News

Caldicot family still have hopes to find missing son James Nutley, 19 years on

Published

3 years ago

July 1, 2023

IT HAS BEEN almost 19 years since James Nutley vanished without a trace during a golfing trip in the picturesque town of Tenby, leaving his parents, Catherine and Jeffrey Nutley, in an agonizing state of uncertainty. However, a recent surge of interest in the case has rekindled hope that answers may finally be within reach for the grieving couple.

On the fateful day of October 24, 2004, James Nutley, a 25-year-old golf enthusiast, went missing under mysterious circumstances. The last known sighting of him was captured on CCTV near the Giltar Hotel in Tenby at 23:57. Despite extensive searches and investigations, what transpired after that moment remains a haunting enigma.

“It is hanging over you all the time,” expressed Jeffrey Nutley, his voice heavy with the weight of 19 years of unanswered questions. “We were thinking ‘he’ll turn up in a day or two’ – 20 years later we’re still thinking ‘where is he?’.”

Recalling the events leading up to her son’s disappearance, Catherine Nutley described the ordinary excitement that filled the air that day. James, described as a “golf-mad” young man, was eagerly preparing for his golfing trip, seemingly content with his life and relishing his “dream job” as a golf club demonstrator. Little did they know that their lives would be forever altered by an unexpected turn of events.

The moment Catherine received the news of James’ disappearance, everything changed. Her sister and a friend rushed to her workplace to deliver the heart-wrenching news. “My sister said ‘James has gone missing in Tenby’,” Catherine recounted, her voice trembling with emotion. From that instant, their lives were consumed by an overwhelming sense of dread and the relentless pursuit of answers.

As Catherine made her way to Tenby, Jeffrey stayed behind, clutching the landline phone in the desperate hope that James would reach out. By the time she arrived, the search for James was already underway, and the couple found themselves in a state of numbing shock. Sleep eluded them as the realization of their son’s inexplicable absence sank in.

The investigation into James Nutley’s disappearance eventually went cold, with few breakthroughs emerging over the years. The Nutley family endured the anguish of numerous false leads and even a false murder confession, which only deepened their pain and prolonged their torment. Richard Fairbrass, who confessed to the murder and disposal of James’ body, later admitted to fabricating the entire story. In 2006, he was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Reflecting on the false confession, Jeffrey lamented, “It set us back a bit, it didn’t do us any good at all.” Yet, in the face of such setbacks, the Nutleys have not relinquished their hope of one day being reunited with their son.

Recently, the Nutleys shared their story on the podcast “The Missing,” which focuses on long-term missing persons cases. The podcast’s coverage has generated renewed interest in James’ disappearance, sparking a glimmer of optimism for the grieving parents.

As to what could have befallen their beloved son that night, Catherine and Jeffrey remain haunted by unanswerable questions. Did James plan to meet someone and embark on a different life? Or did someone abduct him, shattering their lives forever? The possibilities, while filled with uncertainty, persist as they continue to hope for a reunion with their son.

In their enduring search for closure, the Nutleys have experienced moments of false hope. They have believed to have glimpsed James through windows or in restaurants, only to have those hopes dashed. Catherine shared that whenever she sees a man begging on the street, she takes a closer look, just in case it might be her long-lost son.

The passing years have not dampened the Nutleys’ determination. Despite the absence of tangible leads, they remain resolute in their belief that a reunion with their son is still possible. “Well, you can’t give up, can you, until someone tells us differently,” said Jeffrey.

The couple refuses to accept the idea of a memorial service, as it would imply finality without knowing James’ fate. Their grief is suspended in a state of limbo, aching for resolution. “You can’t grieve because there’s no one there,” Catherine poignantly expressed.

Learning to live with the pain of not knowing, the Nutleys have carried the weight of their son’s absence while endeavoring to continue their lives. Catherine confides that she says her prayers at night, fervently asking for divine protection over James, wherever he may be.

As the renewed interest in James Nutley’s disappearance shines a spotlight on this enduring mystery, it is the fervent wish of Catherine and Jeffrey Nutley that this attention will finally bring them the answers they have been longing for. Only time will tell if their unwavering hope will be rewarded with the long-awaited reunion they so desperately desire.

Charity

Foley House to become cancer support centre in memory of Adam Evans-Thomas

Published

25 minutes ago

March 27, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Historic Haverfordwest building set for transformation after years of neglect

A HISTORIC Haverfordwest building is set to be transformed into a major cancer support centre, breathing new life into one of Pembrokeshire’s most significant architectural landmarks.

Foley House, which has stood neglected for nearly 20 years, will become the new home of Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre—an ambitious project inspired by the life and legacy of Adam Evans-Thomas.

The plans were discussed at a recent meeting held at The Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College, attended by local councillors, campaigners, and community supporters.

