News

Doorstep conman jailed for 12 months

Published

9 years ago

April 5, 2017

A SERIAL doorstep conman has been committed for a second time in 18 months to serve a prison sentence for failing to comply with the terms of an Enforcement Order brought by Pembrokeshire County Council Trading Standards.

David John Hanford, currently living in the Swansea area, was ordered by His Honour Judge Vosper QC, to serve a 12 month prison term, during the hearing at Swansea County Court on Friday (Mar 31).

The Court heard how within three months of being released in February 2016, Hanford had returned to work offering roofing services, despite previously assuring the Court that he would not do so, as he had a new job as a courier.

In June 2016, trading as Roofguard UK, he approached an elderly couple in Burry Port, Carmarthenshire and offered to clean their roof and renew the guttering for the discounted price of £400.

He wanted a £200 cash deposit straight away which he received. He returned a few days later asking for the remaining £200, which he again received.

He returned telling the couple the discount was no longer available and they would have to pay another £200. They paid £100 and Hanford wanted to drive the husband to a cash point to withdraw the remaining £100. The husband refused as he was his wife’s full time carer.

He reported the matter to the police and agreed to phone them if Hanford returned.

A couple of days later, Hanford returned and the police were called. Hanford was driving a van with parcels and he told the officer he was a courier. He said he would carry out the work for the couple that week but he never returned and he has not refunded any money.

A second couple from Cardiff had placed an advert online for roof repairs. They were contacted by Hanford in July 2016 who provided a quote for the work of £525.

He said no deposit was required and yet when the contract was agreed the following day, he insisted on a £105 deposit, which was paid. Hanford did not show up to start the work and the couple were given excuses for the delay. He has not returned since.

Pembrokeshire County Council obtained the Order against Hanford in 2012, when he was residing and trading in Pembrokeshire. The Order, made under the Enterprise Act 2002, sets out a number of terms protecting consumers which Hanford must not breach.

In these two cases, Hanford breached the Order by failing to give the 14 day cancellation notice, taking deposits and failing to carry out the agreed work.

Judge Vosper raised concern at the long history of complaints against Hanford, defrauding the elderly community. He said that in the case of the couple from Burry Port, although Hanford was employed as a courier, he was still engaging in a roofing business and using the van for both businesses.

“Pembrokeshire Trading Standards will always strive to deal with rogue traders and seek justice,” said Sandra McSparron, Senior Trading Standards Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council.

News

Pendine cliff fall victim recovering after major emergency response

Published

29 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 22-YEAR-OLD man who suffered serious injuries after falling from cliffs overlooking Pendine Beach is recovering well following emergency surgery.

The man was visiting Pendine with friends on a weekend break when the incident happened on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the scene after he fell from a cliff edge above the beach, sustaining significant chest, facial and pelvic injuries.

A major multi-agency response was launched involving the Welsh Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, Dyfed-Powys Police and the Wales Air Ambulance. Personnel from Pendine Community Council also assisted at the scene.

After receiving emergency treatment, the casualty was airlifted to Cardiff for specialist hospital care, where he underwent surgery.

An update released with the consent of the injured man and his family confirmed that he is now recovering well.

The young man, his family and friends have expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in the rescue effort, treatment and ongoing care.

Special thanks were paid to local resident Michaela Dance, an Emergency Nurse Practitioner, who was first on the scene and provided immediate assistance before emergency crews arrived.

The family said they were extremely thankful for the professionalism, skill and compassion shown by all emergency service personnel and those who helped during the incident.

Despite the seriousness of the injuries sustained, the outcome has been positive, with family and friends acknowledging that the situation could have been far worse.

Pictured are the injured man’s friends with Michaela Dance, presenting her with a gift as a token of their appreciation for the assistance she provided following the incident.

News

Hakin motorist banned after driving 14 times over drug limit

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A HAKIN motorist has been banned from driving for three years after being caught behind the wheel with cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

Mark Briskham, 53, of Waterloo Square, Wellington Road, Hakin, was stopped by police on January 5 as he drove a Ford Kuga along Steynton Road, near Milford Haven.

Blood tests carried out at the police station showed he had 800mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

He also had 64mcg of cocaine in his system. The legal limit is 10mcg.

Briskham pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for three years, taking into account a previous drug-drive conviction from 2020.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.cr

Crime

Begelly man remanded over alleged May Day assault

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged May Day assault against a woman in Begelly.

Tomas Baker, 34, of Ty Dee, New Road, Begelly, is accused of assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm, at an undisclosed location in Begelly on May 1.

Baker appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from Swansea Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 22.