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Warning as scams target those doing tax returns

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A WARNING has been issued about scammers targeting those doing tax returns this month.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Trading Standards team has been contacted about phone calls which falsely claim to be from HMRC.

In one case the recipient was asked to press a specified digit on their phone to connect a call and told that a warrant would be issued for arrest if they did not do what was asked.

The busy period before Tax Returns must be completed often sees an increase in HMRC-related scams, including scam phone calls and emails.

HMRC state that that you will never receive an email, text message, WhatsApp or phone call from them that relates to a tax rebate or penalty or asks for personal or payment information.

Remember to never give out any personal information to a cold-caller or via an unsolicited email.

You can report something suspicious to HMRC’s phishing team, for example:

• a text message (forward it to 60599 – you’ll be charged at your network rate)
• a message in an application, for example WhatsApp – take a screenshot and forward as an email
• an email
• details of a phone call asking for personal information or threatening a lawsuit

Send details to the HMRC phishing team via email: [email protected]

You can also report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
If you want consumer advice and support contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or 0808 223 1144 for a Welsh speaker – the details will be shared with Trading Standards who may also contact you by phone to offer support and advice.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

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Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of serious allegations following his appearance in the latest magistrates’ court register.

David Guy, 49, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared in court facing multiple charges, all of which have now been deemed too serious for summary trial.

Guy is charged with several offences arising from the same case file. Although individual charge descriptions were not expanded in open court, the register confirms the allegations include:

  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • A second assault charge
  • Criminal damage
  • A further interpersonal violence allegation
  • A public order offence

Defendant remanded into custody

Magistrates ruled that their sentencing powers were insufficient and sent the entire case to Swansea Crown Court for trial.

Guy was remanded in custody.

A hearing date will now be fixed administratively by the Swansea Crown Court. Until then, Guy remains remanded.

The Herald will provide updates once the Crown Court listing is confirmed.

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Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

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Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string of alleged offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, 40, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, faces six linked charges arising from incidents reported to have taken place earlier this year. Alcock, who did not enter pleas during the administrative hearings, appeared on several occasions as the court dealt with bail issues and case management.

  • Multiple assault allegations
  • The charges listed before magistrates include:
  • Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
  • Intentional strangulation
  • Common assault of a woman
  • Criminal damage relating to a domestic incident
  • Further assault allegations linked to the same complainant
  • A breach of bail conditions

The court heard that Alcock had previously been granted conditional bail. However, he was brought back before magistrates twice during the same reporting period for alleged breaches of those conditions, resulting in updated bail decisions.

Bail breached — defendant remanded

On two separate entries in the court register, Alcock was listed as having breached his bail, leading magistrates to remand him into custody pending the next hearing. On other dates within the same week, he was again re-released on conditional bail, with strict terms imposed, including restrictions on contact with the complainant and exclusions from certain locations.

He is now remanded on conditional bail with his next appearance set for Swansea Crown Court, where the more serious matters — including the alleged non-fatal strangulation — will be dealt with.

Case sent to Crown Court

Magistrates directed that the case is too serious to be heard locally and must proceed to the Crown Court for trial or sentence.

The Herald understands that all listed charges fall under the same prosecution reference, indicating they form part of a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution. No further details were opened in court at this stage.

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Crime

Rogue roofer conned homeowner out of thousands

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Caerphilly investigation leads to court conviction

A ROGUE trader from Pembroke has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after duping a homeowner into handing over thousands for unnecessary roofing work.

Douggie Whitbread, aged twenty-five and living at Coldwell Terrace, Pembroke, persuaded his victim that he “probably needed a new roof” before charging £4,350 for work that was either unnecessary or not carried out properly.

Whitbread admitted two counts of fraud relating to a property on Griffiths Street, Ystrad Mynach, with the offences taking place between August 12 and October 16, 2023.

He appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court, where he was ordered to pay a total of £6,130. That includes £4,350 in compensation, £1,500 in prosecution costs, a £200 fine, and an £80 victim surcharge.

The case was brought following an investigation by Caerphilly Trading Standards, who urged residents to be cautious of unsolicited offers of home maintenance work.

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