Crime

Trial continues into Swansea city centre murder case

Published

2 months ago

January 14, 2025

THE TRIAL of two men accused of murdering a workmate during a night out in Swansea city centre is underway at Swansea Crown Court.

This week, the jury heard how Andrew Main, 33, was subjected to what prosecutors described as a “prolonged and vicious” attack, leading to multiple head fractures and a traumatic brain injury. Despite medical efforts, Main was pronounced dead four weeks after the incident.

Joseph Dix and Macaulay Ruddock stand accused of the murder, which allegedly occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Both men deny the charge.

ALTERCATION OUTSIDE TRAVELODGE

Prosecutor John Elias KC described how an altercation outside the Travelodge on Princess Way escalated into violence. Main and his friend, Michael Bell, encountered Dix and Ruddock, who allegedly chased Main down the street before attacking him.

The prosecution claims Dix delivered a punch to the back of Main’s head, knocking him unconscious. Dix and Ruddock are accused of repeatedly striking Main while he lay defenceless on the pavement. Main never regained consciousness and succumbed to his injuries in hospital four weeks later.

PROSECUTION OUTLINES INTENT

Elias told the jury the attack demonstrated clear intent to cause serious harm. He argued that both defendants were jointly responsible, highlighting the repeated blows inflicted while Main was unconscious.

“All four men were staying at the same Travelodge while working in Swansea,” Elias said. He explained that the evening began with Main and Bell drinking at the Potters Wheel pub, while Dix and Ruddock socialised at the Bank Statement bar. Later, the defendants met two women—also guests at the hotel—at the Coyote Ugly bar, where they first encountered Main.

RISING TENSIONS

After returning to the Travelodge, tensions reportedly escalated when Dix accused Bell of irritating one of the women. Despite Main and Bell being described as “polite and friendly,” an argument broke out. Hotel staff intervened, temporarily defusing the situation, but the conflict reignited outside the hotel.

CCTV footage showed Main trying to mediate and calm tensions. When Bell fled the scene, the defendants allegedly turned their attention to Main. The prosecution claims Dix delivered the initial punch, knocking Main unconscious, before both men continued the assault.

Witnesses described hearing “loud thudding sounds” as Main was attacked while lying on the ground.

INJURIES AND MEDICAL EVIDENCE

Main suffered fractures to his face and a severe traumatic brain injury. Medical reports detailed significant brain swelling and bleeding, which required intensive care. Despite treatment, his condition worsened, and end-of-life care was agreed upon on August 2.

Blood samples revealed alcohol, cannabis, and traces of ketamine, which paramedics may have administered to manage Main’s airway.

DEFENDANTS’ REACTION

The jury was told Dix later tried to place Main in the recovery position, while Ruddock called emergency services. Police body-worn camera footage captured Dix insisting he acted in self-defence, saying: “He wouldn’t stop trying to hit me. Look at the cameras. I promise I wasn’t trying to start it. If someone was swinging at you, you wouldn’t just take it.”

The trial continues.

Crime

Former police CCTV operator in court over misconduct charges

Published

17 hours ago

March 5, 2025

Court Reporter

A FORMER Dyfed-Powys Police CCTV operator appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (March 5) charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as offences under the Data Protection Act and Computer Misuse Act.

Russell Hasler, who was arrested in 2023 by the force’s Professional Standards Department, had worked as a CCTV operator since 2019. He resigned while under investigation for alleged offences committed between 2020 and 2022.

Following today’s hearing, Hasler was bailed to appear at Swansea Crown Court on April 4, 2025.

Crime

Paddleboard company owner admits to manslaughter of four

Published

21 hours ago

March 5, 2025

Court Reporter

FOUR people tragically lost their lives during a paddleboarding tour on the River Cleddau in October 2021, including Nicola Wheatley, 40, Morgan Rogers, 24, Paul O’Dwyer, 42, and Andrea Powell, 41.

The owner of the paddleboard company, Nerys Bethan Lloyd, 39, from Port Talbot, has pleaded guilty to gross negligence manslaughter at Swansea Crown Court. The victims were part of a tour operated by Lloyd’s now-dissolved company, Salty Dog. Lloyd also admitted to one offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

***Guilty pela: Nerys Bethan Lloyd (Image: Facebook/Herald)***

The incident occurred on October 30, 2021, despite severe weather warnings and heavy flooding in the area. The river was flowing fast, and the weir was in an extremely hazardous condition, leading to the tragic deaths of the four participants. Three of them became trapped after being pulled over the top of the Haverfordwest Town Weir.

O’Dwyer, who was an instructor on the tour, initially exited the river safely but re-entered in an attempt to rescue the others. All four victims drowned.

Lloyd, a former police officer, was not qualified to lead paddleboarding tours in such dangerous conditions. The prosecution revealed that her planning and supervision were severely inadequate, and there were no proper safety briefings or risk assessments conducted. Participants were unaware that they would be crossing the weir, and no alternatives for exiting the water were provided.

Lisa Rose, a specialist prosecutor from the CPS, described the incident as “an avoidable tragedy.” She explained, “Despite checking the river’s state before the tour, Nerys Lloyd failed to inspect the weir, where the majority of participants had limited experience.”

Lloyd’s decision to proceed with the tour despite the dangers ultimately led to the deaths. She will remain on bail until her sentencing in April.

This case followed a joint investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Crime

Man sentenced after posting ex-partner’s address on TikTok

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A COURT has heard how a woman was made to feel anxious and fearful for her safety after her postal address was published by her former partner in a TikTok video.

Daniel Brooks, 42, texted the woman on August 8, 2024, and the following day posted her full address on TikTok. On August 12, he made further contact with her despite her decision to sever their relationship and sent her two unwanted voice notes.

This week, Brooks, of Sycamore House, South Parade, Tenby, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates, where he pleaded guilty to harassment without violence.

Brooks was sentenced to a community order during which he must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. A 12-month restraining order was imposed, preventing him from having any contact with the victim or making any references to her on social media. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.