News

Milford Haven: Former solicitor Simon Griffiths jailed

Published

10 years ago

March 27, 2015

Facing charges: Simon Griffiths

A FORMER West Wales solicitor who went bankrupt has been jailed for two years on Friday (Mar 27) after cheating an elderly disabled woman out of her inheritance.

Simon William Griffiths, aged 52, admitted two offences of fraud involving £60,000.

Swansea crown court heard the money came from the estate of Helen Ward Jones, of Pembrokeshire.

Robin Rouch, prosecuting, said that two sisters, Barbara Collins and Christine Sheridan, were to be the beneficiaries and the women put their trust in Griffiths, then running Eaves Solicitors in Milford Haven, to handle the will.

Christine Sheridan was by then disabled and living in sheltered accommodation in the Midlands.

Mr Rouch said Christine Sheridan did not receive the £60,000 she was entitled to.

There was also mystery over the sale of a flat in Aberystwyth for £107,000, added Mr Rouch. When Barbara Collins received a cheque from Griffiths in relation to the sale it bounced and it was still unclear what had happened to the proceeds of the sale.

The court was told that on two occasions Griffiths, of Rose Valley, Lower Lamphey Road, Pembroke, transferred money totalling £60,000 from Helen Ward Jones’ estate to a property company he was in charge of.

The judge, Mr Recorder Chris Clee, told Griffiths, “Christine Sheridan didn’t receive a penny and the question remains what happened to the £107,000 from the sale of the flat?”

Mr Clee said: “Griffiths had told police that he had been in practice for 23 years and had been “well aware that the worst thing he could do was to utilise a client account.”

But that was exactly what he had done, added the judge.

Griffiths maintained that he had used the money to invest in property and he had intended to repay the money in full.

“You don’t need me to tell you that your life’s in ruins. You’ve been struck of the solicitors’ roll, made bankrupt and lost your good character and reputation.

“This was a significant and high degree of breach of trust and you took advantage of Christine Sheridan’s disability. The public expects members of the profession to be above reproach.”

Dyfed Thomas, defending, said his client was remorseful and after police involvement had made it “abundantly clear” he would admit the two offences of fraud, each involving £30,000.

He said Griffiths had no previous convictions and added “he wants me to express to the court his genuine remorse”.

Mr Thomas added,“He was a trusted professional until his spectacular fall from grace.”

Mr Rouch said Griffiths appeared to have any or many assets out of which the women could be repaid.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sentenced for offensive online messages

Published

2 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been handed a community order after admitting to sending offensive messages via social media.

Steven Butler, aged 39, of Douglas James Way, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to a charge under the Communications Act 2003.

The court was told that between October 23 and October 29, 2024, Butler sent a series of grossly offensive and menacing messages intended to cause distress to the recipient, a female we have chosen not to name

He was sentenced to a 17-month community order, including 25 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months.

A restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Butler from contacting the woman or referring to her online, except via legal representation in relation to any proceedings.

The restraining order remains in force until November 14, 2026.

He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Crime

Teenager faces Crown Court trial for knife threat in private home

Published

2 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A TEENAGER from Haverfordwest is facing trial at Swansea Crown Court after being accused of threatening a man with a kitchen knife in a private property.

KIAN KELLY, aged 20, of Milford Road, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with threatening a person with a bladed article in a private place.

The court heard that on March 8, 2025, Kelly allegedly threatened Benjamin Kelly with a kitchen knife at 22A Hill Street, Haverfordwest, in a way that posed an immediate risk of serious physical harm.

He also faces a separate charge of possessing a bladed article in a public place without good reason, and another charge of criminal damage to household items belonging to Margaret Kelly.

He pleaded not guilty to the knife charges and guilty to the criminal damage offence during a previous hearing on April 11.

Kelly was remanded on conditional bail with strict terms, including a nightly electronically monitored curfew from 8:00pm to 8:00am, and a prohibition from entering Hill Street or contacting any prosecution witnesses.

He is next due to appear at Swansea Crown Court for trial on September 18, 2025.

Entertainment

Musicians unite for climate concert in Cardigan

Published

3 hours ago

May 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TWO local musicians are joining forces to raise awareness of the climate and nature crisis through a special concert at Cardigan Guildhall on Saturday, May 31.

The event, titled Singing for Life, will begin at 7:00pm and will feature original compositions by singer-songwriter and classical pianist Rosalind Powell, alongside music from Matthew Douglas, who performs under the name Drift.

Powell, well-known in the area for her piano recitals and songwriting, said she felt a strong desire to do something meaningful in response to environmental concerns. “Music can bring people together in powerful ways,” she said. “This event is about raising our voices — quite literally — for a cause that affects us all.”

Douglas, who shares Powell’s passion for protecting the natural world, was quick to support the idea. His performances under the moniker Drift combine reflective lyrics with a contemporary sound, offering a contrast to Powell’s classical influences.

The evening is being held in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion (XR), with all proceeds going to support their local campaigning work. Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested donation of £8. Refreshments will be served during the interval between the two acts.

Organisers say everyone is welcome, regardless of political affiliation. “This is about raising awareness, sharing music, and connecting with one another,” Powell added.