court on October 14.
Crime
Pet running loose in Milford Haven was a banned fighting dog
A DOG that was seen running loose on a main road in Milford Haven was found to be an unregistered fighting XL Bully which, according to police experts, had the strength to cause someone ‘substantial injury’.
Officers were called to a property in Milford Haven on March 24 following numerous reports from members of the public that a dog was running loose on the road, causing what the Crown Prosecution described as ‘a hazard’ to drivers. There they found the dog enclosed in a front garden.
This week it’s owner, Megan Pouparrd, 20, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, pleaded guilty to possessing or having custody of a fighting dog.
“It was a typical XL Bully dog in relation to its appearance and size,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
The dog, which had wandered approximately one mile from its owner’s home, was caught and taken away by officers for further examinations to be carried out to confirm its breed.
A police statement read out to Judge Layton stated that the dog was ‘very restless and curious’.
“He made no attempt to jump on us and was more interested in finding out about his new surroundings,” said the report.
“He was a very relaxed dog, but was also extremely strong, and could easily have knocked someone off their feet.”
A destruction order for the dog was submitted to the court by the police, however following a request by District Judge Mark Layton, this was delayed pending a behaviourist report to be carried out on the animal.
Sentencing was adjourned to October 8.
(Image: File)
Crime
Letterston man in court over ‘silly neighbours’ dispute’
A NEIGHBOURS’ dispute reached the courts this week when Letterston resident Stuart Wing pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to his neighbour’s car.
“It was a silly dispute,” the 59-year-old told a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
“We used to be good neighbours, but it was the stupidest of things. I’d put his bin bags back but then he fell out with me, giving me hand signals and calling me a scumbag.”
The incident took place on June 21, 2023 at Spring Gardens, Letterston.
“The victim [Clark Gretton], had left his property and entered his vehicle,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Judge Mark Layton.
“[The victim] said, ‘I’ll be glad to get away from these scumbags’, but the defendant was near and must have heard him, because he picked some gravel up and threw it at the car, causing chip marks.”
Ms Jackson said that the cost of the criminal damage to Mr Gretton’s Nissan Qashqai totaled £660.
After pleading guilty to causing criminal damage, Stuart Wing was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £660 compensation to Mr Gretton.
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