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

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

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
Crime
Man accused of Currys theft spree linked to Haverfordwest store
Defendant remanded in custody as court hears allegations spanning Wales and South West England
A MAN accused of carrying out a series of high-value thefts from Currys stores across Wales and South West England has appeared before magistrates in connection with an alleged offence in Haverfordwest.
Ilia Patchkoria, aged 27, of no fixed abode, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court facing multiple theft allegations involving electrical goods worth tens of thousands of pounds.
Among the charges is an allegation that Patchkoria stole items worth £1,525 from the Currys store in Haverfordwest on May 23 this year.
The court heard that the Haverfordwest incident forms part of a wider series of alleged offences said to have taken place at Currys stores across Wales and England.
Other charges relate to alleged thefts at stores in Carmarthen, Barnstaple, Plymouth, Truro, Penzance and Torquay. The total value of the goods involved in the various allegations runs into many thousands of pounds.
According to the court register, the largest single alleged theft took place at the Carmarthen branch, where goods valued at more than £7,600 are said to have been taken.
Patchkoria indicated guilty pleas to some matters before the court. Magistrates ordered that he be remanded in custody while proceedings continue.
The case has been adjourned until July 2, when it is due to return before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.
It is not yet known precisely what items were allegedly taken from the Haverfordwest store, although Currys outlets typically stock a range of high-value electrical goods including laptops, mobile phones, gaming consoles and household technology.
No verdicts have been reached in relation to the outstanding allegations.
The Herald has approached Currys for comment on the alleged Haverfordwest theft and to establish whether the incident caused any disruption to customers or store operations.
Photo caption: Currys in Haverfordwest was among several stores allegedly targeted in a cross-country theft spree (Pic: Herald).
News
Tragic tribute paid to Haverfordwest man after A4075 collision
FAMILY REMEMBERS “KIND AND LOVING” CALLUM HANSON
THE FAMILY of a 22-year-old man from Haverfordwest who died following a road traffic collision have paid tribute to their “kind and loving” son, brother and grandson.
Callum Hanson sadly passed away in hospital on Wednesday (Jun 17) after a collision on the A4075 near Cross Hands, Pembrokeshire.
In a tribute released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said Callum lived life to the fullest despite his own personal challenges.
They said he was a deeply caring person who had spent the last month looking after his grandad, who also recently passed away.
Callum had a passion for gaming and motorbikes, and was training to become a mechanic at college.
He will be remembered by his mum Joanne, dad Carl, sister Kacey, nan Heather, girlfriend Emily, and his wider family and friends.
The family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses. Officers want to hear from anyone who was travelling on the A4075 between Canaston Bridge and Yerbeston at around 6:15pm on Wednesday (Jun 17).
Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference 362 of June 17.
Business
Business insolvencies fall but Welsh firms still under pressure
INSOLVENCY figures fell in May, but businesses across Wales remain under serious financial pressure, according to restructuring specialists.
Official figures show there were 1,868 corporate insolvencies in May 2026, down 10.5% from April and 16.3% lower than in May last year.
Andy McGill, restructuring and insolvency partner at Azets, which has offices in Cardiff, Swansea and St Asaph, said the fall was welcome but should not be mistaken for a sign that firms are out of difficulty.
He said: “Directors running out of fight, firepower and finance is still a problem, and creditors remain willing to turn to the courts to recover monies owed — and neither of these are going to change in the short term.
“The reality is that despite the fall in insolvencies compared to last month and last May, numbers are still high and businesses are still struggling, with many facing an uncertain future.”
Mr McGill said firms were being hit by a combination of geopolitical uncertainty, rising costs, political instability, a lack of affordable finance and creditors chasing overdue debts.
He added: “Unless the climate becomes easier and some way is found of lightening the cost load on businesses, it’s likely demand for advice and support will remain high in the coming weeks and months.”
Cost pressures continue
BUSINESSES are also facing rising employment costs, higher business rates and renewed pressure from energy bills.
Mr McGill said many firms were being “sandwiched” between their own higher costs and customers cutting back on spending.
He said the hospitality, retail and construction sectors remained among the hardest hit.
He added: “The fact that several household names have entered restructuring or insolvency processes recently shows the strain on the restaurant sector is becoming unbearable as the double blow of increased expenses and cautious consumers continues to affect it.
“Despite a rise in footfall and sales, retailers continue to be crushed by costs.”
He also pointed to the planned restructuring of TG Jones as evidence that even long-established high street names were not immune from financial distress.
Construction firms under strain
THE construction industry continues to face pressure from rising labour costs, higher material prices and late payment.
Mr McGill said tight margins and cashflow difficulties were pushing more firms towards financial distress.
He said: “Our advice to anyone who is worried about their business is to pick up the phone and speak to an adviser.
“It’s incredibly hard to voice your concerns about your finances, but the earlier you do, the more potential solutions you have open to you and the more time you have to consider how you move forward.”
-
Community5 days agoPembrokeshire Chess Club crowned Welsh champions
-
Crime2 days agoMilford Haven man jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order
-
Local Government3 days agoSecurity privately arranged by Mayor at Beating of the Bounds
-
News1 day agoCrash on Freeman’s Way causes school-run chaos across Haverfordwest
-
Crime3 days agoMan wanted by court after failing to attend hearing over alleged shop thefts
-
Crime3 days agoMan jailed after admitting strangulation and assaults
-
Crime3 days agoMan banned from roads after drink-driving offence
-
Crime3 days agoMan sentenced over stalking campaign and lock knife offence







