Crime

Shotgun licence revoked over mental health safety concerns

Published

2 months ago

February 13, 2026

Appeal withdrawn at Swansea Crown Court after judge hears medical evidence

A MAN has withdrawn his appeal against the revocation of his shotgun licence after a judge heard medical evidence raising concerns about public safety.

The case was heard at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Feb 13) before His Honour Judge Huw Rees, Recorder of the Crown Court, where Luke Randall-Smith challenged the decision to revoke his shotgun certificate, which covered five firearms.

However, following discussions during the hearing, the appeal was formally withdrawn, leaving the revocation in place.

The court heard that police concerns were first raised after a mental health incident in May 2024.

Firearms licensing officers later contacted his GP for updated medical information.

***Withdrew appeal: Farmworker Luke Randall-Smith***

Reports indicated that Randall-Smith had experienced obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a serious farm accident in which he discovered a colleague who had fallen from a height.

Symptoms were said to include intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Historical records also referred to a previous episode in 2008 when his OCD allegedly contributed to what was described as “significant violence” during an unprovoked incident at licensed premises. He also held a police caution for affray.

Firearms Licensing Manager Mr Phillips told the court he decided to revoke the certificate after concluding Randall-Smith was no longer fit to possess weapons.

The revocation notice stated that allowing him access to shotguns could present a risk to both himself and others.

Representing himself, Randall-Smith accepted he suffered from mental health conditions but disputed aspects of the assessment and the timeline of events.

At one stage he told the court: “I’m a really nice guy… I’m a good father.”

Judge Rees replied: “Yes, but you’ve been ill.”

He said intrusive thoughts he had described were fears rather than intentions and were symptoms of illness rather than actions.

The judge made clear the decision rested on medical evidence and public safety rather than character alone.

Randall-Smith said the firearms were of sentimental value and hoped to transfer them to another certificate holder.

After being advised the court could proceed to a full hearing or allow the appeal to be withdrawn, he chose to withdraw. The application was granted.

The revocation of the shotgun certificate therefore remains in force.

Crime

Driver given interim ban after A478 crash

Published

20 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Motorist fled scene after colliding with fence and hedge near Clunderwen

A LLANDISSILIO motorist has been handed an interim driving disqualification after failing to stop following a collision on the A478.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that Dean Duffy, 31, collided with a fence and hedge while driving his Ford Puma at Clunderwen on Tuesday (Mar 4). His failure to stop and report the incident led to his court appearance.

Duffy, of Maesybryn, Llandissilio, pleaded guilty to failing to stop after a road traffic collision, failing to report the accident, driving without third party insurance and driving while disqualified.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court: “A vehicle collided with a fence and hedge and the bumper came off. The vehicle was abandoned, but correspondence on the seat identified the defendant as possibly being the person responsible.”

Magistrates adjourned sentencing until Tuesday (Apr 28) to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report by the probation service.

Duffy was disqualified from driving on an interim basis pending sentence.

Crime

Dock motorist avoids jail after drug-drive crash

Published

20 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKE DOCK motorist has narrowly avoided a custodial sentence after taking his mother’s car without permission and crashing into a wall, causing damage to a parked BMW.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that on September 27, 2025, Tony Brundrett, 21, took his mother’s Vauxhall Astra from her home and drove off without her consent.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court that Brundrett lost control of the vehicle and collided with a wall.

“The wall collapsed as a result of the impact, causing damage to a parked BMW,” she said.

The owner of the BMW said the vehicle suffered bodywork damage and scratching following the incident.

When arrested, Brundrett was found to have 253 micrograms of benzoylecgonine – a cocaine metabolite – in his system, more than five times the legal limit of 50.

The court heard that although Brundrett’s mother confirmed the car was hers, she did not wish to criminalise her son.

Brundrett, of Kavanagh Court, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking, driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, criminal damage, and drug-driving.

Defending, Alaw Harries said: “He accepts his behaviour was foolish and irresponsible and wishes to apologise to the court for what took place.

“At the time of the offence, he was experiencing significant personal difficulties. This was the first and last time he has taken drugs, and he was not thinking clearly. While that is not an excuse, it provides context. He is now in a much better place.”

Magistrates sentenced Brundrett to 18 weeks’ custody, suspended for 24 months. He was disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to pay £100 compensation, a £154 surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Dock driver avoids jail after drug-drive crash in mother’s car

Published

22 hours ago

March 31, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

BMW damaged after Astra taken without consent in Pembroke Dock incident

A PEMBROKE DOCK motorist has narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence after taking his mother’s car without permission and crashing into a wall, causing damage to a parked vehicle.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard this week that Tony Brundrett, 21, took his mother’s Vauxhall Astra from her home in Pembroke Dock on September 27, 2025, without her consent.

Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told the court that Brundrett subsequently collided with a wall, which collapsed and struck a parked BMW.

“The wall fell over as a result of the impact, causing damage to a nearby BMW,” she said.

The owner of the BMW, Damian Gorzach, reported bodywork damage and scratching to his vehicle following the incident.

When arrested, Brundrett was found to have 253 micrograms of benzoylecgonine – a cocaine metabolite – in his system. The legal limit is 50 micrograms.

The court heard that while Brundrett’s mother confirmed ownership of the Astra, she did not wish to pursue matters against her son.

Representing him, solicitor Alaw Harries said her client accepted his actions were “foolish and irresponsible” and expressed remorse.

“At the time of the offence, he was experiencing significant personal difficulties,” she said.

“This was the first and last time he had taken drugs, and he was not thinking clearly. He does not seek to excuse his behaviour, but he is now in a much better place.”

Magistrates sentenced Brundrett to 18 weeks’ custody, suspended for 24 months. He was also disqualified from driving for two years.