Crime

Husband ‘fought for his life’ as masked gunmen burst into caravan near Newcastle Emlyn

Published

1 month ago

October 8, 2025

Court hears claims of plot to murder veteran by wife and two ex-soldiers in alleged charity-love triangle

A VETERAN told a jury he was “fighting for his life” after opening the door of his caravan near Cenarth to find two masked men armed with pistols.

Christopher Mills said he was struck in the face, pistol-whipped and forced to grapple with the men — later identified as former soldiers — during what prosecutors claim was a planned attempt on his life.

The alleged attack took place just after 11:30pm on September 20 last year at the Argoed Meadows caravan and camping park, near Newcastle Emlyn. Mills said he managed to disarm both men, who then fled into the night.

Armed officers, police dogs and a helicopter were scrambled to the scene. Two men — Geraint Berry, 46, of Clos Coffa, Clydach, and Steven Thomas, 47, of Villiers Road, Blaengwynfi — were found hiding in bushes nearby. In their rucksacks, officers discovered gas masks, pliers, cable ties and a note purporting to be a suicide letter from Mr Mills.

The court heard Berry and Thomas were both clients of the veterans’ charity Alabare, where Mr Mills had previously worked before joining Help for Heroes. His wife, Michelle Mills, 46, of Maes Ty Gwyn, Llangennech, had also worked for Alabare — and was allegedly having a secret affair with Berry.

Prosecutor Jonathan Rees KC told Swansea Crown Court the affair developed into a conspiracy to kill her husband, involving discussions about poisoning him with antifreeze, sedatives or foxgloves, or smothering him with a pillow.

Berry, a former Royal Marine, allegedly “recruited” Thomas to help carry out the plan.

Giving evidence, Mr Mills said he had no idea his wife wanted him harmed. “It was completely out of the blue,” he said. “I thought it was a robbery. I just fought for my life.”

The owner of the caravan park, Rita Owens, told the court she rushed to the scene after receiving a call from Mills. “There was blood everywhere,” she said. “He was covered in blood, and she [Michelle] was sitting calmly texting.”

Mills later discovered cable ties and duct tape in the boot of his wife’s car and reported it to police.

Berry and Thomas have already admitted possessing imitation firearms with intent to cause fear, but deny conspiracy to murder. Michelle Mills also denies attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The trial continues at Swansea Crown Court.

Crime

Two Milford Haven men sent to Crown Court on GBH charges

Published

9 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Court Reporter

The incident stems from a violent incident outside The Vibe public house, Milford Haven involving three men – a woman was also wounded in the incident

TWO Milford Haven men have been sent to Swansea Crown Court charged with section 18 wounding after an alleged incident in the town on November 15.

David McCallum, 41, of Plas Peregrine, Steynton, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates court on Monday (Nov 17). He is accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding a woman in Milford Haven with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

McCallum also faces a second section 18 charge alleging that, on the same date in Milford Haven, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded a man with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

He was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, with the prosecution conducted by Nia James.

On Tuesday (Nov 18), Nathan Abbott, 31, also of Plas Peregrine, Steynton, appeared before District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest magistrates court.

Abbott is charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding a man in Milford Haven on November 15 with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

He was represented by Mike Kelleher, of Welch & Co.

Abbott also gave no plea, and his case was likewise sent to Swansea Crown Court under section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Both McCallum and Abbott were remanded on conditional bail.

McCallum’s bail conditions include a curfew from 7:00pm to 7:00am, to be electronically monitored, not to contact directly or indirectly witnesses, and not to enter any public house, licensed club or off-licence.

Abbott’s bail conditions include living and sleeping each night at his home address , not to contact witnesses directly or indirectly, and not to enter licensed premises.

Both men must appear for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing at Swansea Crown Court on December 19, 2025, at 9:00am.

No pre-sentence reports were ordered and no indication was given regarding any victim personal statements at this stage.

Crime

Aberystwyth man remanded after admitting cocaine supply

Published

9 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Court Reporter

Case sent to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing

AN ABERYSTWYTH man has been remanded in custody after admitting possessing cocaine with intent to supply and having £7,000 in criminal cash.

Luke Hutton, 25, of Corporation Street, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Nov 17) for his first hearing. The case was heard by a bench of Mr J Steadman, Mrs M Scott and Mr R John. He was represented by Jessica Hill and Mike Kelleher, while the prosecution was led by Nia James.

Hutton pleaded guilty to two offences arising from a police incident at Yr Hafan, Princess Street, Aberystwyth, on November 14.

The first charge was possessing £7,000 in criminal property, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The second was possessing a quantity of cocaine, a Class A drug, with intent to supply.

Magistrates were told that Hutton indicated guilty pleas to both matters on the day of his appearance.

Because of the seriousness of the charges, the bench committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence under Section 14 of the Sentencing Act 2020. A pre-sentence report has been ordered.

Magistrates refused bail, citing the likelihood of further offending, the seriousness of the offences and the likely custodial sentence. Hutton was remanded into custody.

He will next appear at Swansea Crown Court on December 1, 2025, at 9:00am, for a committal for sentence hearing, listed for 30 minutes.

Crime

Motorcyclist to return to court over Dinas Cross crash that seriously injured woman

Published

9 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Case adjourned after part-heard trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court

A MAN accused of causing serious injury to a woman by careless driving on the A487 at Dinas Cross will return to court next month after his trial was adjourned part-heard.

Aleksandrs Lohins, 61, of Mayfield Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, is charged with causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving, contrary to section 2C of the Road Traffic Act. The allegation relates to a collision on April 9, 2023, in which motorcyclist Anna Titorchuk suffered serious injuries.

Lohins is alleged to have been riding a Honda GL-1800 motorcycle, registration WJ05 MDE, without due care and attention when the incident occurred.

The trial began at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Nov 17), with a bench comprising Mr J Steadman, Mrs M Scott and Mr R John. Lohins was represented by defence solicitor Mike Kelleher, while the prosecution was led by Nia James.

After hearing evidence, magistrates adjourned the case part-heard.

Lohins remains on unconditional bail.

The matter will resume at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on December 8, 2025, at 11:00am, in Courtroom 1. The hearing is listed for an estimated 20 minutes, and the defendant must attend.