OSPREYS scrum half Luke Davies, alongside three other men, has been acquitted of stealing four designer watches, valued at £1,800, in a case presented at Swansea Crown Court.

Davies, Adam Thomas, Jordan Ball, and Jake Ball, along with former Wales U20 hooker Dom Booth, had faced charges alleging the robbery of two TAG watches, one Breitling, and one Radar from a residence on New Road, Llanelli, on December 24, 2021. Initially, all five men pleaded not guilty, with a trial set for November 18.

However, 24-year-old Booth, of Pyatts Nest in Saundersfoot, later changed his plea to guilty in September. Meanwhile, Davies, of Tir Becca, Tumble; 24-year-old Thomas, of Heol Waunyclun, Trimsaran; Jordan Ball, 25, of Maes Y Glo, Llanelli; and Jake Ball, 21, also of Maes Y Glo, Llanelli, maintained their not guilty pleas.

The case returned to Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Oct 31), where prosecutor Ieuan Rees announced that the Crown Prosecution Service would offer no evidence against the four remaining defendants. Rees cited that the complainant had not cooperated with the prosecution and was under investigation for fraud, questioning his credibility.

Judge Geraint Walters, expressing “great reluctance and a great deal of anxiety,” directed not guilty verdicts for Davies, Thomas, and the Ball brothers.

Booth’s earlier guilty plea is now likely to be challenged, with his representatives expected to apply to vacate the plea.

Davies, 22, who joined Ospreys from Jersey Reds last year after progressing through Scarlets’ ranks, has since made 13 appearances in the United Rugby Championship and represents Wales at the U20 level. Booth, previously with Scarlets, made his debut in the Pro14 against Edinburgh in 2020 and also played for Wales at the U20 level.

THE PEMBROKSHIRE coroner has opened an inquest into the tragic death of Honey Foxx French, 12, from Hakin – who died after emergency services were called to a home on Saturday (Oct 19).

Pembrokeshire assistant coroner Gareth Lewis opened an inquest into the 12-year-old’s death on Wednesday (Oct 30).

The coroner adjourned the inquest until April 10, 2025, to allow for further investigation. He extended his condolences to Honey’s family and friends.

Dyfed-Powys Police have stated that her death is not being treated as suspicious.

In a joint statement, Honey’s school, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, and Pembrokeshire County Council described her as “much loved and cherished.”

“Honey French was a beloved member of our school community at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA. She was a talented performer and writer who generously shared her humour, time, and talents with our school family and the wider community – she will be deeply missed. Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.”

The police have launched a full investigation, with inquiries ongoing.

A CARMARTHEN man who threw a corrosive substance over another, potentially causing permanent loss of sight, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison.

Jivan Dean, 24, from Llandeilo, inflicted life-altering injuries on his victim during the attack. Following the incident, Dean fled the scene, prompting a police manhunt.

Police were alerted to the assault by a staff member at Glangwili Hospital, where the victim was treated for severe injuries to his head, face, eyes, and shoulders. The victim reported suffering from chemical burns, and doctors warned that the damage to his eyes might be irreversible.

According to the victim’s account to officers, he was at a friend’s home when Dean emerged from the kitchen and poured an “incredibly hot” liquid over him, causing immediate pain and a burning sensation. He identified Jivan Dean as his attacker.

Police arrested Dean on August 17, charging him with assault causing grievous bodily harm and throwing a corrosive substance with intent to maim, burn, or disfigure.