Crime

Rogue roofing traders had millions pass through accounts, court told

Published

5 months ago

December 13, 2025

Sentencing delayed as judge considers scale of long-running Pembrokeshire scam

A PAIR of rogue Pembrokeshire traders had more than £2.7 million pass through their bank accounts while operating what a judge described as a sophisticated fraudulent roofing business.

Thomas James, aged 38, and Jim Janes, aged 55, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Dec 12) in connection with a Narberth-based roofing scam which spanned several years.

The court heard that over a five-year period the men ran a business which prosecutors said was fundamentally dishonest, with more than £500,000 believed to have been taken from customers through fraudulent work.

In remarks made during the hearing, the judge said the case went beyond dishonest trading, describing the defendants as builders who were not only dishonest but also incapable of carrying out the work they claimed to offer.

Expert evidence presented to the court showed the pair were unable to deliver the standard of work promised, with no credible evidence of satisfied customers. Large sums of money were seen flowing through their accounts, which the judge said demonstrated unlawful trading rather than legitimate business activity.

“This was not a case of people trying and failing to run an honest business,” the judge said. “It was a sophisticated operation set up to defraud customers.”

It was agreed that more than £500,000 had been generated from dishonest elements of the work carried out.

In mitigation, defence counsel said there had been some legitimate trading and that personal circumstances had contributed to a decline in standards. The court was told that not every job undertaken was fraudulent and that both men had accepted responsibility.

However, the judge raised concerns about how best to sentence the defendants given there are two separate indictments relating to the proceeds of the scam. Apologising to victims, the judge said the case could not be concluded on the day.

Sentencing was adjourned to Wednesday (Dec 17) at 2:00pm.

The Pembrokeshire Herald has been following this case for several months. It has been before the courts on several occasions this year.

At an earlier hearing at Swansea Crown Court in August, the court was told that the investigation into James and Janes had identified dozens of alleged victims across Pembrokeshire and west Wales.

Prosecutors said homeowners were persuaded to pay large sums upfront for roofing and construction work which was either left incomplete or carried out to a dangerously poor standard, in some cases leaving properties damaged.

During those proceedings, it was alleged that around forty victims had already been identified, with investigators warning the true number could be significantly higher as enquiries continued.

A separate but linked case could bring the total number of alleged victims to 140, making this the largest case of its type in Wales.

The prosecutions have been led by National Trading Standards Investigations Team (Wales) based at Newport City Council

The court previously heard that the men had handled criminal proceeds running into tens of thousands of pounds and that further victims could yet come forward.

The Herald understands that the scale of the operation, the movement of money through multiple accounts, and the long duration of the offending are all factors being considered ahead of sentencing later this month.

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

1 day 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

1 day 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.