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A man from Rhigos has been sentenced to over three years in prison after he stole a bulldozer and deliberately drove it into a public house while it was open. Daniel Morgan, aged 35, admitted to charges that included aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, and criminal damage recklessly endangering life. The incident took place on the evening of December 4th at The New Inn, located in Cefn Rhigos, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Police responded to reports that a bulldozer had rammed a parked car before crashing into the front porch and outer walls of the pub, resulting in approximately £22,000 worth of damage. According to the court, the judge described Morgan’s actions as a “revenge attack” intended to cause harm. The court also established that Morgan had been drinking at the pub and became angry after overhearing remarks about the breakdown of his marriage. Following this, he sent threatening texts to the pub’s owner, Christopher Common, including warnings such as “be careful, you can’t stop a ‘dozer” and “it will be a drive thru.”
Morgan then left the pub and went to his father’s farm to steal a bulldozer. Surveillance footage showed him crashing into his brother’s car and flipping it over as he left the farm. Phillip Morgan, Daniel’s father, followed him, warning the pub owner and attempting to alert people to evacuate, saying he could not stop his son. The bulldozer was driven across the pavement into the pub, causing heavy damage. Afterward, Daniel Morgan proceeded toward the home of his estranged wife and children, with his father attempting to block his path using a truck and trailer. Undeterred, Daniel drove over the vehicles. It was only when Phillip Morgan commandeered a digger and caused damage to the bulldozer’s cab that his son was brought to a halt.
At the time of his arrest, Daniel Morgan was found to be over the legal alcohol limit and injured. His father later expressed shock at his son’s behavior, insisting that he “needs help.” The pub owner noted that the incident was “totally out of character for Daniel” and that Morgan had been experiencing personal difficulties. During sentencing at Merthyr Crown Court, Judge Celia Hughes remarked that Morgan had been abusing cocaine and drinking heavily around the time of the offence. While she acknowledged his remorse and progress in addressing his substance issues, she emphasized the serious nature of the crime and commended those who acted bravely during the incident. Morgan received a sentence of three years and four months, accompanied by a driving ban lasting over three years. A representative from the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted Morgan’s blatant disregard for public safety and noted that this was a deliberate act, affecting not just property but also livelihoods
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