Crime

Murder trial of Andrew Main continues with harrowing witness testimonies

Published

1 year ago

January 10, 2025

THE TRIAL of Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock, accused of murdering Andrew Main outside a west Wales hotel, continued at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Jan 10), with witnesses providing chilling details of the events that led to Main’s death in July 2024.

Initial confrontation in hotel bar

David Hillier, a night worker at the Travelodge in Swansea, recounted his experiences from the night of July 16, 2024. Beginning his shift at 11:00pm, Hillier said Andrew Main and his friend Michael Bell were drinking but were not intoxicated. They were joined in the hotel bar by Hannah Tedstone, a guest at the Travelodge.

According to Hillier, Joseph Dix later entered the bar, aggressively confronting Main. Dix reportedly shouted, “What the [expletive] are you doing talking to my mate’s girlfriend?” The situation escalated, and Main and Bell left the bar, followed by Dix and Ruddock. Hillier said he locked the hotel doors to protect other guests and immediately called the police and an ambulance.

Witness awoken by screams

Sundeep Singh, a local resident, was awakened by the commotion. Giving evidence, Singh said: “A scream woke me up, and I went to the living room. I saw two people chasing one man near a lamppost. The man fell down and tried to protect himself while the other two punched him repeatedly in the face and shoulders. I called 999 immediately.”

Singh described seeing emergency vehicle lights reflected in his apartment windows as he returned to bed.

Crucial video evidence presented

Daniel Lamb, another Travelodge guest, captured part of the assault on video. Lamb testified that he awoke around 2:00am to the sounds of a confrontation outside. From his window, he recorded footage showing Dix and Ruddock pursuing Main and Bell, despite their apparent attempts to retreat.

Lamb said: “The victim, Main, got punched to the floor. He didn’t move or protect himself as the two men punched him repeatedly with force. They laughed, saying, ‘Did you see that punch?’ and called Main a ‘stupid dickhead.’” Lamb’s footage revealed Dix crouching over an unconscious Main, trying to wake him and then shouting at Bell, “You [expletive] started this. Your mate’s on the floor.”

Charges and ongoing trial

The prosecution alleges that Dix and Ruddock, both from Somerset, fatally attacked Andrew Main, a 33-year-old father of two from Falkirk, near the Travelodge on Princess Way, Swansea. Main succumbed to his injuries on August 14, 2024, nearly a month after the attack, leading to the charges being upgraded from wounding with intent to murder.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty. The trial, which began in January 2025, is ongoing as more witnesses and evidence are presented.

This high-profile case has drawn significant attention, with the court hearing grim details of a night that ended in tragedy.

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

11 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

11 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.