Crime

Husband ‘fought for his life’ as masked gunmen burst into caravan near Newcastle Emlyn

Published

8 months ago

October 8, 2025

Court hears claims of plot to murder veteran by wife and two ex-soldiers in alleged charity-love triangle

A VETERAN told a jury he was “fighting for his life” after opening the door of his caravan near Cenarth to find two masked men armed with pistols.

Christopher Mills said he was struck in the face, pistol-whipped and forced to grapple with the men — later identified as former soldiers — during what prosecutors claim was a planned attempt on his life.

The alleged attack took place just after 11:30pm on September 20 last year at the Argoed Meadows caravan and camping park, near Newcastle Emlyn. Mills said he managed to disarm both men, who then fled into the night.

Armed officers, police dogs and a helicopter were scrambled to the scene. Two men — Geraint Berry, 46, of Clos Coffa, Clydach, and Steven Thomas, 47, of Villiers Road, Blaengwynfi — were found hiding in bushes nearby. In their rucksacks, officers discovered gas masks, pliers, cable ties and a note purporting to be a suicide letter from Mr Mills.

The court heard Berry and Thomas were both clients of the veterans’ charity Alabare, where Mr Mills had previously worked before joining Help for Heroes. His wife, Michelle Mills, 46, of Maes Ty Gwyn, Llangennech, had also worked for Alabare — and was allegedly having a secret affair with Berry.

Prosecutor Jonathan Rees KC told Swansea Crown Court the affair developed into a conspiracy to kill her husband, involving discussions about poisoning him with antifreeze, sedatives or foxgloves, or smothering him with a pillow.

Berry, a former Royal Marine, allegedly “recruited” Thomas to help carry out the plan.

Giving evidence, Mr Mills said he had no idea his wife wanted him harmed. “It was completely out of the blue,” he said. “I thought it was a robbery. I just fought for my life.”

The owner of the caravan park, Rita Owens, told the court she rushed to the scene after receiving a call from Mills. “There was blood everywhere,” she said. “He was covered in blood, and she [Michelle] was sitting calmly texting.”

Mills later discovered cable ties and duct tape in the boot of his wife’s car and reported it to police.

Berry and Thomas have already admitted possessing imitation firearms with intent to cause fear, but deny conspiracy to murder. Michelle Mills also denies attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The trial continues at Swansea Crown Court.

Crime

Drug trafficker must repay £33,000 after court rules he made nearly £500,000

Published

7 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE drug trafficker jailed after a major cocaine and cannabis seizure has been ordered to repay more than £33,000.

Dean Evans, 44, returned to Swansea Crown Court for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing after prosecutors sought to recover money made through his offending.

The court heard it had been agreed that Evans benefited from criminal conduct by £496,533.94. However, his available assets were calculated at £33,337.37.

Judge Catherine Richards made a confiscation order for that amount and gave Evans three months to pay. If he fails to do so, he faces a further year in prison.

Evans, of St Clements Park, Freystrop, is already serving an eight-year sentence after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.

He was caught after Dyfed-Powys Police’s Roads Policing Unit stopped his Seat Ateca on Holyland Road, Pembroke, at around 10:25am on January 2.

Officers searched the vehicle after Evans admitted they would find “stuff” inside.

They discovered around one kilogram of cocaine in a cardboard box in the boot, together with 5.4 kilograms of cannabis in a black bin bag. The cannabis had been split into ten vacuum-sealed bags.

Swansea Crown Court was previously told the drugs had a combined potential street value of up to £185,000, made up of around £125,000 of cocaine and cannabis worth up to £60,000.

A mobile phone seized from Evans revealed what prosecutors described as a “dealer’s list”, with dozens of names and sums believed to be owed. Messages also showed Evans directing dealers below him in the supply chain.

At the original sentencing hearing, the court was told Evans had 23 previous convictions for 62 offences, including rape and robbery. His previous drug matters had related only to possession.

Sarah John, mitigating, said he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had stayed out of trouble for a “fairly lengthy period”, with his last conviction in 2016.

Jailing Evans for eight years, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “You are clearly a man with few criminal boundaries.

“You ensnared users and low-level drug dealers into debt, dragging them into a vicious circle of criminality.”

After sentencing, DC Phill Jones, of Pembrokeshire’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said illegal drugs brought misery to local communities and would not be tolerated.

He said: “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to any others who are tempted into the illegal drugs trade. You will get caught and you will go to prison.”

Photo caption: Drugs seized:

Dean Evans was caught with cocaine and cannabis worth up to £185,000 in his car (Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police).

Crime

Man wanted by court after failing to attend hearing over alleged shop thefts

Published

9 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN is wanted by the courts after failing to attend a hearing relating to a series of alleged shop thefts in Pembrokeshire.

Jack Morgan, of Pembroke, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) but failed to attend.

The court heard that Morgan faces several allegations of shop theft from businesses in Pembrokeshire.

The charges include the alleged theft of vodka from the Co-op in Pembroke Dock, along with food and drink items including sausages, crisps and Dragon Soop from The Green Garage.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place on various dates earlier this year.

After Morgan failed to attend court, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

He will now be brought before the court once located by police.

Court officials heard that the matters remain before the court and no pleas have yet been entered.

Crime

Shop theft admitted after alcohol stolen from Haverfordwest store

Published

9 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A WOMAN has admitted shoplifting alcohol from a Haverfordwest store.

Esme Hoyle appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) charged with theft from a shop.

The court heard that Hoyle stole alcohol worth £17 from B&M in Haverfordwest on Sunday, April 6.

Hoyle pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates sentenced Hoyle following her guilty plea and imposed financial penalties, including prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.

The court was told the offence related to a low-value retail theft from the town centre store.

Retail theft continues to place pressure on local businesses across Pembrokeshire, with stores increasingly reporting repeated incidents of shoplifting.