Crime

Ex-Reform UK leader Nathan Gill admits bribery charges

Published

1 month ago

September 26, 2025

FORMER Reform UK leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, has pleaded guilty to a series of bribery offences linked to pro-Russian statements he made while serving as a Member of the European Parliament.

Gill, 52, from Anglesey, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday (Sept 26), where he admitted eight counts of bribery covering a period between December 2018 and July 2019.

The court heard that Gill accepted payments in return for using his position as an MEP for Wales to make statements in the European Parliament and in articles for outlets such as 112 Ukraine, promoting a narrative favourable to Russia during the conflict in Ukraine.

Prosecutors said Gill was instructed on at least eight occasions by Ukrainian politician Oleg Voloshyn to raise specific issues or deliver speeches in return for money. He denied a separate charge of conspiracy to commit bribery, which alleged wider involvement with Voloshyn and others, but the Crown accepted his guilty pleas on the eight charges.

Gill, a married father-of-five, was arrested at Manchester Airport in September 2021 under counter-terrorism legislation, and the bribery allegations followed.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb granted him conditional bail ahead of sentencing on November 21, but told him: “This is a serious matter. Nathan Gill has admitted asking questions, making statements and carrying out activities in or connected with the European Parliament in support of pro-Russian parties in the Ukraine conflict.”

Gill had previously visited the Herald offices in Milford Haven during the 2014 European election campaign, when he was standing as UKIP’s lead candidate in Wales. A fresh-faced, tall figure, he came across with confidence and enthusiasm as he promoted his party’s message across Pembrokeshire. That campaign proved successful, with Gill going on to become UKIP’s only MEP in Wales.

Now, more than a decade later, the former politician faces the prospect of a substantial prison sentence.

Cover photo:

Nathan Gill leaves court after pleading guilty to all charges (Image: PA Wire)

Crime

Goodwick man convicted of drug-driving after failing to attend earlier hearings

Published

2 days ago

November 7, 2025

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been found guilty of drug-driving after previously failing to appear at court.

Marc Barber, aged 41, of Monarch House, Dyffryn, appeared before District Judge M Layton at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 6).

The court heard that Barber had driven a vehicle in March with a controlled drug in his system exceeding the prescribed limit. He initially denied the charge when he appeared in court in September but was convicted following a trial.

The case had been delayed after Barber failed to surrender to bail on a number of occasions, leading to warrants being issued for his arrest.

Barber was convicted of the drug-driving offence and the case was adjourned for sentencing.

Crime

Pembroke Dock man fined for speeding and driving without insurance

Published

2 days ago

November 7, 2025

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has been fined after being found guilty of speeding and admitting to driving without insurance earlier this year.

Jake Jones, aged 24, of Ferry Terrace, Waterloo, appeared before District Judge M Layton at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 6).

The court heard that Jones had been caught exceeding the speed limit on February 3 while driving in Pembrokeshire. He initially denied the offence, but was later found guilty after trial.

He was also charged with using a motor vehicle on a public road without third-party insurance on April 2. On this count, he changed his plea to guilty when he reappeared before the court in September.

The court imposed fines and ordered Jones to pay costs to the Crown Prosecution Service. His driving record was endorsed, but he was not disqualified after the court accepted there were mitigating circumstances.

Crime

Pembroke Dock woman found guilty of owning fighting dog

Published

2 days ago

November 7, 2025

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been found guilty of owning a fighting dog — and a warrant has been issued for her arrest after she failed to attend court for the verdict.

Elisha Callen, aged 26, of Glenview Avenue, denied possessing or having custody of a fighting dog, contrary to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. The offence took place on July 26 this year.

Callen had pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing in July, but was found guilty in her absence following a trial before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 6).

The case was prosecuted by CPS Wales (South West), with Nia James appearing for the Crown. Callen was represented by Liam Francis of DJG Solicitors.

Magistrates issued a warrant for her arrest without bail.

The bench was chaired by Mrs C Kendrick, sitting with Dr R Talbot-English and Mrs J Davies.