Crime
How the Post Office Horizon scandal profoundly impacted lives across Wales

IT’S a story etched by systemic shortcomings and individual resilience. And thanks to the recent ITV drama “Mr Bates vs the Post Office” its one which we all now know. The Post Office Horizon scandal has profoundly impacted lives across Wales and beyond, entangling figures like Tim Brentnall from Pembrokeshire and Lorraine Williams from Llanddaniel, Anglesey. Their experiences, are similar despite taking place on opposite ends of Wales. They are unified by a shared ordeal of injustice and a relentless pursuit for redemption – Tom Sinclair reports.
Tim Brentnall, a young entrepreneur from Roch, Pembrokeshire, saw his aspirations crumble when an audit in 2009 revealed a £22,000 shortfall at his post office branch. This led to a chain of events that upended his life. Despite no evidence of wrongdoing, the pressure to resolve the discrepancy saw Tim’s family take out a loan to cover the supposed shortfall, only for him to be prosecuted and advised to plead guilty. This resulted in an 18-month suspended sentence and 200 hours of community service. The guilt plea, made under distressing circumstances, cast a long shadow over Tim’s life, leading to social ostracization and personal turmoil.
In a parallel ordeal, Lorraine Williams from Llanddaniel, Anglesey, faced a similar plight. A cornerstone of her community, Lorraine’s world was turned upside down when she was wrongly accused of stealing over £14,600. Coerced into pleading guilty to false accounting to avoid more severe charges, she too received an 18-month suspended sentence and 200 hours of community service. Her conviction shattered her standing in the community she had served so selflessly.
Central to both Tim’s and Lorraine’s stories is the figure of Stephen Bradshaw, the Post Office investigator whose methods in pursuing these cases have been heavily scrutinized. Bradshaw, known for his pugnacious determination, played a pivotal role in the investigation, often refusing to consider the possibility of innocence or the potential flaws in the Horizon system. His appearance during the Post Office scandal inquiry and his portrayal in the TV drama have highlighted his aggressive approach and unwavering stance in these investigations.
In addition to his inability to comprehend the complexities of the Horizon system, he was evasive about his bonus arrangements. This evasiveness further underlines the corrupt practices that have marred the integrity of the Post Office’s management.
Bradshaw’s actions, particularly his single-minded pursuit of convictions and repayment of alleged debts, have drawn comparisons to those of a ‘mafia gangster’, a term used by some to describe his behavior. Despite these accusations, Bradshaw maintained that his investigations were conducted professionally and that he was simply following orders to defend the Horizon system. His lack of technical expertise, as he admitted to not being “technically minded,” raised questions about his ability to fairly assess the situations he was investigating.

The experiences of Tim and Lorraine, along with those of hundreds of other sub-postmasters, culminated in the quashing of their convictions in April 2021, marking a significant step in rectifying this miscarriage of justice. Their stories, part of a wider narrative involving 736 wrongfully prosecuted individuals, underscore the most extensive legal misstep in UK history.
As the independent inquiry into the scandal continues, the focus on Tim’s and Lorraine’s experiences, and the role of figures like Stephen Bradshaw, brings to light the intricate interplay of personal suffering, technological failures, and institutional accountability. This scandal serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for transparency and responsibility in corporate and government systems, and the dire consequences when these are neglected.

In the aftermath of these events, the resilience of Tim Brentnall, Lorraine Williams, and others like them stands as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and seek justice in the face of overwhelming odds. Their stories, extending beyond Pembrokeshire and Anglesey, highlight the urgent need for vigilance and reform in institutions that are entrusted with public service. As they reclaim their dignity and continue to advocate for accountability, their experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of systemic failings and the importance of upholding justice for all.
Crime
Former police superintendent dismissed for gross misconduct

