Crime

Lampeter businessman cleared of £148,000 theft from own company

Published

2 years ago

February 11, 2024

AT SWANSEA CROWN COURT this week (Feb 9), Andrew Ling, 39, from Cysgod-Y-Coed, Cwmann, Lampeter, has been acquitted of allegations that he stole nearly £150,000 from Perpetual V2G Systems Ltd, a pioneering company he founded.

Mr. Ling faced charges of siphoning off £148,517.78 between March 30, 2016, and June 12, 2018, but steadfastly denied any wrongdoing.

Perpetual V2G Systems Ltd is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technology for 3.5t home delivery vehicles, which traditionally had to keep their engines running during deliveries to maintain refrigeration systems. This innovation allows for the engine to be turned off, significantly saving fuel costs and reducing carbon emissions. The company’s achievements had already positioned it for international recognition, with plans to pitch its patented carbon reduction systems to major stakeholders in the United States, signaling a massive opportunity for expansion and investment.

The prosecution, led by Jim Davis, contended that Ling illicitly transferred funds from the company’s current account to its reserves and subsequently into his personal account. Despite these accusations, Ling maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and trial, asserting he only took what was rightfully owed to him.

After deliberating for approximately three hours and 40 minutes, the jury reached a unanimous decision, finding Ling not guilty of theft by an employee. Recorder Owen-Casey, addressing Ling, declared, “The jury has found you not guilty. You are now free to go,” marking the end of a week-long trial.

The case shed light on the financial strains and personal sacrifices Ling endured while establishing Perpetual V2G Systems Ltd in 2013, including taking out personal loans to finance the company. Evidence presented in court highlighted Ling’s relentless dedication to his venture, working tirelessly to secure a patent in 2015 and launching the company into operation. Despite not drawing a salary until 2016, Ling believed the company owed him around £195,000 in total for his contributions.

Defence counsel Dyfed Thomas argued that Ling’s invoicing against the company for work he had completed was deemed lawful by an accountant, emphasising the transparency of the company’s accountancy software. The defence also countered claims that Ling was motivated by grievances over his lack of recognition within the company, suggesting instead that disputes over investment terms and subsequent boardroom conflicts led to his leaving the firm, and the dilution of his shares.

The trial revealed underlying tensions within the company, particularly concerning the terms of a second round of investment from Finance Wales, which precipitated a heated exchange between Ling and other board members. This confrontation ultimately led to scrutiny of Ling’s director’s loan account and his removal from the company he had worked so hard to build, a company on the brink of international expansion and innovation in the green technology sector.

Crime

Driver given interim ban after A478 crash

Published

16 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

16 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

18 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.