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.

Crime

Man charged with attempted murder after A44 collision near Aberystwyth

Published

20 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been charged following a single-vehicle collision on the A44 near Capel Bangor, Aberystwyth.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened on Tuesday, June 30.

Owen Rhys-Jones, of Dol-y-Bont, Aberystwyth, has been charged with attempted murder, dangerous driving, and controlling and coercive behaviour.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before court.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and are asking anyone who was in the Capel Bangor area at around 8.50pm on Tuesday, June 30, to come forward.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed a disturbance in or around Capel Bangor, or who may have phone, video or dashcam footage of the incident.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police through the force’s dedicated online portal.

The force said: “We would like to thank the local community for their support while officers have carried out extensive enquiries, and to those who have supported our investigation so far.”

News

A40 closed near Llandeilo following collision

Published

21 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SECTION of the A40 in Carmarthenshire has been closed in both directions following a collision.

The road is currently shut between Llandeilo and Nantgaredig, with traffic queuing in the area and emergency services attending.

Drivers are being urged to avoid the route where possible, allow extra time for their journeys and follow the diversions in place.

The closure is affecting traffic on the A40 between Carmarthen and Llandeilo, including the area around Pentrefelin and the Castle Dryslwyn turn-off.

This is a developing incident and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Local Government

Award-winning Saundersfoot sauna faces refusal over location concerns

Published

21 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS to allow an award-winning outdoor sauna to remain permanently at Saundersfoot Harbour have been recommended for refusal by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planners.

Hwyl Outdoor Sauna, run by Kerry Evans, was granted temporary two-year permission in June 2024 for a mobile wood-fired sauna at the harbour.

The business has since become a popular feature with residents, visitors and cold-water swimmers, and was named Sauna of the Year 2026/27 at the Wales Prestige Awards earlier this year.

***Saundersfoot’s cold-water swimmers are sauna regulars. (Image: Hwyl Outdoor Sauna)***

***Hwyl Outdoor Sauna (Image: Hwyl Outdoor Sauna)***

Ms Evans has now applied to make the siting permanent, but officers are recommending refusal when the application goes before the National Park Authority’s development management committee on Tuesday, July 15.

A supporting statement submitted with the application said the sauna had “become a popular and valued amenity for both residents and visitors, offering a space focused on health, wellbeing and community connection”.

It added: “The overall sentiment within the village has been strongly supportive, with many residents recognising the sauna as a valuable asset that enhances the amenities in Saundersfoot.

“Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has received positive attention in regional and national press, helping to promote Saundersfoot as a destination for coastal wellbeing and outdoor experiences.

“Media coverage has highlighted the sauna as an example of the increasing popularity of sea swimming and sauna culture around the UK coastline.”

Saundersfoot Community Council has raised no objection to the application, and most of the 19 letters submitted by members of the public support the proposal.

Supporters have described the sauna as “a major asset to the village,” “a wellness landmark for Saundersfoot,” and “a unique offering that attracts visitors to the beach and harbour”.

However, some objectors have said that while they support permanent consent in principle, they do not believe the sauna should remain in its current position because it “obstructs the view of the beach from the promenade”.

In their report to committee members, National Park officers say the proposal, in its current form and location, would harm the setting of the Saundersfoot Conservation Area.

The report states: “The application, in its current form and with the proposed location of the sauna, is considered to result in a landscape impact that harms the setting of the Saundersfoot Conservation Area.

“The sauna is also located in a position which reduces public access along the existing promenade route, which is considered to prevent appropriate access from being achieved.

“In addition, since the temporary permission was granted, planning advice has been updated and there is now a requirement for a Flood Consequences Assessment in this location. The lack of a suitable Flood Consequences Assessment results in insufficient information to support the current application.”

Officers also note that the latest application includes additional development, including a booking office which has already been installed, meaning the overall scale of the proposal is greater than the scheme approved on a temporary basis in 2024.

The report adds: “Following consideration of the implementation of the temporary permission and given the greater extent of the current proposal, it is considered that the visual impact of the sauna and related booking office has now increased and could be reduced by locating the sauna further back in the car park.

“This would also have the benefit of the sauna not requiring relocation during severe weather and increased flood risk.”

The application is recommended for refusal on the grounds of visual impact, impact on the conservation area, reduced public access along the promenade, and the absence of a suitable Flood Consequences Assessment.

Committee members will make the final decision at the July 15 meeting.