News

Threatening email revealed: Why Neyland’s clerk missed controversial meeting

Published

2 months ago

February 7, 2025

A THREATENING email sent by Neyland Town Councillor David Devauden has been revealed, shedding new light on the Clerk’s absence from a chaotic council meeting earlier this week. The email, sent on Monday, February 3, contained intimidating language, personal attacks, and a demand for resignation, raising concerns over bullying and governance within the council.

THE MEETING THAT DESCENDED INTO CHAOS

As previously reported by The Herald, the February 3 meeting of Neyland Town Council was marked by public outcry, councillor clashes, and allegations of dishonesty. Town Clerk Elizabeth Mathews’ absence from the meeting sparked significant tension. Mayor Peter Hay told the meeting that the Clerk had received an upsetting email earlier that day and was too distressed to attend.

At the time, councillors David Devauden dismissed this explanation, with Devauden accusing the Mayor of lying. However, The Herald can now confirm that the email in question was sent by Devauden himself, and its content is shocking.

YOU’RE A DEAD (WO)MAN WALKING

**Regulator’s probe: Cllr David Devauden**

The email, addressed to Miss Elizabeth Mathews, carried the subject line Pre-Action Protocol in regard to Malicious Communications 2003 & Defamation Act 2013, suggesting that legal action was being threatened. However, the body of the email quickly descended into personal attacks and veiled threats.

In one of the most disturbing lines, Devauden wrote, “You’re a dead (wo)man walking.” This phrase is particularly chilling in the context of an elected official attempting to pressure a Clerk into resigning.

He continued by demanding that Mathews issue a public retraction of statements made about him, apologise on social media, and resign immediately from her position as Town Clerk, declaring, “You’re not fit for purpose.” Devauden’s email also included unfounded accusations about Mathews’ mental state, claiming she had “serious mental health issues,” and referring to a rival councillor, suggested she was under the influence of a “control freak.”

CLERK SPEAKS OUT: HARASSMENT CLAIMS AND SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

***Neyland Town Clerk: Libby Matthews***

Following the release of the email, The Herald has reviewed a post made by Elizabeth Mathews on Facebook. This post shed light on her experiences as the Clerk for Neyland Town Council and the alleged hostile environment she has faced.

Mathews accuses councillors David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero of engaging in prolonged bullying and harassment over a 14-month period. She describes receiving thousands of emails filled with insults, demands, and accusations. Mathews further claims to have been physically and verbally threatened, belittled, and accused of misconduct without evidence.

While Mathews does not name the details of specific incidents in her post, she alludes to a serious allegation against a councillor, currently under investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. She states, “I have thousands of pages of evidence of this, which I will happily share when I can, but this is all currently under a legal investigation.”

The emotional toll of these alleged actions is evident, as Mathews claims that the harassment drove her to the brink of despair. “At one point, I wanted to die. I could barely get out of bed; they destroyed my sense of worth so much,” she wrote. She also condemned the behavior of some councillors as “vile” and criticized their attempts to undermine her professionally and personally.

COUNCILLORS DEFEND THEMSELVES

In response to the accusations, councillors like Steve Thomas have pointed to the Clerk’s own conduct as a source of concern. In an email thread obtained by The Herald, Thomas , regarding a co-option process. He claims this failure may have been an attempt to influence the outcome of the selection process in favor of Mathews’ mother, who was also a candidate.

Mathews, however, denies any wrongdoing and states that all actions were carried out transparently. She has also expressed frustration with the constant scrutiny and accusations, stating that the councillors’ behavior has caused irreparable harm to her reputation and wellbeing.

PETITION CALLS FOR CLLR MIKE HARRY TO RESIGN

Adding to the council’s troubles, Councillor Mike Harry has been the subject of a petition signed by local residents calling for his resignation. The petition alleges that Cllr Harry referred to certain individuals as “degenerates” in an email circulated among council members. The petition, which states that his remarks were “unbecoming of a public representative,” was handed to him during the previous council meeting on January 16, where the Neyland Council precept was decided.

