News

Businessman acquitted in dramatic appeal after wrongful conviction

Published

12 months ago

January 8, 2024

LAYTON NOLAN, a businessman from Pembrokeshire, has been exonerated of charges related to assaulting a woman and attempting to bribe her to withdraw her statement. Nolan, 28, of Victoria Road in Pembroke Dock was initially found guilty in Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court and later sentenced at Swansea Crown Court in the summer of 2023. He spent two weeks on remand in prison. His conviction had severe repercussions, including community service and a significant financial burden of £2000 in legal costs for an initially unsuccessful appeal application.

Nolan’s persistence in seeking justice was evident when he personally emailed the judge, His Honour Paul Thomas, pleading for another chance to appeal. His first email request was turned down, but a second emailed emotional plea paid off, and he was granted an opportunity to present his case again. The first appeal hearing on October 13 was delayed due to incomplete disclosure of evidence by the complainant’s barrister and missing police records on the complainant’s prior assault conviction. Finally, on January 5, the appeal went ahead, leading to Nolan’s successful appeal.

**Appeal allowed:** Nolan cleared his name at Swansea Crown Court

The original conviction painted a grim picture of Nolan. He was described by Judge Paul Thomas on sentencing as a “cowardly bully” and his actions as “pathetic” and “insidious”. Nolan was accused of assaulting the woman on four separate occasions, involving physical harm and intimidation. The court had initially taken a lenient approach due to Nolan’s claim that his imprisonment would lead to the collapse of his company and the loss of jobs for ten people. His defence, led by Amelia Pike, argued for his company’s peculiar employment situation as a mitigating factor.

However, in a dramatic moment at the appeal, Nolan, overwhelmed by emotion, burst into tears upon hearing the decision to overturn his conviction.

Turning to Nolan’s barrister Judge Thomas said: “Judging by the appellants reaction, I think I have made the right choice to allow the appeal.”

The judge said that he allowed the appeal because the evidence of the complainant was inconsistent. This has been recorded in the court record.

The wrongful conviction had devastating consequences for Nolan’s business. His company, Your Life Review Ltd, collapsed amid the scandal. The conviction led Movo Health, a key business partner, to sever ties and withhold a substantial commission payment of approximately £150,000. This financial strain forced Nolan to let go of 11 staff members and put his business operations on hold. Now, with his name cleared, Nolan faces the challenge of reviving his business and is fighting to recover the withheld commission from Movo Health.

Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald after the appeal, Nolan said: “I have lost everything, I am broke, my business is in tatters. But I am happy that I have cleared by name and I can now go on to rebuild my business.”

“I am able to put this whole nightmare behind me.”

**Jailed**: Nolan was placed on remand for two weeks

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.