Crime

Former Haverfordwest pupil brought hammer onto hospital ward before killings

Published

3 minutes ago

May 12, 2026

A FORMER Haverfordwest pupil who later killed three people in Nottingham brought a hammer onto a hospital ward two years before the attacks, an inquiry has heard.

Valdo Calocane is understood to have lived in Haverfordwest and attended Sir Thomas Picton School before going on to study at the University of Nottingham.

The public inquiry into the Nottingham attacks was told on Monday (May 11) that Calocane returned from leave to the Priory Hospital in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, with a hammer in his rucksack.

The West Wales link has previously emerged through a former housemate, who knew Calocane while he was in Pembrokeshire. She later contacted Nottinghamshire Police after the killings and said she believed he had a history of mental illness dating back to 2013.

She also said she believed he had worked as a cleaner at Pembrokeshire College.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Ajith Gurusinghe told the inquiry that Calocane claimed he had the hammer because he was moving into a new property and needed to hang items.

Counsel to the inquiry, Craig Carr, suggested the explanation was “completely implausible” because Calocane did not have a new home to move into.

Dr Gurusinghe said staff were sceptical and believed Calocane may still have been paranoid. He accepted the incident should have been recorded and included in Calocane’s risk assessment.

He said: “It’s been missed. I admit it’s been missed.”

Charge nurse Helen Foster also gave evidence, agreeing that the hammer was “clearly a potential weapon” and that the incident was serious. However, she said she could not remember how staff followed it up.

Calocane, who had earlier links to Haverfordwest before moving to Nottingham, went on to kill students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, and school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, on June 13, 2023.

He then used Mr Coates’ stolen van to try to kill three pedestrians in Nottingham city centre.

The inquiry is examining the decisions made by mental health services before the attacks.

A Care Quality Commission inspection of the Priory Hospital in December 2021 later rated it “inadequate” overall and raised concerns about patient safety.

Crime

Crack dealer jailed after police raid in Carmarthenshire

Published

55 minutes ago

May 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A CRACK cocaine dealer from Carmarthenshire has been jailed for three years after police raided a property in Llanelli.

Jake Ware, 26, of Pwll, Llanelli, was arrested after Dyfed-Powys Police uncovered around £4,000 worth of crack cocaine, more than £2,000 in cash, weighing scales and digital devices during a search warrant at an address in the town.

The raid took place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, following information that Ware was supplying Class A and B drugs from the property.

Ware was not present when officers searched the address, but police later named him as a wanted suspect. A public appeal was launched on Thursday, March 26, 2026, and he was arrested later that afternoon after information was received from the public.

Detectives also found evidence of drug dealing through a Facebook account under the fake name “JJ Mac”, which police said was being used by Ware to arrange drug supply across the area.

Ware appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, April 27, where he admitted possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, and possessing criminal property.

He was sentenced on Friday, May 1, to three years in prison.

Detective Sergeant Richard Saunders said: “Jake Ware thought he could get away with supplying harmful drugs in the Llanelli area, but now he is in jail.

“I want to thank the public who responded to our appeal to locate Ware. With your help, we were able to arrest Ware and take another drug dealer off our streets.

“If you ever suspect drug dealing might be taking place in your area, please report it. You can report your concerns anonymously through Crimestoppers or you can simply report directly to us at Dyfed-Powys Police.

“By working together, we can make Llanelli a safer place to live.”

Anyone with information about drug dealing can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Crime

Man accused of threats to kill sent to Crown Court

Published

2 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Court Reporter

A 35-YEAR-OLD man has been remanded in custody after appearing before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with making threats to kill and assault.

David Killminster, of Monmouth Close, New Inn, Pontypool, appeared before magistrates on Monday (May 11).

The court heard allegations that on Friday (May 9), Killminster assaulted another person by beating them and also made threats to kill.

Killminster entered a not guilty plea to the assault charge. No plea was entered to the threats to kill allegation at this stage.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for trial.

Killminster was remanded in custody ahead of his next court appearance.

Crime

Milford Haven disturbance sees two women arrested

Published

2 days ago

May 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO WOMEN were arrested following a disturbance at the Mount Estate in Milford Haven on Saturday night (May 9).

The Herald understands the arrests followed an altercation involving four people.

Video circulating on social media shows two women lying face down on the ground outside while handcuffed and restrained by police officers.

In the footage, officers can be heard telling one woman that she is being arrested on suspicion of assaulting police.

Both women were then taken away, each flanked by officers.

Other women can be seen speaking to those detained while they remain on the ground.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for further details, including confirmation of the number of arrests, the nature of the incident, and whether anyone was injured.