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Crime

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

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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

Two men bailed after Fleming Crescent burglary report

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TWO men have been arrested following a reported burglary at a property in Haverfordwest.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers were called after a residential burglary was reported at Fleming Crescent on Sunday (Apr 26).

The incident is understood to have taken place sometime between 8:35pm and 11:55pm.

Residents reported seeing police tape and several police vehicles in the area at around 9:49pm.

A police spokesperson confirmed that two men, aged 25 and 28, both from Pembrokeshire, were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Both men have since been released on bail.

 

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Crime

Pembrokeshire hairdresser avoids prison after pub assault

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WHEN a Fishguard mobile hairdresser was branded a chav in her local pub, she took umbrage by throwing a glass of gin at the woman who had spoken the words.

But this week Haverfordwest magistrates heard that when the glass shattered into the victim’s face, the woman sustained lacerations to her neck and chin.

Appearing before the Bench was 43-year-old Donna Thomas of White Lodge, Dyffryn, Goodwick,  who pleaded guilty to assaulting Hannah Llewhelin, causing her actual bodily harm.

The court was told that Thomas arrived at The Royal Oak pub in Fishguard, at around 8pm on October 18, accompanied by her husband. Approximately an hour later, Hannah Llewhelin arrived.

“The defendant began speaking to the victim and an argument broke out,” said Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies.

“The defendant hit the victim to her face with a glass which smashed against her face, neck and skin, causing lacerations.”

Photographs of the lacerations were shown to the Bench.

But the probation service stressed that the assault had been prompted by a derogatory remark made to the defendant by Hannah Llewhelin.

“The defendant had had two drinks earlier that evening, she drank two more at the pub prior to the incident, and was tipsy but was aware of what was happening around her,” commented the probation officer.

 “She went over to the table where the victim was sitting, her husband introduced her to the victim who he’d known since his school days, and they began discussing land on friendly terms.  But the victim then laughed at the defendant’s  job, which is a self-employed mobile hairdresser, and called her a chav. 

“Without thinking, Donna Thomas went to throw the drink over the victim’s face but she knocked the glass.  She didn’t intend to hurt her physically, but just wanted to throw the drink.”

Thomas was sentenced to 18 weeks in custody suspended for 18 months.  During this time she must carry out 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 150 hours of unpaid work.  She was ordered to pay £750 compensation to Hannah Llewhelin, a £154 court surcharge and £85 costs.

 

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Crime

Farm worker overturns Mercedes when over drink-drive limit

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A Pembrokeshire farm worker has  lost his licence after overturning his Mercedes when he was over the drink-drive limit.

This week Haverfordwest magistrates were told that at around 3.40pm on January 10, police received reports that a black Mercedes had been involved in a single vehicle road collision on the A487 at Roch.

When officers arrived, they discovered the overturned Mercedes with its driver, Richard James, 45, trapped in the driving seat.

At around 5 pm James was arrested and transported to Withybush hospital where blood samples were carried out.  These gave a reading of 112 mcg of alcohol, the legal limit being 80.

James, of Bryn Seion, Solva, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill who informed magistrates that the defendant had collected items for work on the afternoon in question.

“He’d consumed alcohol the night before and had also taken some prescribed medication,” she said.  “He believed he would be safe to drive the following day, but obviously this wasn’t the case.”

Jess Hill added that James is expecting to lose his employment as a farm worker, as the mandatory driving ban will prevent him from driving the vehicles involved with his work.

James was disqualified from driving for 14 months and ordered to pay a £346 fine, a £138 court surcharge and £85 costs.

 

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