Crime
Trial continues into Swansea city centre murder case

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
Shoplifting concerns spread to Narberth as High Street pharmacy issues warning

BUSINESSES in Narberth are facing mounting challenges as concerns over shoplifting spread beyond Tenby. Narberth High Street Pharmacy has issued a stark warning to local traders after a suspected theft incident, urging vigilance among businesses and the public.
In a statement posted online, the pharmacy said: “Warning to Narberth High Street. Another case of suspected theft. Please watch the video carefully. Items were not left behind after inspecting the shelves. It is extremely difficult for businesses to remain viable when this sort of thing happens.”
The pharmacy, which remains open seven days a week, highlighted the growing difficulties in maintaining a presence in the town due to ongoing retail crime.
Rising shoplifting across Pembrokeshire
The incident in Narberth follows widespread national coverage of shoplifting issues in Tenby, where local businesses have reported thousands of pounds in losses due to theft. The situation has drawn attention to a concerning trend across Pembrokeshire, where independent shops and pharmacies—already struggling with rising costs—are finding it increasingly difficult to operate.
According to the latest crime data, shoplifting offences have been rising in Wales, mirroring a nationwide trend. The Office for National Statistics reported a 23% increase in retail thefts across England and Wales in the past year. In Dyfed-Powys, shoplifting cases have surged by 12%, with many small businesses feeling the pressure.
Call for action
Narberth traders are now calling for more proactive policing and stronger deterrents to tackle the issue. While CCTV and security measures have been introduced by some businesses, many feel they are left to handle the problem themselves, with limited police resources available.
The pharmacy urged the community to assist in identifying the individual involved in the latest suspected theft, stating:
“If anyone has any info on this individual, please share so we can follow up with the police.”
With the problem now affecting multiple towns in Pembrokeshire, there is growing pressure for authorities to implement stronger measures to support businesses and protect livelihoods.
Crime
Pembroke Dock Police warn of penalties for illegal e-scooter use

PEMBROKE DOCK police have issued a warning about the legal status of e-scooters, reminding residents that they are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act. This means they are subject to the same requirements as cars and motorcycles, including the need for a licence, insurance, and tax.
Currently, it is not possible to obtain insurance for privately owned e-scooters, making their use on roads or in public spaces illegal. Those caught riding an e-scooter without a valid licence or insurance could face penalties, including:
⚠️ A £300 fine and six penalty points for riding without insurance.
⚠️ A fine of up to £100 and three to six penalty points for not having the correct licence.
Offenders may also be penalised for:
❌ Riding on pavements.
❌ Using a mobile phone or handheld device while riding.
❌ Ignoring red lights.
❌ Riding under the influence of alcohol, which carries the same penalties as drink-driving a car, including court-imposed fines, a driving ban, or even imprisonment.
Police are urging residents to be aware of the rules and avoid using e-scooters illegally to prevent fines and legal action.
Crime
Pembrokeshire linked to major UK drug ring as fugitive jailed for 12 years

A MAN who was one of the UK’s most wanted criminals has been sentenced to 12 years in prison at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (Feb 14), with links to drug supply chains reaching Pembrokeshire.
Calvin Parris, 34, from Cardiff, was the final member of an organised crime group (OCG) supplying drugs across Wales to be brought to justice after spending four years on the run.
It is believed that the group’s drugs made their way to smaller dealers and users across South and West Wales.
Parris was finally detained by Portuguese Judicial Police officers in the Algarve, Portugal, on October 3. Specialist National Extradition Unit officers from the NCA’s Joint International Crime Centre (JICC) escorted him back to the UK on October 15, 2024, where he was taken into custody by South Wales Police.
Duncan Burrage, NCA International Regional Manager, said: “After naming Calvin Parris as one of our most wanted fugitives, we were relentless in our efforts to track him down and return him to Wales to face justice.
“The jail term served to Parris today wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our Portuguese Judicial Police partners who located and arrested him in the Algarve last year.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to work closely with domestic and international law enforcement to ensure there is nowhere for UK fugitives to run and hide from justice.”
Detective Sergeant Ceri Young of South Wales Police added: “Parris was a member of an organised crime group involved in a complex conspiracy to traffic class A drugs into South Wales using encrypted communications devices on the ‘Encro Chat’ platform.
“Organised crime and drug trafficking have a significant detrimental impact on communities, and bringing offenders involved in this level of criminality to justice is a priority for South Wales Police.”
Drug trafficking network uncovered
The scale of the operation was exposed when Albanian national Lenci Gashi was stopped on May 27, 2020, while driving a Citroen Berlingo on the M4 towards South Wales. His van was found to contain 15kg of pressed cocaine, destined for members of the OCG.
On June 16, 2020, Michael Laverick, identified as the head of the South Wales-based OCG, was arrested. Investigations revealed that between March 31 and May 27, 2020, the group took possession of 35kg of cocaine and paid £696,000 to upstream suppliers through a complex network of trusted criminal associates, safe locations, and couriers.
Laverick was supported by his second-in-command, Asim Naveed, who was responsible for the onward distribution of cocaine. Danny Attard played a key role in storing drug consignments at safe locations in Cardiff before their distribution.
Parris and Damian Farrugia, both of Cardiff, were identified as regular customers purchasing wholesale amounts of cocaine. Parris and Farrugia each received 7kg of cocaine, while Amir Khan was found to have received 6.5kg.
South Wales Police executed multiple search warrants across the region, leading to arrests and the recovery of cash, communication devices, and high-value goods, demonstrating the financial gains of the OCG.
Parris and Naveed fled the UK but were eventually tracked down in Portugal with the help of the National Crime Agency.
Sentences handed down to members of the OCG
- Amir Khan – 20 years 7 months
- Michael Laverick – 18 years
- Danny Attard – 14 years
- Damian Farrugia – 13 years
- Lenci Gashi – 11 years 4 months
- Asim Naveed – 10 years 8 months
Authorities believe their drug operation reached deep into communities across South and West Wales, including Pembrokeshire, further highlighting the devastating impact of organised crime on local areas.
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