News

Police search home of former Carmarthenshire County Council boss Mark James

Published

6 years ago

August 13, 2019

POLICE OFFICERS have executed search warrants at properties in Carmarthenshire, Swansea, and Kent. Their actions are part of an investigation into allegations of corruption involving the
Wellness Village project at Delta Lakes, Llanelli.

On Thursday, Aug 8, The Herald received a tip-off which identified three properties in Carmarthenshire at which officers from Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit, executed those warrants.

The tip-off was anonymous. As is usual with such tip-offs, we sought to verify it by reference to independent and reliable sources.

As a result of our further enquiries, we can confirm that Police executed a search warrant at the home of controversial former Carmarthenshire County Council CEO Mark James.

The use of a search warrant in such circumstances is not unusual. The use of one is not a sign of any criminality or dishonesty on Mr James’ part. It is possible the warrant was procured routinely to preserve material which might assist an ongoing investigation.

Police executed a further warrant at County Hall, Carmarthen.

Again, the use of a warrant is not a sign of any criminality. Police acted to obtain documentary evidence and computer material, including email trails, to help with their investigation.

It is entirely possible that Police learned a lesson from a separate probe of Pembrokeshire County Council. In that case, officers failed to secure evidence which was subsequently either
lost or destroyed.

A separate Council press release states the local authority is ready and willing to help the Police in any way they can and is already offering any assistance it can to investigators.

That statement points out that a review by the WAO and an internal probe by a firm of solicitors found no administrative or compliance issues affecting the tender processes for the Wellness Village.

The Herald has been given a further address at which a search warrant was executed. That third address has not been confirmed by all of our sources and, accordingly, we do not report it here.

As we went to press, Carmarthenshire County Council exclusively confirmed to us that a search warrant was executed at County Hall last week.

Crime

Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

Published

3 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.

Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.

She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.

Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.

The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Business

Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

Published

3 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.

High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.

To enter the competition, participants must:

Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
Like the competition post
Comment with their favourite Welsh word

The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.

For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Community

Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

Published

3 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.

Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.

Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.