Speaking after the meeting, County Councillor for the Castle Ward and Chairman of the charity, Thomas Tudor, said it had been “lovely” to hear more about the building’s history and future potential.

He thanked guest speaker Mark Muller for outlining the history of Foley House, and Cris Tomos of PLANED for offering guidance on how the project could move forward. Tribute was also paid to The Bucket Music Makers and Chris Evans-Thomas for their continued support.

New purpose for historic building

Designed in 1791 by renowned architect John Nash—best known for his work on Regent Street, Regent’s Park and parts of Buckingham Palace—Foley House is regarded as one of Haverfordwest’s architectural gems.

Now, after years of decline, the building is set to be carefully restored and adapted to provide a modern, accessible centre for cancer support services.

The Herald understands the vision is to create a welcoming environment combining heritage with healthcare, including lifts, treatment rooms, and calm spaces designed for patients and their families.

Inspired by Adam’s legacy

The project builds on the legacy of Adam Evans-Thomas, who was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia in his early twenties.

Despite years of treatment, Adam became known for his courage, humour, and compassion—qualities that inspired those around him. He died at the age of 35, but his story continues to shape cancer support services in Pembrokeshire and beyond.

Over the past 30 years, initiatives linked to his legacy have helped establish the PHODU ward at Withybush Hospital and a double ICU room at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

Friends and family are now aiming to take that legacy further by creating a dedicated centre of excellence in Haverfordwest.

Expanding support services

The new centre will not only continue existing support services but expand them, including therapies and treatments not always available through the NHS.

Plans also include a significant expansion of lymphoedema services, helping patients recovering from cancer surgery.

Alongside clinical support, Foley House will offer a wide range of wellbeing activities, including singing, gentle exercise, meditation, yoga, and arts and crafts.

Community at its heart

Organisers say the centre will be firmly rooted in the community, with volunteers and patients playing a central role.

A group known as the “Buckateers”—patients and volunteers aged 70 and over—will help bring energy and character to the project, including themed events celebrating the building’s Georgian heritage.

There are also plans to host performances by young musicians, creating a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere for visitors.

Call for support

With restoration work ahead, the charity is now seeking funding partners, grants, and corporate sponsors to help bring the project to completion.

Supporters say every contribution will help transform Foley House into a vital community resource—offering hope, care, and comfort to families across Pembrokeshire.

For more information, or to get involved, contact Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre at [email protected] or call 01437 779400.

Crime

E-bike seized after dangerous riding in Pembroke

Published

45 minutes ago

March 27, 2026

Court Reporter

A MODIFIED e-bike described as “dangerous” has been seized and will be destroyed following a prosecution at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Twenty-four-year-old Joshua Miller, of Monkton, Pembroke, admitted driving dangerously, failing to stop for police, and riding without third-party insurance when he appeared in court on Tuesday (Mar 10).

He was disqualified from driving for 12 months, ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, and must pay £85 costs along with a £114 surcharge. The court also imposed a deprivation order on the e-bike, which had been heavily modified at a reported cost of around £10,000.

The offences relate to an incident on September 6, when officers were called to central Pembroke shortly before midnight following reports of e-bikes being ridden in an anti-social manner.

Police said Miller was among a group of riders who verbally abused officers after being asked to stop while travelling through a narrow pedestrianised alleyway.

Officers approached Miller on a grass verge, but he accelerated the e-bike while two officers were holding onto him, propelling them forward before he was arrested.

The arrest formed part of a wider Dyfed-Powys Police operation targeting illegal e-bike use, including the deployment of SelectaDNA spray to forensically link riders to offences.

Superintendent Louise Harries, of the Pembrokeshire division, said: “This result reflects the determination of officers to tackle an issue that is causing real concern in our communities.

“It is only by good fortune that no one was seriously injured when Miller accelerated in this way.

“These modified e-bikes are often capable of travelling at far higher speeds than intended, and their use in public spaces can be both dangerous and intimidating.

“We are taking robust action to address this problem, and the seizure of this vehicle demonstrates that commitment.

“We would continue to urge members of the public to report any illegal or dangerous use of e-bikes so we can take action.”

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101, or by emailing [email protected].

Cover image is a stock photo for illustrative purposes only

Community

Emergency services stage major coastal exercise in Milford Haven waterway

Published

53 minutes ago

March 27, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Coastguard, police, fire and ambulance crews take part in large-scale training operation

A MAJOR multi-agency search and rescue exercise is taking place off the Pembrokeshire coast today (Friday, March 27), involving coastguard teams alongside police, fire and ambulance crews.

The operation is centred on the waterway between Neyland and Mill Bay, including Neyland Marina.

Milford Haven Coastguard confirmed the exercise is designed to test emergency response capabilities, with multiple agencies working together on a simulated rescue scenario.

As part of the drill, several “man overboard” (MOB) training mannequins are being deployed into the water, while vessels and drones are also being used.

The exercise is being coordinated by Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.