During this extraordinary meeting, held in the Viewing Gallery at Neyland Community Hub, residents voiced their concerns over Cllr Harry’s conduct. Cllr Harry defended his comments, clarifying that they were directed at individuals associated with a group critical of council decisions, not Neyland residents as a whole. He described the group as a “noisy, irrelevant minority.”

The situation has further divided the community, with some residents supporting Cllr Harry and others demanding his immediate resignation. The controversy reflects broader frustrations within Neyland Town Council and its governance.

POLICE AND LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS

The presence of a Dyfed-Powys Police patrol car outside the February 3 meeting venue now takes on new significance. It is unclear whether police were already aware of the threats received by the Clerk, but the email’s tone could now warrant further investigation under harassment or malicious communication laws.

Under the Malicious Communications Act 2003, it is a criminal offence to send electronic communications that are grossly offensive, indecent, threatening, or designed to cause distress. The line “You’re a dead (wo)man walking” may be interpreted as a veiled threat, potentially attracting police scrutiny.

PUBLIC OUTRAGE AND CALLS FOR ACTION

The public has reacted strongly to the revelations. Many residents have expressed outrage over Devauden’s email and the alleged toxic culture within Neyland Town Council. While Devauden is under investigation, no formal calls for his resignation have yet been made. One resident commented on social media, “This is absolutely disgraceful. We elect councillors to represent us, not to threaten people.”

Another resident said, “I don’t care what politics are involved, telling someone they are a ‘dead man walking’ is not acceptable. Full stop.”

This follows the previous meeting in January where a small group of protestors gathered in the building’s foyer calling for the resignation of Cllr Mike Harry.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The email’s release has cast a harsh spotlight on Neyland Town Council, with ongoing investigations by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales expected to play a key role in determining accountability. Mayor Peter Hay has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the email or the broader allegations of misconduct.

As calls for transparency and accountability intensify, The Herald will continue to investigate and provide updates on this developing story.

UPDATE 10.02.2025

Ash Phelan said after the meeting “I just wanted to confirm that I did not agree with Mr. Devauden and I am very upset that I have been misquoted. I categorically support Libby, unlike other Councillors.”

He added that a previous report that he was supporting Cllr David Devauden’s point of view was inaccurate

News

New ratings system for care services launches in Wales

Published

2 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A NEW inspection ratings system for care services in Wales comes into force on 1 April to help ensure people receive the best possible care.

Ratings will help people better understand the quality of care provided, making it easier for individuals and families to make informed decisions about their care options. 

All care homes and domiciliary support services across Wales will be given ratings and most required to display them at their premises and online, following an inspection.

The ratings will reflect the quality of care across four key themes: Well-being; Care and Support; Leadership and Management; Environment.

Each theme will be judged as being excellent, good, requires improvement or requires significant improvement.

The Welsh Government consulted on inspection ratings for care home services and domiciliary support services last year.

The new system has been developed in close collaboration with care providers and commissioners across Wales and will help drive high quality standards across care services.

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) will support services through the implementation of the new system. Ratings will be clearly shown in inspection reports, on CIW’s website and on posters for the service provider to display.

Over the coming months, more and more services will be displaying their ratings, however it will take up to two years for all relevant services to be inspected and given their ratings.

The new system represents an important step change in supporting continuous improvement. 

Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden said: “Care services throughout Wales have a crucial role in looking after people. For many of them, a care service can also be their home, where they live and thrive, and we want to keep ensuring they receive the best possible care.

“These ratings will enable people to make important decisions in choosing what’s right for them and support their well-being.

“They will also enable service providers to pinpoint their strengths as well as areas for growth and development.

“I want to thank the sector for their work in helping us develop the system.”

Chief Inspector at Care Inspectorate Wales, Gillian Baranski said: “This new ratings system will help people make informed choices about care services while supporting providers to continuously enhance the quality of care they deliver.

“Most care in Wales is good care. Ratings will highlight what is working well and support improvement where needed across Wales.”