Misogynistic behaviour spanned three years, hearing told
A FORMER senior officer has been dismissed from Dyfed-Powys Police following a gross misconduct hearing which found he had engaged in inappropriate and misogynistic behaviour towards female colleagues.
Gary Davies, who held the rank of Superintendent, had been suspended since July 2022 while an investigation was carried out into a series of allegations relating to his conduct between 2017 and 2020.
A Gross Misconduct Hearing was held at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters between 24 March and 4 April 2025. The hearing was chaired by Legally Qualified Chair, Mr Oliver Thorne.
The panel found that Davies had breached multiple standards of professional behaviour, including Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Discreditable Conduct, and Equality and Diversity. As a result, he has been dismissed from the force and placed on the College of Policing Barred List, which prevents him from returning to the police service.
Deputy Chief Constable Ifan Charles, who serves as the Appropriate Authority for complaints and misconduct within Dyfed-Powys Police, issued a formal statement following the outcome.
He said: “Dyfed-Powys Police expects the highest standards of professional behaviour from its officers and staff, both on and off duty – and especially from those in senior leadership roles.
“I apologise to the former and current officers and staff who were subjected to inappropriate behaviour by former Superintendent Gary Davies, and I thank them for their courage in coming forward.
“Over the past two weeks, we have heard accounts from a number of colleagues, the majority of whom are women, who experienced unacceptable misogynistic conduct during the course of their duties.
“They are role models, and I commend the integrity and bravery they have shown throughout this process.
“This case is deeply concerning and will understandably cause unease within the organisation. I want to reassure all staff and the wider public that immediate action was taken when allegations were made, and the matter has been treated with the utmost seriousness.
“The outcome of today’s hearing reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of conduct in policing. We will continue to use all available measures to ensure those unfit to hold the office of constable are removed swiftly and efficiently.”
Davies’s name was officially added to the Barred List on Friday (Apr 4), the day the hearing concluded.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, Dafydd Llywelyn: told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The public rightly expects the highest standards from those who serve in policing. Former Superintendent Gary Davies actions fell short of these expectations, and their dismissal reflects our commitment to integrity, professionalism, and public trust. There is no place in Dyfed-Powys Police for those who undermine these values.
“I would like to thank current and former staff and officers who came forward to report this misconduct. I appreciate that this must have been incredibly difficult, but their courage has been vital in ensuring accountability and upholding the standards the public deserve.”
Crime
Haverfordwest resident denies assault on partner during birthday break

A HAVERFORDWEST man has gone on trial accused of attacking his partner while on holiday in Pembrokeshire.
John Roberts, aged 51, of Barn Street, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.
The incident is alleged to have taken place on August 24 last year at a shepherd’s hut in Rosemarket, where the couple were staying to celebrate the complainant’s birthday.
Roberts is accused of grabbing his partner by the hair and banging her head against a wall, before damaging a fireplace inside the property. He denies both charges.
Opening the case, prosecutor Emily Bennett told the jury that Roberts and the complainant had been in a relationship for twelve years and were enjoying a holiday following a family barbecue.
She said that shortly after midnight, Roberts’ “mood changed,” and he allegedly launched the attack.
The jury heard that the complainant managed to escape, locked herself in the bathroom and called the police. When she later emerged, Roberts had left the property — taking one of their dogs and the keys with him — and she noticed the fireplace had been damaged.
Roberts was arrested later that day. In police interview, he denied assaulting the woman or causing any damage, claiming she had “started on him” after accusing him of being unfaithful.
The trial, before Judge Wayne Beard, continues.
Crime
Fined for dropping cigarette at Milford Haven Tesco

A LLANELLI man who dropped a cigarette outside Tesco in Milford Haven has been fined over £570 after failing to attend court.
Mark Evens, aged 42, of Llys Westfa, Llanelli, was found guilty in his absence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 3).
The court heard that on September 3, 2024, Evens discarded a cigarette butt in a public place to which section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applied.
He was fined £220 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £88 and prosecution costs of £266.66. A collection order was made, and the full balance of £574.66 must be paid by May 1.
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