Crime

Former soldier’s ‘shameful’ fraud over WWII medals to pay gambling debts

Published

2 months ago

October 16, 2025

Judge says ex-serviceman ‘tarnished the memory of brave men’ in decade-long scam

A FORMER soldier who faked family links to Second World War heroes to claim their medals and sell them off to cover gambling debts has been branded “shameful and disgraceful” by a judge.

David Stewart, aged sixty-one, of Castell Corwg, Cilgerran, admitted twenty-one counts of fraud by false representation after a ten-year deception targeting the Ministry of Defence Medal Office.

Swansea Crown Court heard Stewart made a series of false applications between 2012 and 2022, claiming medals on behalf of sixteen deceased servicemen. He often pretended to be their next of kin, sometimes producing forged documents to back up his claims.

Prosecutor Craig Jones said that a genealogical investigation later revealed Stewart was, at best, a distant relative to a few of the men — and in several cases had no link at all.

Even after being warned that any further requests from his address would be referred to the MoD’s fraud team, Stewart persisted. In many cases, officials refused to issue medals because suspicions had already been raised or they had already been sent to the rightful families.

In early 2022, Stewart contacted the owner of specialist dealer Medals of England and offered to sell several decorations, including those awarded to Battle of Britain Spitfire pilot Jiri Machacek, complete with fake issue papers. The collector paid him £6,470, most of which was for Machacek’s medals, and later sent an additional £200.

When the fraud was exposed, Stewart was forced to repay £9,800 to the buyer.

A search of his home in March 2023 uncovered a book listing details of men who fought in the Battle of Britain. Mr Jones said this was “the tool he used to identify targets for his devious scheme.”

The court was told that Stewart, a veteran himself, had served in Northern Ireland and the Gulf War but had fallen into serious gambling debt before turning to fraud.

Hannah George, defending, said: “He found himself in an extremely poor financial position. Because of his own involvement in the military, he is acutely aware of the impact of his actions and feels a great deal of shame.”

Judge Huw Rees told Stewart: “This was tantamount to desecrating the memory of brave servicemen. As a former soldier, you knew exactly what these decorations represented. Your behaviour was truly shameful and disgraceful.”

Stewart was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days. He must also pay £10,000 in compensation to the collector.

Crime

Van driver avoids ban after speeding on A48

Published

7 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A VAN driver who was caught speeding on the A48 near Nantycaws avoided disqualification after magistrates accepted that a ban would cause exceptional hardship to others.

Norman Andrew Chapman, aged 59, of Rock Drive, Gelli, Pentre, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15).

Chapman admitted driving a Ford Transit 350 panel van at 68mph on a dual carriageway subject to a 60mph limit for that class of vehicle. The offence occurred at 1:05pm on April 2 and was detected using laser equipment.

The court heard detailed mitigation outlining Chapman’s caring responsibilities. He helps care for his housebound mother, who is on oxygen, and has taken on additional responsibilities while his brother undergoes cancer treatment. Magistrates were also told he assists a lifelong friend with panic attacks by taking her shopping, and that losing his licence would jeopardise his employment and potentially affect his employer’s business.

Finding exceptional hardship, the court decided not to disqualify Chapman.

He was fined £193, ordered to pay £400 in prosecution costs, and had three penalty points added to his driving licence.

Crime

Harassment case against Milford Haven man dismissed

Published

7 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A HARASSMENT case against a Milford Haven man was dismissed after prosecutors offered no evidence.

David Daley, aged 45, of Murray Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15) for trial.

Daley had denied a charge of harassment without violence, relating to allegations that between October 28 and October 30 he persistently sent unwanted messages and attended at the home address of a female in Prioryville, Milford Haven.

No evidence was offered by the Crown Prosecution Service, and the charge was formally dismissed by the court.

Crime

Carmarthen man given restraining order after public order offence

Published

7 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A CARMARTHEN man has been handed a restraining order after admitting a public order offence involving a woman known to him.

Joe Davies, aged 40, of Rhos Las, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15), where he pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The offence took place in Carmarthen on April 10, when Davies directed his behaviour towards Helena Davies.

The court heard that a victim personal statement was presented and read aloud by the prosecution.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge, taking Davies’ guilty plea into account. He was also ordered to pay £350 in prosecution costs.

A restraining order was imposed, banning Davies from contacting Helena Davies directly or indirectly, entering her home, or referring to her on any electronic device or online platform. The order will remain in force until December 15, 2026.