A florist has been jailed after failing to keep in contact with the probation service.

Eric Evans, also known as Reuben O’Dell, of Stratford Street, Milford Haven, appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, April 9.

He admitted failing to comply with a suspended sentence order made by the court in November 2016.

Julie Norman of the probation service told the court that Evans, 31, had previously been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, following a conviction for driving while disqualified and without insurance in November 2016.

The court heard that a warrant was issued for Evans’ arrest when he failed to keep in contact with his supervising officer.

Mrs Norman added that Evans’ whereabouts had been unknown for 17 months.

Jonathan Webb, defending, said Evans had kept to the order until the end of August 2017, despite a period of being homeless, and had not ‘gone to ground’ as suggested.

“He has been in Milford Haven and the surrounding area throughout the whole time.

“He has turned his life around substantially. He has stayed out of trouble and started his own business, a florist shop in Hakin.”

Mr Webb added that Evans was also a carer for a family friend.

“He has not been on the run.”

Magistrates sentenced Evans to 12 weeks in custody.