News

Sect members guilty of preventing burial

Published

11 years ago

February 27, 2014

THREE PEOPLE belonging to a religious sect who covered up the death of Geoffrey Sturdey for almost five years were jailed by a judge at Swansea Crown Court on Monday.

His widow, Rebekah Ladan Sturdey, aged 56, did it so that they could continue to claim £77,000 of his benefits for her and a friend.

Co-defendant Boqer-Ore Adie, aged 43, also admitted preventing lawful burial and benefit fraud, was also jailed for 20 months.

A third defendant, Carmel Adie, aged 25, was given a nine-month jail sentence suspended for a year with 150 hours unpaid work after admitting preventing Mr Sturdey’s lawful burial.

The group were members of a “hybrid” religious sect based on Judaism and the Old Testament and the court heard how the sect members, who called Mr Sturdey ‘Shamar’ (Hebrew for ‘keeper’ or ‘guardian’), expected Jesus to return to earth seven days after his death.

Mr Sturdey’s body was eventually found by Dyfed-Powys Police on the farm in 2013 following an extensive £20,000 search involving aerial photographs, ground penetrating radar and forensic archaeology, buried near a poly tunnel on the farm.

Detective Inspector Steve Davies said: “This was an unusual and protracted investigation that came about following concerns raised by the Department of Work and Pensions in relation to the whereabouts of Mr Geoffrey Howard Sturdey.

“As an organisation we then worked closely with the Department of Work and Pensions to conduct a thorough investigation. The body of Mr Sturdey was discovered in the grounds of his remote home on June 17, 2013. “Following a professional and thorough investigation and joint working with the CPS, Boqer-OreAdie, Rebekah Ladan Sturdey, Hazel Adie and Karmel Adie were charged with conspiracy to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a dead body and fraud.

“Due to the level of evidence produced following a thorough and complex investigation the four involved all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a dead body, and four counts of fraud in Swansea Crown Court in December 2013.

“Boqer-ore Adie has today been sentenced to 20 months for the unlawful burial, and 20 months for fraud to run concurrent. Rebekah Ladan Sturdey was sentenced to 20 months for the unlawful burial, and 20 months for fraud to run concurrent. Both were given 25% credit for their guilty pleas. Karmel Adie was given a 12 months suspended sentence for the unlawful burial and ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work.

“This demonstrates that in our society people will not get away with the unlawful burial of a deceased person who then carry on to benefit from continuing to claim that persons benefits or money. A Proceeds of Crime Act application is also being pursued in relation to this case”.

“We have kept the family of Mr Sturdey informed throughout the investigation and we hope that today’s sentence brings them some sort of comfort and a sense of closure.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.