Community

Family’s heartbreak as ‘beautiful’ 19-year-old takes his own life after night out

Published

10 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A TEENAGER with a passion for rugby and a heart “full of love” took his own life at his home in Narberth after taking cocaine and leaving a note for his family.

Samuel Price, who was 19, died in the early hours of September 21, 2023, at a property in the centre of the Pembrokeshire town.

At an inquest held at County Hall in Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 27), the coroner heard how Sam had returned home after a busy day which included a job interview, a shift at a local pub, and rugby training. He had messaged his mother later that evening to ask to borrow some money, which she agreed to.

At 11:15pm, he contacted someone to ask about buying cocaine. He then began walking to a friend’s house but changed his mind and returned home. His stepfather found him unresponsive the following morning, and despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at 7:32am.

A note was discovered on his phone indicating his intention to end his life. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging, with recent cocaine use recorded as a contributing factor.

Sam’s mother, Clare Price, described her son as a “very happy kid” who was “beautiful” inside and out.

“This came completely out of the blue,” she told the hearing. “We had plans to go to a gig on Saturday night. He had a big, big heart and loved people so very much. There was no middle ground with Sam—he was very black and white. I want everyone to know that he was so much more than this. He was a beautiful human being.”

The coroner concluded that Sam had taken his own life and extended his condolences to the family.

A legacy of love and hope

Following Sam’s tragic death, his family has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention. His auntie Shelley, uncle Anthony, and cousins Hollie and Sophie recently completed a 19-mile walk from Minehead to Donniford—one mile for every year of Sam’s life.

The fundraiser, which has already passed £1,000, was part of a wider campaign led by Sam’s mother, Clare, who has raised more than £6,500 through her initiative, The Sammy-sized GAP. The project aims to strengthen support networks for people in crisis and push for changes in government policy, including allowing friends and family to refer vulnerable adults for mental health intervention.

***The Hooper family raised more than £1,000 in memory of Sam’s ‘vibrant’ life (Pic: Clare Sturman)***

Sam, who grew up in Minehead before moving to Pembrokeshire, was known for his love of rugby and was a proud member of Minehead Barbarians’ mini team, once taking part in a memorable trip to France with the side.

Speaking after the walk, Clare said: “The Hooper family’s walk is a powerful symbol—a tribute filled with love, but also a call to action. It echoes Sam’s vibrancy, emphasizing the need for suicide prevention education and support for those affected. From this tragedy, they are crafting a legacy of hope, ensuring that others find strength and assistance in their darkest moments.”

She has also warned against young people self-medicating to deal with anxiety, isolation and mental health struggles, urging anyone affected to seek proper help.

“If you knew our Sam, or know a young person who might be going through similar struggles—who might be tempted to numb the pain with drugs—please consider giving what you can to this fund,” she said. “On Sam’s behalf, we will be very grateful.”

Donations to The Sammy-sized GAP initiative can be made via GoFundMe.

If you or someone you know is struggling

If you are affected by the issues raised in this article, help is available.

You are not alone, and talking to someone can make a difference.

Samaritans offer a free, confidential 24/7 listening service. Call 116 123 at any time or visit www.samaritans.org for more support.
CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales: Free support and listening service available 24/7 on 0800 132 737 or text “Help” to 81066.
Papyrus HOPELINE247: Support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860 039967 or visit www.papyrus-uk.org.
Mind: Mental health charity offering advice and support. Visit www.mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393.

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Crime

Police investigate theft of 75 sheep from Newcastle Emlyn farm

Published

11 hours ago

March 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating the theft of approximately 75 sheep from a farm in the Newcastle Emlyn area.

The lamb yearling ewes were reported missing from farmland near Rhydlewis. Officers believe the theft occurred sometime between March 7 and March 17, 2025.

The stolen sheep are described as white-faced, with clean white wool and a faint yellow spot. They are believed to be continental cross ewes, similar in appearance to Texel crosses.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and remains in police custody.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist with the investigation.

Anyone with details is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police via the following:

🖥️ | Online: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline
📧 | Email: [email protected]
📞 | Call: 101

Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.