Crime

Fraudster ordered to repay just £16,700 after victims lost £620,000

Published

6 days ago

June 12, 2024

A MAN described by a judge as the most “fundamentally dishonest” individual he had ever encountered has been ordered to repay only £16,700 after defrauding his victims of more than £620,000.

Darryl Evans, aged 62, was sentenced to eight years in prison in January after being convicted of 26 charges of fraud and one charge of theft. The convictions followed an almost three-week trial in December, during which the jury deliberated for less than three hours before returning guilty verdicts on all 27 charges.

Evans, of Green Court Crescent in Tenby, deceived his victims into handing over large sums of money between 2013 and 2020. Described by one victim as operating a “Ponzi scheme,” Evans persuaded friends and acquaintances to invest substantial amounts, claiming he would place their funds in lucrative schemes. In reality, Evans was unemployed and using the money to finance his own lifestyle.

The theft charge stemmed from Evans appointing himself as the executor of a will and transferring money into his personal account, where it swiftly vanished.

Sentencing Evans, Judge Paul Thomas KC remarked: “In over 40 years in these criminal courts, I do not remember ever dealing with someone as fundamentally dishonest as you. Over several years, you cynically, ruthlessly, and dishonestly took in excess of half a million pounds. Many of these people considered you to be their friend. You knew many of them could not afford to lose the money you were taking from them.”

Evans recently returned to Swansea Crown Court for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, where prosecutor Robin Rouch revealed that Evans had benefitted to the sum of £629,926.17 from his offences. However, only £16,736.11 of Evans’ assets could be seized to repay his victims.

Mr Rouch explained that the available money had been deposited in a Co-op bank account set up by Evans and could be directly traced to the estate of the person for whom he had acted as an executor. Unfortunately, none of the other victims’ money could be traced to this account.

Judge Thomas inquired if Evans owned any property that could be sold to compensate the other victims. Mr Rouch responded that extensive enquiries had been made, but nothing of value was found.

Judge Thomas ruled that the available funds would be split between the two beneficiaries of the estate. He emphasised, “The money will be paid. There’s nothing you can do to either facilitate it or thwart it. The money will be taken from your account. It will be done without your involvement.” He added, “It’s unfortunate for other investors who have lost rather more.”

Crime

Police appeal for information following assault at railway station

Published

2 hours ago

June 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

OFFICERS in Pembrokeshire are investigating a report of an assault on a woman that happened outside Haverfordwest Railway Station at approximately 8:10pm on Monday (Jun 17).

One man, aged 49, was arrested on suspicion of common assault and remains in police custody.

Did you witness the assault or have any information that could help officers with their investigation? If so, get in touch:

️ | https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline

| [email protected]

| Direct message us on social media

| 101

Quote ref: 24*537044

Crime

Police confirm arrests following violent disorder in Pembroke Dock

Published

22 hours ago

June 17, 2024

Luke Sinclair

POLICE in Pembrokeshire have made a statement following the incident on Saturday in which a man on a hoodie was seen wielding a samurai sword in Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock whilst others engaged in a punch up.

The police have now confirmed that four people were arrested following events, three men and one woman.

On Monday a spokesperson said: “Dyfed Powys police responded to a report of disorder and an individual with a weapon, on Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock at approx. 4:50pm, Saturday June 15.

“Emergency services were dispatched immediately and arrived at scene shortly after.

Four people were arrested; 3 males aged 51, 47, 46 and one female, 37 and have since been released on bail, pending further police enquiries.

We are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident.

Superintendent for Pembrokeshire, Craig Templeton of Pembrokeshire said.

“We understand this has caused concern amongst residents in the area.

We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and support during this incident.

You will likely see a greater police presence in the area and our local officers will be available should you have any concerns and wish to speak with someone”.

If you have any information that may assist officers in their investigation, please contact us either online via https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, [email protected]

Direct message us on social media or call 101

Quoting Ref: 252 of the 15th.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Audi driver admits to careless driving, seriously injuring paramedic

Published

2 days ago

June 16, 2024

Court Reporter

AN Audi driver has admitted to careless driving, which resulted in a paramedic sustaining serious injuries.

Charlotte Harding, 38, of Murray Road in Milford Haven, crashed her Audi A3 into paramedic Sean Luby, who was riding his Honda motorbike on the A4076 Steynton Road at approximately 5.10pm on January 29 last year. Mr Luby was subsequently taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff in critical condition.

Harding appeared at Swansea Crown Court, where she pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving. She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 9.

Judge Paul Thomas KC indicated that although the offence meets the custody threshold, Harding, who has no prior convictions, is likely to receive a suspended sentence.

Prosecutor Sian Cutter informed the court that Mr Luby had suffered “both grave and life-threatening injuries” in the collision. Ian Bridge, representing Harding, stated that she was “distraught” over the incident.

In the meantime, Harding has been given an interim driving disqualification until the date of her sentencing.

Following the accident, Mr Luby’s colleagues established a JustGiving page to support his family with travel and accommodation costs while he was hospitalised. The initiative received an overwhelming response, raising nearly £6,000 in less than two days, with the total amount eventually reaching £11,145.

The community’s generosity has provided significant support to Mr Luby and his family during this challenging time.