Crime

Cross Hands plasterer wanted after failing to attend court

Published

2 months ago

November 30, 2025

A CROSS HANDS tradesman accused of a series of dishonest trading offences and thefts is now the subject of an arrest warrant after failing to appear before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Nov 28).

Magistrates issued a warrant without bail for Adam Benekeraitis, aged 34, of Caeglas, Cross Hands, after he did not attend the hearing. The case, brought by Carmarthenshire County Council, centres on allegations that he carried out poor quality plastering work, failed to complete jobs, misled customers and took money without providing the services promised.

Between October 2023 and February 2025, Benekeraitis is alleged to have engaged in a pattern of unfair commercial practices at several properties in Carmarthenshire. The court heard that he purported to be an experienced professional plasterer, charged for work that was not provided, failed to complete work, undertook work to a poor standard and refused refunds when requested.

The charges also allege that he repeatedly failed to provide legally required pre-contract information and cancellation notices to householders, causing customers to commit to work they may not have agreed to had they been properly informed. Victims named in the register include Mr and Mrs Thomas, Mrs Jones, Ms Charlotte Scott, Mrs Caroline Jenkins, Mr Randle, and Mr and Mrs Pearson.

Alongside multiple trading standards offences, Benekeraitis faces four counts of theft. These relate to £1,000 and £1,500 allegedly taken from Mrs Jones, £700 and £550 allegedly taken from Ms Scott, and £1,500 allegedly taken from Mr Daniels between 2023 and 2025.

In total, the defendant faces fifteen charges under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Theft Act 1968. All offences carry the potential for a custodial sentence.

As the defendant failed to attend, magistrates issued an immediate warrant for his arrest without bail. The matter will return to court once Benekeraitis is located and brought before the bench.

Crime

Armed police called to Milford Haven address

Published

13 hours ago

January 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ARMED police responded to an incident in Vicary Crescent, Milford Haven, on Sunday morning, with witnesses reporting a significant emergency presence on the usually quiet residential street just off The Rath.

Residents said officers arrived shortly after 9:00am and that at least six police vehicles were seen in the area, including two police vans. Witnesses also reported seeing armed officers at the scene.

The incident is believed to be related to a domestic matter, though police have not yet issued an official statement. The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police requesting comment and will update this report when more information is available.

The dramatic scenes caused concern among some residents.

One woman told The Herald: “I’ve never seen anything like this down here. It really was a shock first thing on a Sunday morning.”

Police were also seen in numbers at St Lawrence Avenue in Hakin.

It is not yet clear whether anyone was arrested, and details surrounding the operation are still being confirmed as this is a breaking story.

***Police were also seen at St Lawrence Avenue at the same time, and this is believed to be connected to the same incident.***

Crime

Carmarthenshire man committed to Crown Court over online child sex offences

Published

13 hours ago

January 18, 2026

Court Reporter

MAN accused of attempting to involve a child in sexual activity online has been sent to the Crown Court for sentence after indicating guilty pleas at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

Richard Dawe, 61, of Caroline Street, Llanelli, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jan 14) for a first hearing.

The court heard Dawe is charged with attempting to cause a child under thirteen to look at an image of sexual activity, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and attempting to cause or incite a girl under thirteen to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

The offences are alleged to have taken place in Llanelli between Tuesday, January 7 and Monday, January 13, involving a child described in the court register as “purported to be” aged twelve.

Dawe indicated guilty pleas to all three matters on Tuesday (Jan 14). The case was committed to Swansea Crown Court for sentence, with a committal hearing listed for Wednesday, February 4 at 9:00am.

Magistrates granted conditional bail, including a nightly curfew, reporting requirements, and restrictions on contact with anyone under eighteen. The court also ordered a pre-sentence report.

Crime

Police appeal after vehicle damaged in Fishguard

Published

3 days ago

January 16, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a parked vehicle was damaged in Fishguard.

Officers say the incident happened sometime between the late hours of Sunday (Jan 4) and the early hours of Monday (Jan 5) in the area between Ffwrn and Pizza Point.

A blue Skoda Karoq was parked there when its front windscreen was damaged.

Anyone with information, or private CCTV such as doorbell footage, or dashcam recordings showing suspicious activity, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police by emailing [email protected], calling 101, or sending a direct message on social media.

The reference is DP-20260107-035.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its website.