Crime

Three decades on, Pembrokeshire siblings’ deaths still under review

Published

7 months ago

October 18, 2025

Family campaigners push for inquest to clear Griff Thomas

THREE years after Dyfed-Powys Police launched a forensic review into the 1976 deaths of Griff and Martha “Patti” Thomas, relatives say they remain frustrated at a lack of updates.

Operation Hallam was established in October 2022 to re-examine material held over the deaths of the elderly siblings at their Ffynnon Samson farmhouse, Llangolman. Martha, 70, was found unlawfully killed, while an open verdict was returned in Griff Thomas’s case, then aged 73.

Huw Absalom, a relative who was 15 when the deaths occurred, told Newyddion S4C he appreciated the review but said the family had received “no information” about its scope or the exhibits being examined.

“They’ve said that they’ll keep in touch, and they haven’t. That’s disappointing. I don’t expect a day-by-day update, but something would have been nice. It wouldn’t do any harm to have a close family meeting and get our viewpoint across,” he said.

Mr Absalom added that family members had not been informed which items were still in police custody. “I know some 150 items were taken from the house at the time. I have heard a lot of the items have gone missing. I don’t know how many they’ve got left or what they’re testing or nothing.”

Chief Constable Ifan Charles said he understood the frustrations but stressed that police were nearing the end of the review. “It’s important that we conduct the review thoroughly so that we’re getting the right answers for the family and the community,” he said. “What I think is important is that we allow the investigation and the forensic inquiry to continue and then we’ll be in a position to continue to consult with the coroner and decide on the next steps.”

CLEBRAN editor Hefin Wyn, who has campaigned for the case to be reopened, said: “I do believe enough information has come forward to prove that the evidence at the time was not strong enough to suggest Griff had actually killed his sister. The inquest should be reopened and Griff should be pardoned. He had no reason to kill his sister. He’s an innocent man. The people of Llangolman want to know that he was officially innocent.”

Two forensic experts who recently reviewed the case for S4C’s Byd ar Bedwar programme said there was reason to believe another person may have been involved in the deaths.

Family members and local residents continue to dispute the original coroner’s findings. Following the initial investigation, Det Ch Supt Pat Malloy concluded in January 1977 that Griff had “probably” killed his sister, possibly by striking her with a kitchen chair before starting a fire in which he died.

Mr Absalom said: “They lived a happy, quiet life in Llangolman. They were simple little farmers and lived a simple life.”

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.