News

Man who assaulted woman and asked her to withdraw statement avoids prison

Published

3 years ago

July 10, 2023

IN A RECENT court case, Layton Nolan, a man accused of assaulting a woman and attempting to bribe her to withdraw her statement, has managed to avoid a prison sentence. Judge Paul Thomas strongly condemned Nolan’s actions, labelling him a “cowardly bully” and describing his behaviour as both “pathetic” and “insidious.”

The sentencing, originally scheduled two weeks ago, was postponed after Nolan argued that his company would collapse, resulting in the loss of ten jobs if he were incarcerated. Taking this into consideration, Judge Thomas concluded on Monday, 10 July, that he could not send Nolan to prison.

During the court proceedings, Amelia Pike, Nolan’s defence attorney, claimed that the staff members were self-employed but still worked under Nolan’s supervision. Judge Thomas expressed scepticism regarding Nolan’s employment practices, questioning whether this arrangement was an attempt to evade the legal obligations and responsibilities associated with employing staff.

Ms. Pike clarified that these individuals were indeed considered employees while the case was ongoing and that Nolan had been awaiting the outcome before finalising their employment status.

Details emerged during the trial, revealing that Nolan had assaulted the woman on four separate occasions between July and August of the previous year. The incidents ranged from spraying perfume in her eyes during an argument to pushing her, causing her to fall and injure her arm and thigh. In another incident, Nolan slapped her on the right cheek and kicked her leg. The culmination of the assaults occurred when Nolan drove erratically with the complainant and a young child in the car. Fearing for her safety, she exited the vehicle, prompting Nolan to assault her again.

The court was informed that Nolan subjected the victim to further physical abuse, including punching and slapping her legs while she cowered. Upon arriving at the Bluestone resort, a distressed complainant was pushed into bushes by Nolan, witnessed by a member of the staff.

Nolan, a 27-year-old residing on Victoria Road in Pembroke Dock, was found guilty of these assaults at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Prior to the trial, evidence surfaced of Nolan offering the complainant money in exchange for retracting her witness statement. This conversation was recorded, and it was later revealed that Nolan had also contacted the complainant’s sister, urging her to withdraw her statement as well.

Judge Thomas criticised Nolan’s actions, describing them as both pathetic and insidious. He sentenced Nolan to a suspended 26-week prison term for a period of two years. In addition, Nolan will be required to complete the Building Better Relationships programme, participate in a 30-day rehabilitation activity, and carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Furthermore, the complainant was granted a restraining order against Nolan for a period of five years.

Judge Thomas emphasised that the decision to avoid prison was influenced by the potential impact on Nolan’s employees. Addressing Nolan directly, he expressed hope that his time spent in custody had been unpleasant and warned him that he would not be granted another chance.

Nolan responded, assuring the court, “100 per cent.”

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

8 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

10 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

11 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle