JOSEPH DIX, 26, from Frome, and Macauley Ruddock, 28, from Bath, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Andrew Main, a 33-year-old man from Falkirk, Scotland. The tragic incident occurred in Swansea city centre on July 17, 2024, where all three men were staying at the same hotel for work.

The fatal confrontation began with an argument at a nearby bar, escalating back at the hotel and spilling onto the street. Dix and Ruddock chased Mr. Main, rendering him unconscious before launching a prolonged and brutal assault. The court heard that Dix struck Mr. Main from behind, knocking him out. Both men then continued to punch him in the head and face as he lay helpless on the pavement.

Mr. Main never regained consciousness and succumbed to his injuries on August 14, 2024, nearly a month after the attack. His sisters, Nikki Main and Sharon Leebody, provided emotional impact statements in court, expressing the profound grief and trauma their family has endured.

In her statement, Nikki Main said: “I’m absolutely heartbroken and depressed at what has happened to Andrew. My kids are distraught at losing their uncle. Andrew was like my first child. I had legal guardianship over him at 18, since both our parents passed away. I’ve been referred to a psychologist and am struggling with suicidal thoughts. My kids feel scared for my safety. There will forever be a hole in my heart.”

Sharon Leebody added: “When the decision was made to remove life support on August 14, I was devastated. I returned home after Andrew’s death and have been housebound since. Life will never be the same now that he is gone.”

During sentencing, Judge P H Thomas KC highlighted the defendants’ reckless behaviour.
“You two went on an alcohol and cocaine binge in the centre of the city—it lasted for many hours. You both became highly aggressive, and you both wanted to show off to each other. During the trial, neither of you took responsibility for what you did, claiming self-defense. The jury did not accept this. The overwhelming tragedy is that a man has senselessly lost his life in his 30s. I do not lose sight of that paramount point.”

Both Dix and Ruddock will serve a minimum of 13 years before being eligible to apply for parole.

Detective Inspector Claire Lamerton reflected on the devastating consequences of the defendants’ actions, stating: “If Dix and Ruddock had chosen to walk away that night, a life would have been saved, and they would not be convicted killers.”

The case serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic outcomes that can result from alcohol-fueled violence and poor decision-making.

PROFESSOR Isabel Oliver has been named the new Chief Medical Officer for Wales, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

Prof. Oliver joins the Welsh Government from her position as Director General of Science and Research and Chief Scientific Officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). She will provide clinical leadership and offer independent professional advice to the Welsh Government on health and public health matters. Her role includes tackling health inequalities and leading efforts to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes across Wales.

Having started her career in acute hospital medicine in the West Midlands and South West England, Prof. Oliver transitioned to public health. She previously served as Director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England (PHE) and is co-director of the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Protection Research Unit on Behavioural Science and Evaluation at the University of Bristol. She is also an honorary professor at University College London.

Cabinet Secretary’s Welcome
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, praised the appointment, saying:
“Professor Oliver brings a wealth of experience to Wales after working at a senior level in public health in the UK, and I look forward to working with her.
“I’m delighted she has joined us as we work to improve health and wellbeing, and I’d like to offer her a warm welcome to Wales.”

Excited for the Challenge
Prof. Oliver expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating:
“It is an honour to be appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, and I am very excited to work with the dedicated health professionals and communities across Wales to create a healthier Wales and safeguard our NHS.

“Today, we face challenges from our ageing population, inequalities, and global factors such as climate change. For someone like me, with a great passion for health and wellbeing, Wales offers unique opportunities to secure major improvements in public health and health services, thanks to innovative policies and effective collaboration between sectors. It will be my privilege to serve the people of Wales to secure healthy, resilient, and prosperous communities.”

Prof. Oliver, a keen runner like her predecessor, is set to participate in the Newport Marathon later this year. She succeeds Sir Dr. Frank Atherton, who steps down at the end of January.

Contact Details:
William Davies
0300 0258 788
[email protected]

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THREE men have been sentenced for producing cannabis worth up to £620,000 at a former school building in Llandysul.

Njazi Gjana, 27, and Ervin Gjana, 24, were each sentenced to two years and six months in prison, while Armeld Troski, 29, received a three-year and four-month prison sentence.

The operation followed a warrant executed by Dyfed-Powys Police on Friday, November 15, 2024, after reports from the public about suspicious activity at the site. Upon entry, officers discovered a large-scale and sophisticated cannabis cultivation setup spanning three floors. The building had been heavily modified to accommodate the illegal operation.

Arrests made after pursuit

During their search of the property, officers heard movement downstairs and arrested two individuals, Njazi and Armeld, on-site. A third man, later identified as Ervin Gjana, escaped by climbing over a wire fence and fleeing into nearby fields. However, police used a drone and conducted a physical search, eventually locating Gjana on a roadside. He was soaking wet and scratched from brambles when arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

All three men were charged with producing a Class B drug and pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, December 20, 2024.

Police praise public for vigilance

Detective Constable Ben Nicholls said: “I’d like to thank the Llandysul community for their vigilance and proactivity in reporting suspicious activity to police.

“The information we receive from members of the community helps us build the picture of illegal activity that allows us to execute warrants such as this to ensure our area remains hostile to those who deal drugs.

“Monday’s sentencing serves as a reminder of our dedication to removing and preventing harmful substances damaging our communities, and we thank the public for the crucial role they play in this work.”

Signs of cannabis cultivation

Police encourage the public to report any concerns or suspicions about cannabis cultivation. Indicators include:

• A distinctive aroma coming from a property and noises from ventilation fans.
• Blacked-out windows to avoid detection.
• People and vehicles arriving at odd hours.
• Bright lights on continuously in seemingly vacant properties.
• Excessive condensation on windows.
• Unusual wiring or bypassed electricity meters.
• ‘Garden’ rubbish, such as plant pots, fertiliser, and chemicals.

Any information, no matter how small, could assist in tackling drug-related crime. Reports can be made via:

🖥️ | Online contact
📧 | [email protected]
💬 | Social media direct messages
📞 | Non-emergency: 101

For the deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired: text 07811 311 908.

For updates on local policing, appeals, and events, follow Lampeter, Aberaeron, and Llandysul Police on Facebook.