News

Builder convicted for fraudulently claiming £16,000 in benefits during lockdown

Published

3 years ago

May 27, 2023

A BUILDER who possessed two properties in Pembrokeshire has been found guilty of unlawfully receiving over £16,000 in benefits following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gordon Hardy, aged 56 and residing on Dew Street in Haverfordwest, submitted a claim for universal credit on March 27, 2020, just days after the implementation of lockdown measures.

According to the prosecution led by Alycia Carpanini, Hardy stated in his claim that he was an unmarried individual with a dependent child, devoid of any income or capital. Regrettably, he failed to disclose his ownership of two properties – one on Brookside Avenue and another on Haven Road.

Hardy later admitted to the police that the Haven Road property was vacant and in a dilapidated state. Meanwhile, he revealed that he allowed a friend to reside in the Brookside Avenue property rent-free, as relayed by Ms. Carpanini.

Due to the increased demand for support during the lockdown and the subsequent relaxation of checks on claims, the prosecutor stated that the scrutiny had become “less stringent.” Although Hardy underwent a telephone appointment, no irregularities were detected.

Between March 27, 2020, and May 26, 2022, Hardy illicitly claimed a total of £16,667.29 in universal credit.

During a police interview on July 1 of the previous year, Hardy asserted that he had applied for universal credit due to the pandemic’s adverse impact on his self-employed building business, leaving him without work.

He also claimed ignorance regarding the requirement to disclose his properties as part of the application process.

In his defense, Mr. Thomas expressed Hardy’s deep remorse for his actions during the lockdown period. He noted, “Many people genuinely needed benefits during that time. Many people engaged in actions they would never have contemplated.”

Mr. Thomas further pointed out that Hardy, who had no prior convictions, had fully repaid the entire amount.

Sentencing Hardy, Recorder Simon Mills criticized his fraudulent claim, remarking, “At the commencement of the lockdown, you knowingly made a false claim for state benefits. At different times, you attempted to provide excuses, alleging ignorance of the regulations. Such claims are baseless, as everyone is aware of the actual rules, especially the fundamental ones.”

Recorder Mills continued, “I have read one of your character references, which mentioned your involvement in a tennis club. Certain aspects of your lifestyle lie well beyond the reach of those genuinely in need of assistance during that time.”

He emphasized that state-provided funds designated for those in need should be allocated to individuals genuinely requiring aid.

Hardy received a two-month prison sentence, suspended for a year. Additionally, he is required to undertake 180 hours of unpaid work.

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

13 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

15 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

15 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.