News

Two Neyland councillors set for tribunal as code-of-conduct allegations escalate

Published

3 months ago

December 5, 2025

TWO Neyland Town Council figures are due to appear before separate tribunal hearings in January, as long-running tensions within the authority move into formal adjudication by the Adjudication Panel for Wales.

The hearings follow referrals from the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and come during a period of profound instability at Neyland Town Council, which has faced persistent governance disputes, a high volume of conduct complaints and a sustained breakdown in trust between members over the past two years.

Cllr David Devauden: tribunal set for 15–16 January

The Adjudication Panel has confirmed that Councillor David Devauden will face a two-day tribunal hearing at Haverfordwest County Court on 15 and 16 January 2026.

The case, reference APW/005/2024-025/CT, alleges breaches of paragraphs 4(b), 4(c), 6(1)(a), 6(1)(d) and 6(2) of the statutory Code of Conduct for councillors.
The hearing is listed as open to the public unless otherwise directed.

Former councillor Brian Rothero: hearing on 27 January

A separate case concerning former Neyland councillor Brian Rothero — reference APW/006/2024-025/CT — is scheduled for 27 January 2026 and will be held via Microsoft Teams.
The Panel has confirmed this hearing will not be open to the public.

Mr Rothero, who resigned from the council earlier this year amid ongoing internal disputes, faces allegations of breaching paragraphs 4(b), 4(c), 6(1)(a) and 6(1)(d) of the Code of Conduct.
No findings have been made, and he remains entitled to a fair hearing.

Context: years of internal conflict within Neyland Town Council

The forthcoming tribunal hearings are the latest development in a council marked by factional division, complaints between members and officers, leaked correspondence, and repeated accusations of partiality.

Several councillors have previously expressed concern that decision-making within the authority has become dominated by a small inner group, contributing to the wider breakdown in trust and to the number of disputes escalating to formal complaint stage.

The Herald has reported extensively on tensions involving councillors, former members and senior officers, with allegations of marginalisation, unprofessional conduct and failures of communication all contributing to an atmosphere described by some as “unworkable”.

Crime

Restraining order breach allegation withdrawn at court

Published

5 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Tenby man had faced harassment-related charge

A PEMBROKESHIRE man accused of breaching a restraining order has had the case against him withdrawn at court.

Christopher Marsh, aged 49, of Grove Court, St Florence, Tenby, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar 13).

Marsh had been charged with harassment by breaching a restraining order.

The allegation related to an incident said to have taken place on Tuesday (Mar 3), 2026.

However, during the hearing the prosecution withdrew the charge.

Magistrates therefore took no further action and the case was dismissed.

Crime

Man accused of breaching sexual harm prevention order sent to Crown Court

Published

10 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Llanelli magistrates send case to higher court

A 40-YEAR-OLD man has been sent to the Crown Court after appearing before magistrates in connection with an alleged breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

Luke Rogers, aged 40, of C3161 Brimston Cross to Wolfscastle Road, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar 13).

Rogers is charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order on Tuesday (Feb 25), 2026.

He also faces a further charge of driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence on the same date.

No pleas were entered during the hearing.

Magistrates ruled that the case should be dealt with at the Crown Court and sent the matter to the higher court.

Rogers was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Apr 10, 2026.

Crime

Multiple charges of attempted sexual communication with child

Published

22 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Machynlleth defendant committed to Crown Court for sentence

A 63-YEAR-OLD man has been committed to the Crown Court for after appearing in court over offences involving attempted sexual communication with a child.

John Langdon, aged 63, of Brickfield Street, Machynlleth, appeared before magistrates charged with two offences relating to attempted online sexual contact with a child.

The court heard that between Saturday (Mar 8) and Wednesday (Mar 12), 2026, Langdon attempted to cause a child aged fourteen to view images of sexual activity for the purpose of sexual gratification.

He was also charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under sixteen by sending videos containing sexual content.

Both offences were prosecuted under the Criminal Attempts Act 1981.