Crime

Two from Wales charged in major funeral fraud and ashes-mishandling scandal

Published

6 months ago

November 20, 2025

TWO people from north Wales are among three suspects charged as part of a major cross-border criminal investigation into alleged fraud and the mishandling of cremated remains at a scandal-hit undertakers in Scotland.

Police Scotland confirmed that officers working on Operation Koine – a long-running inquiry into A. Milne Independent Funeral Directors in Glasgow and Dumbarton – carried out coordinated raids yesterday (Nov 19), including one in Flint, north Wales. The investigation was launched last year after families reported missing ashes, being given the wrong remains, and concerns over prepaid funeral plan payments.

A 58-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were rearrested at the Flint address with the support of North Wales Police. A second 58-year-old woman was arrested on the same day in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire. All three have now been charged and will be reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

Unprecedented investigation

Detective Superintendent Robert Bowie, who is leading the inquiry for Police Scotland, described Operation Koine as “unprecedented”, both in scale and in the sensitivity required when dealing with families who believed their loved ones’ remains had been mishandled.

“For more than a year we have worked meticulously through every line of enquiry,” he said. “I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information and the public for their continued support. This investigation is significant, and our dedicated team continues to work closely with partner agencies to ensure victims receive the right support.”

Specialist officers have already spoken to more than 200 witnesses, with teams from Police Scotland’s financial investigation unit scrutinising bank records and funeral plan documents for evidence of fraud. Earlier searches at the company’s premises in Springburn lasted 11 days, during which 19 urns were recovered.

By September, investigators had identified around 70 funerals where arrangements had been affected. Police believe the number of families impacted could still rise.

Wales link

Officers confirmed the arrests in Flint were part of a coordinated effort to trace all individuals connected to the business’s operations and financial affairs. The case has prompted strong interest in north Wales, where families have historically used funeral firms across the border.

Police Scotland said it had “engaged with other forces across the UK to identify and implement best practice”, acknowledging the highly sensitive nature of the allegations.

A further support session for affected families will take place on Friday, December 5, for people already in contact with officers.

Families left without answers

Some families affected by the scandal have described the emotional toll of discovering their relatives’ ashes may have been mishandled.

Klair Sloss, who arranged her uncle’s funeral through A. Milne last year, said the scale of the probe suggests “closure may be impossible for some people”.

“To hear there are so many victims isn’t a surprise, but it does make me sad,” she said. “The only thing that will help families now is justice, and I hope the legal process doesn’t drag on.”

Another family, from Glasgow, previously told how they had scattered what they believed were a loved one’s ashes, only to later be informed the remains belonged to someone else.

Appeal for information

Detective Superintendent Bowie urged anyone with concerns about cremated remains or prepaid funeral plans linked to A. Milne to contact officers.

“The vast majority of ashes have now been reunited with families,” he said, “but we remain keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have been affected.”

Police Scotland said further updates will follow “in due course” as the case progresses toward the Procurator Fiscal.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

4 days 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

4 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

4 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.