News

‘Bad Saundersfoot Santa’ and his ‘naughty elf’ land up in court

Published

7 years ago

April 3, 2019

A FATHER and son, dressed as Santa and his elf, have ended up on the Christmas naughty list after collecting cash on the streets without a charity permit.

Clifford and Luke Evans, have been ordered to pay over £1,500 after admitting collecting the money for mental health charity, MIND, without a street collections licence and without the charity’s knowledge.

Llanelli magistrates heard that in December 2017 the pair were approached by a council licensing officer in Ammanford Town Centre whilst collecting money in sealed containers displaying the charity logo, an expired charity number and marked with the words ‘Mind for better mental health’.

The officer asked Evans (senior), of Pennant Avenue in Saundersfoot, who was dressed as Father Christmas, if he had a street licence but he claimed he was collecting ‘as a surprise’ for the charity. The 50-year-old then claimed he didn’t think he needed a permit even though he had been issued with a warning letter 12 months earlier for a similar incident. Street Collection Permits need to be produced on request.

When the officer approached his son who dressed as an elf, and carrying a similar blue and white collection box, the 25-year-old, from Kingsmoor Common, Begelly in Kilgetty, said he didn’t need a permit because he was collecting for his father.

Both were escorted by police and a licensing officer to Evans’ (senior) car. In the boot they found another fancy dress costume and an open bucket of cash, along with a spare ‘MIND’ collection box. The buckets, containing £99.65, were seized after the licensing officer contacted the charity who confirmed it was unaware of a collection taking place.

The pair were also caught on CCTV dressed in the same costumes collecting money two days earlier in Merlin’s Walk in Carmarthen Town Centre despite denying they had collected elsewhere.

In mitigation the pair’s solicitor claimed they pair had intended giving the money to the charity and that Clifford Evans had collected for various charities for around 10 years, having previously sky dived for Help for Heroes. The solicitor also claimed that whilst Clifford Evans had been warned previously by the council, he was illiterate and did not understand the requirements. In addition he said the case had had a detrimental impact on Evans’ (senior) life and business.

The father and son were each fined £400 and both must pay £544.11 costs and £30 victim surcharge. The court also ordered that the £99.65 be paid to MIND.

The council’s executive board member for public protection, Cllr Philip Hughes said: “It is against the law to collect money from people on the streets without the proper permit. This is something Clifford Evans had previously been made aware of but despite this he continued to collect with his son, having no proof that the money was actually going to the charity. We are very happy to assist anyone who wishes to collect for a charity to ensure they are doing so within the law.”

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

16 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

News

Pembrokeshire’s Muslims gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr as Ramadan ends

Published

22 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MUSLIMS across Pembrokeshire are marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations for Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

Members of the local Muslim community gathered once again at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Islamic Centre in Milford Haven on Thursday morning (Mar 20) to pray, share food, and celebrate together following a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

Eid al-Fitr begins with special morning prayers, before families and friends come together to enjoy meals, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. It is also a time for charity, reflection, and strengthening community ties.

Local businesses, many run by members of the Muslim community, often close or operate reduced hours during the celebrations, as families take time to mark the occasion.

Herald Editor Tom Sinclair, who previously attended Eid celebrations at the centre, said: “It is always a privilege to be invited to such a warm and welcoming event.

“The sense of community is clear to see, and after a month of fasting, it is a real moment of joy for everyone involved.

“Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating across Pembrokeshire.”

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of worship and self-discipline.

The festival is a time of celebration and generosity. People wear new or their best clothes, visit family and friends, and often give to charity to ensure that everyone can take part in the festivities.

Across the world, Eid is celebrated in different ways, but the message remains the same: unity, gratitude, and goodwill.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

36 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.