A WHITLAND woman is due to stand trial later this year accused of misusing power of attorney to take tens of thousands of pounds from an elderly woman.

Shirley Williams, aged 53, appeared at Swansea Crown Court where she denied a single charge of fraud.

The prosecution alleges that between October 2017 and April 2022, Williams exploited her legal authority over the complainant’s finances for personal gain—transferring funds into her own bank account and using the money to purchase goods for herself.

Prosecutor Craig Jones told the court that the amount allegedly taken was likely to exceed £85,000.

Williams, however, has denied wrongdoing. Her barrister, Jon Tarrant, said that all financial activity was carried out with the full knowledge and consent of the individual concerned.

The case has been listed for trial on December 15. Williams remains on bail until that date.

A NEWPORT man caught with a range of illegal drugs in Pembrokeshire has been jailed for nearly three years.

Luke Jones, aged 33, of Maes Morfa, was stopped by police while driving on the A4076 at Dredgeman Hill near Milford Haven at around 8:00pm on June 3 last year. Officers noticed his eyes appeared glazed and carried out a roadside drugs test, which showed positive results for both cocaine and cannabis.

Following his arrest, police discovered two vacuum-sealed bags in the vehicle. One contained 13.9 grams of cocaine with an estimated value of up to £1,700, and the other held 41 grams of herbal cannabis, worth approximately £520. A further search at the police station uncovered another vacuum-sealed bag with 54 grams of cannabis resin, valued at £340.

Although no drugs were found on Jones himself, officers recovered £337.81 in cash from the car, stored in envelopes.

The following day, officers searched his home address and found 135 grams of amphetamine, a small amount of cocaine, 2.26 grams of cannabis resin, and less than half a gram of MDMA mixed with ketamine. They also found two sets of digital scales, snap bags, and additional vacuum-sealed packaging.

Analysis of his mobile phone revealed a series of messages relating to the supply of drugs, including cocaine, cannabis and amphetamine, dating back to December 2023. Financial investigators also identified over £12,000 in unexplained bank transfers into Jones’ account during the previous year. However, the court heard no Proceeds of Crime action would be pursued beyond the cash seized during his arrest.

Jones had already appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court in December, where he admitted drug-driving. He was banned from driving for 17 months and handed a one-year community order.

He later pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court to multiple charges including being concerned in the supply of cocaine, cannabis, ketamine and amphetamine; possession with intent to supply cocaine, cannabis, resin and amphetamine; and possession of ketamine and MDMA.

His barrister, Hannah George, told the court that Jones’ drug use stemmed from personal trauma and the loss of several family members. She said his arrest marked a turning point in his life, and he had taken steps to address his addiction.

Sentencing him to two years and eight months in prison, Judge Paul Thomas KC said the offending “went well beyond funding your own addiction” and showed Jones was willing to take risks for profit.

Market Street cordoned off as officers respond to welfare concern

ARMED police officers and dog units swarmed the centre of Narberth on the evening of Friday, April 4, prompting road closures and concern from residents.

Market Street—a colourful row of homes and businesses—was sealed off as officers responded to what Dyfed-Powys Police later described as a “concern for the behaviour and welfare of a man in the area”.

A witness at the scene reported seeing five police vehicles and around a dozen officers, some armed and accompanied by police dogs. A battering ram was also seen being carried by one of the officers.

The Herald understands that the incident began early on Friday evening, with officers remaining at the scene for several hours.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (Apr 9), a police spokesperson said: “Concern was raised for the behaviour and welfare of a man in the Narberth area late on Friday, April 4. Following a search and a number of enquiries, the man was spoken to and was safe and well.”

No arrests were made, and the road was reopened later that evening.

(Image: Richard Williams)