Crime

Couple falsely claimed £13,000 in Universal Credit

Published

1 year ago

December 19, 2024

TWO parents have been handed suspended sentences after dishonestly claiming more than £13,000 in Universal Credit by failing to report that their children had been taken into care.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Niomi Woodhouse, 31, of Maes Hafren, Eglwyswrw, and John Simon, 35, of London Road, Pembroke Dock, continued to claim benefits as if they were caring for their two children, despite the children being taken into care in February 2020.

Prosecutor Harry Dickens explained that the couple had been receiving Universal Credit due to health issues preventing them from working. Woodhouse informed the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in June 2021 that she was the lead carer for two children, explicitly stating they were living at home.

However, an investigation by Pembrokeshire County Council revealed that both children had been placed into care more than a year earlier. Over the course of this period, the couple had over 100 interactions with the DWP but failed to disclose the change in circumstances, resulting in an overpayment of £13,228.78.

During interviews, Woodhouse claimed she was waiting for a social worker’s assistance to report the change, while Simon admitted he assumed the matter had been handled by Woodhouse but did not verify it himself.

The pair pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on September 10 to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting their entitlement to Universal Credit. The court was told they had no previous convictions, and the overpaid money is being recovered through deductions from their benefits, eliminating the need for Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings.

Judge Huw Rees described their actions as “thorough dishonesty” and emphasised the broader impact on the economy. Sentencing them to 10 weeks in custody, suspended for a year, he also imposed additional requirements tailored to each defendant.

Woodhouse must complete a six-month drug rehabilitation programme and 20 rehabilitation activity days. Simon was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

“I’m content that this money is going to be received from you,” Judge Rees concluded.

The case highlights the importance of promptly reporting changes in circumstances to the DWP to ensure benefits are correctly allocated.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

17 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.