Appeal withdrawn at Swansea Crown Court after judge hears medical evidence

A MAN has withdrawn his appeal against the revocation of his shotgun licence after a judge heard medical evidence raising concerns about public safety.

The case was heard at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Feb 13) before His Honour Judge Huw Rees, Recorder of the Crown Court, where Luke Randall-Smith challenged the decision to revoke his shotgun certificate, which covered five firearms.

However, following discussions during the hearing, the appeal was formally withdrawn, leaving the revocation in place.

The court heard that police concerns were first raised after a mental health incident in May 2024.

Firearms licensing officers later contacted his GP for updated medical information.

Reports indicated that Randall-Smith had experienced obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a serious farm accident in which he discovered a colleague who had fallen from a height.

Symptoms were said to include intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Historical records also referred to a previous episode in 2008 when his OCD allegedly contributed to what was described as “significant violence” during an unprovoked incident at licensed premises. He also held a police caution for affray.

Firearms Licensing Manager Mr Phillips told the court he decided to revoke the certificate after concluding Randall-Smith was no longer fit to possess weapons.

The revocation notice stated that allowing him access to shotguns could present a risk to both himself and others.

Representing himself, Randall-Smith accepted he suffered from mental health conditions but disputed aspects of the assessment and the timeline of events.

At one stage he told the court: “I’m a really nice guy… I’m a good father.”

Judge Rees replied: “Yes, but you’ve been ill.”

He said intrusive thoughts he had described were fears rather than intentions and were symptoms of illness rather than actions.

The judge made clear the decision rested on medical evidence and public safety rather than character alone.

Randall-Smith said the firearms were of sentimental value and hoped to transfer them to another certificate holder.

After being advised the court could proceed to a full hearing or allow the appeal to be withdrawn, he chose to withdraw. The application was granted.

The revocation of the shotgun certificate therefore remains in force.

Firearms officers, dog units and roadblocks deployed on Gordon Street as Dyfed-Powys Police investigate

ARMED officers sealed off part of Pembroke Dock this afternoon (Friday, Feb 13) after a large-scale police operation in Gordon Street.

Heavily equipped firearms officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were seen wearing helmets and body armour and carrying carbines and ballistic shields as they surrounded a terraced property.

Multiple marked vehicles blocked both ends of the road while specialist teams moved in on foot. Two police dog units were also deployed to search the area.

Photographs from the scene show officers establishing a cordon with police tape across the street and positioning themselves at the doorway of a flat.

The Herald understands that at least one man was detained and led away in handcuffs. Witnesses reported several people being stopped during the operation.

One nearby resident said the response was swift and highly visible. “They blocked the street straight away. There were armed officers everywhere and dogs searching around,” they said.

Police have not yet confirmed the nature of the incident or how many arrests have been made.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been approached for further information.

More to follow as we receive it.

Man accused of killing ‘proud father of two’ after violent flat attack in Morriston

A JULY has retired to consider its verdict in the trial of a Swansea man accused of murdering his own brother in what prosecutors described as a violent and frenzied attack inside a family home.

The case, heard at Swansea Crown Court, centres on the death of Martin Steel, aged 48, who was found fatally injured at his flat in Hill View Crescent, Morriston.

Darren Steel, 41, denies murdering his brother.

Martin was described during proceedings as a “proud father of two” whose sudden death devastated his family and shocked neighbours in the close-knit community.

Concern was first raised on the morning of May 20, 2023, when neighbours noticed Martin’s dog whining alone in the garden at around 8.30am. Repeated calls and knocks at the door went unanswered.

The court heard that his mother, Dianne Steel, had planned to go shopping with her son that day. When she could not reach him, her fears grew and emergency services were called.

Paramedics and police forced entry to the flat and attempted CPR, but Martin was pronounced dead at 11.06am.

Giving emotional evidence, Mrs Steel told jurors she found her son “slumped in his chair in his living room, probably dead and covered in blood”.

Prosecutor Andrew Jones KC said the injuries were consistent with a sustained and violent assault inside the property.

During police interviews played to the court, Darren Steel admitted being at the flat the night before. He claimed he, his brother and his girlfriend had been taking heroin together.

He told officers the situation escalated after he believed Martin was “coming onto” his girlfriend, alleging this sparked a loss of control and a frenzied attack.

The prosecution argue the violence went far beyond self-defence and amounted to murder.

Jurors were taken through forensic evidence, witness testimony and the defendant’s account of events over several weeks of trial. Defence counsel urged them to consider the chaotic circumstances, including drug use and heightened emotions, when assessing Darren Steel’s state of mind at the time.

After closing speeches and the judge’s legal directions, the case was formally handed to the jury on Wednesday (Feb 12).

They will now deliberate in private before returning a verdict, with the court due to reconvene once a decision has been reached.