News

Life order inevitable after jury convicts Andrew Main’s killers

Published

11 months ago

January 21, 2025

THE JURY at Swansea Crown Court has found two men guilty of the murder of Andrew Main after five hours and 11 minutes of deliberation.

Joseph Dix, 26, from Somerset, and Macauley Ruddock, 28, from Bath, were convicted of the fatal attack, which unfolded on Princess Way in Swansea city centre on Wednesday (Jul 17) 2024. Andrew Main, originally from Falkirk, Scotland, was rushed to hospital but never regained consciousness, tragically passing away four weeks later.

Initially charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, Dix and Ruddock faced upgraded charges of murder following Mr Main’s death. Both men denied the allegations, claiming they acted in self-defence after Mr Main allegedly threw punches at them. While admitting to knocking him to the ground, they denied continuing the assault once he was down.

A pursuit turned deadly

The prosecution argued that Dix and Ruddock were the aggressors, pursuing Mr Main from a city centre hotel and launching a violent attack in the street.

Detective Inspector Claire Lamerton, who led the investigation, explained: “Both men were visiting Swansea for work, as was Andrew Main. All three were staying at the same city centre hotel and met for the first time at a nearby bar. Later that night, an argument broke out at the hotel between Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock and Andrew Main and his friend Michael Bell. This argument moved onto the street, before Dix and Ruddock chased after Andrew Main, ultimately striking him unconscious before carrying out a sustained attack.”

She continued: “While the parties had all consumed alcohol that night, that does not excuse the level of violence displayed by Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock. They clearly set out to cause serious injury to their victim and now face significant prison sentences for their actions.

“Our thoughts remain with Andrew’s family and friends, who have been devastated by what has happened and continue to grieve his loss. This case highlights how intoxicants can negatively affect behaviour and decision-making. Had Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock chosen to walk away that night, a life would have been saved, and they would not be convicted killers.”

Minimum sentence awaited

Addressing the defendants, His Honour Judge Paul Thomas KC emphasised that life imprisonment is the only possible sentence for murder. He noted that the court would determine the minimum term Dix and Ruddock must serve before being eligible for parole. Sentencing is set to take place on Friday (Jan 24).

A family’s grief

In a police statement after Mr Main’s death, his sister Nikki Main paid tribute to her brother.

“Andrew, my baby brother, was sadly taken from us far too soon. He was adored by family and friends and beloved by more. We are absolutely devastated by his sudden passing and ask anyone with information to please, please come forward. He will forever live in our hearts and memories,” she said.

She added: “He was a witty man with a huge heart, loyal to the core. He was a fabulous brother, fun uncle, and supportive daddy to his two children. There will never be anyone like Andrew. The hole that has been left in our hearts will never be filled. Everyone in our community has been grief-stricken, but we have rallied together as one at this sad time. As a family, we are destroyed by what has happened to Andrew. We can’t thank everyone enough for the love and support they have shown.”

Sentencing updates will follow on Friday (Jan 24).

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.