Crime

Two men sentenced to life for murder of Andrew Main at Swansea Travelodge

Published

1 year ago

January 24, 2025

JOSEPH DIX, 26, from Frome, and Macauley Ruddock, 28, from Bath, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Andrew Main, a 33-year-old man from Falkirk, Scotland. The tragic incident occurred in Swansea city centre on July 17, 2024, where all three men were staying at the same hotel for work.

The fatal confrontation began with an argument at a nearby bar, escalating back at the hotel and spilling onto the street. Dix and Ruddock chased Mr. Main, rendering him unconscious before launching a prolonged and brutal assault. The court heard that Dix struck Mr. Main from behind, knocking him out. Both men then continued to punch him in the head and face as he lay helpless on the pavement.

Mr. Main never regained consciousness and succumbed to his injuries on August 14, 2024, nearly a month after the attack. His sisters, Nikki Main and Sharon Leebody, provided emotional impact statements in court, expressing the profound grief and trauma their family has endured.

In her statement, Nikki Main said: “I’m absolutely heartbroken and depressed at what has happened to Andrew. My kids are distraught at losing their uncle. Andrew was like my first child. I had legal guardianship over him at 18, since both our parents passed away. I’ve been referred to a psychologist and am struggling with suicidal thoughts. My kids feel scared for my safety. There will forever be a hole in my heart.”

Sharon Leebody added: “When the decision was made to remove life support on August 14, I was devastated. I returned home after Andrew’s death and have been housebound since. Life will never be the same now that he is gone.”

During sentencing, Judge P H Thomas KC highlighted the defendants’ reckless behaviour.
“You two went on an alcohol and cocaine binge in the centre of the city—it lasted for many hours. You both became highly aggressive, and you both wanted to show off to each other. During the trial, neither of you took responsibility for what you did, claiming self-defense. The jury did not accept this. The overwhelming tragedy is that a man has senselessly lost his life in his 30s. I do not lose sight of that paramount point.”

Both Dix and Ruddock will serve a minimum of 13 years before being eligible to apply for parole.

Detective Inspector Claire Lamerton reflected on the devastating consequences of the defendants’ actions, stating: “If Dix and Ruddock had chosen to walk away that night, a life would have been saved, and they would not be convicted killers.”

The case serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic outcomes that can result from alcohol-fueled violence and poor decision-making.

Crime

Pembroke Dock woman admits breaching community order

Published

35 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates revoke sentence after missed appointments

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has admitted breaching the terms of a community order.

Shannon Charge, aged 30, of Pater Court, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

She admitted failing to attend a scheduled probation appointment and a drug dependency appointment.

Magistrates revoked the existing community order and ordered her to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the order related to earlier offences, for which she had been made subject to rehabilitation and drug treatment requirements. A further review hearing is listed for March 2.

Crime

Milford Haven man given extra unpaid work after breaching court order

Published

39 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates add hours after missed appointments

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been ordered to complete extra unpaid work after breaching the terms of a community order.

Peter Jones, aged 33, of Precelly Place, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

He admitted failing to attend scheduled unpaid work and a probation appointment earlier this month.

Magistrates varied the order, imposing an additional 10 hours of unpaid work. Jones was also ordered to pay £60 in court costs.

The court heard the original community order followed an earlier conviction.

Crime

Dorset man stopped at Fishguard ferry given domestic violence order

Published

51 minutes ago

February 3, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Magistrates told of 13 prior incidents as protection order imposed

A DORSET man was stopped by police at Fishguard Harbour while attempting to travel to Ireland and has now been made subject to a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

Nathaniel Cruickshank, aged 22, of Gillingham, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

The court heard he had travelled to Pembrokeshire on January 30 and was intercepted at the ferry port while planning to board a sailing to Ireland with his partner, prompting police intervention.

Magistrates were told Cruickshank has a lengthy history of domestic violence and abusive behaviour, with officers having attended 13 separate incidents involving him.

Prosecutors outlined a number of previous allegations, including an incident in which he punched his mother in the face and another where he smashed a family television with a guitar after being refused money.

The court also heard that on January 29 a protected person attended their GP surgery expressing fear of him, triggering safeguarding measures.

Police subsequently served a Domestic Violence Protection Notice, and Cruickshank was later arrested at Fishguard.

Magistrates granted a 28-day Domestic Violence Protection Order preventing him from threatening or using violence, making any direct or indirect contact with the protected person, or returning to her address.

Issuing a warning in court, magistrates told him any breach would have serious consequences.