Crime
Woman gets payout after boss coughs in her face
Kevin Davies, the father of British Lions and Wales rugby star Gareth Davies, has been ordered to pay more than £26,000 to a female employee for deliberately coughing in her face during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A tribunal heard that Davies, 62, aimed to “ridicule and intimidate” the woman, who had expressed concerns over her health due to psoriatic arthritis and an autoimmune condition. The incident occurred in the days leading up to the first lockdown in March 2020 at Cawdor Cars, a business where Davies holds significant involvement.
The employment tribunal, presided over by Judge Tobias Vincent Ryan, heard that the woman had requested colleagues to maintain social distance, in line with official recommendations, due to her vulnerable health status. However, Davies mocked her concerns, intentionally coughing in her direction while commenting that she was “being ridiculous.”
The tribunal was informed that the woman, employed at Cawdor Cars between 2017 and 2020, was earning £11 per hour. In addition to car sales, Cawdor Cars has a property rental section where she worked as a property manager overseeing a portfolio including hotels and housing developments.
Judge Ryan condemned Davies’ actions as “gross behaviour,” noting that other members of the firm’s management team, who witnessed the incident, gave evidence that was perceived as defensive and not entirely straightforward. The woman vehemently complained about the incident and resigned from the business in Newcastle Emlyn, Ceredigion, less than three months later.
Judge Ryan stated, “She resigned at least in part because she was victimised; this was a major and significant factor in her decision. She felt that she was being eased out partly because of her complaints. She was correct.”
The tribunal awarded the woman £26,438.84 in total compensation. This includes £18,000 for injury to feelings, £3,841.94 for unfair dismissal, and £4,596.90 in accumulated interest. Cawdor Cars has been ordered to pay the bulk of the damages, with Davies personally liable for the remainder.
Following the hearing, the woman described the impact of Davies’ conduct on her mental health, stating, “I was left a nervous wreck. He knew of my medical condition and that I had no immune protection because of the medication I had to take, and he deliberately coughed in my face. I was shaking. I’m not a silly, fluffy person; I’ve had to put up with a lot in my life, but it really got me.”
This ruling highlights the seriousness with which the tribunal viewed the deliberate intimidation and ridicule of an employee during the pandemic, particularly one with known health vulnerabilities.
A MAN from Carmarthen has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a child following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.
Stephen Boswell, aged 32, of Brynhaul Street, had been accused of assaulting a girl by penetration during an alleged incident said to have taken place in St Clears between 2010 and 2013.
Boswell denied the allegation and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
During the trial, the prosecution alleged that Boswell had warned the girl the act “was going to hurt but she would get used to it” before the alleged assault took place. When asked in court whether he had sexually touched the child, Boswell responded: “No, I did not.”
Defence barrister Dyfed Thomas said Boswell had given “a clear and consistent denial” from the outset. He also highlighted inconsistencies in the complainant’s account and differences in the evidence presented by witnesses.
The court was told Boswell had no previous convictions and had fully cooperated with police during their investigation, answering all questions in interview.
After deliberating for approximately 50 minutes, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.
Judge Paul Thomas KC thanked the jury for their careful consideration of the case. Boswell was discharged from the dock.
DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating a domestic burglary which occurred at an address in Precelly Place, Milford Haven, on Wednesday (Apr 23).
Officers hand-delivered letters to residents in the area on Thursday (Apr 24), appealing for information that may assist with the investigation.
No arrests have been made at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.
A MAN from St Davids is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse, including physical assault and coercive control, spanning more than two years.
Ryan Bowen, aged 44, of Nun Street, appeared in court accused of controlling and abusive behaviour towards his partner between August 2019 and January 2022.
Bowen is alleged to have physically assaulted the woman by slamming a car door on her leg, punching her in the ribs, and pushing her. The court also heard he verbally abused her, belittled her as a mother, and threatened to kill her.
It is further alleged he controlled her finances, dictated what she wore, where she could sleep, and where she was allowed to work.
Prosecutors also claimed he threatened to take her children away and told her he would kill himself if she ever left him.
Bowen has denied the charges.
Judge Paul Thomas KC asked defence barrister Dyfed Thomas whether his client would consider pleading guilty to any lesser charges. Mr Thomas responded that Bowen was “adamant” the allegations were untrue and would not be changing his plea.
A trial has been listed for December 9. Bowen was granted bail until that date.
Trefin to host VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations
TREFIN and surrounding communities will mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a full day of commemorative events on...
Paul Davies joins growing backlash over £40m Newgale road scheme
Senedd Member backs STUN’s £500k alternative to protect coast without harming village SENEDD Member Paul Davies has joined growing opposition...
Joint exercise rolls into back-to-back shouts for Fishguard RNLI volunteers
A ROUTINE training night for volunteers quickly took a turn which saw them participate in two service launches before going...
Biggest feature film shot entirely in Wales released today
HAVOC, the biggest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales, premieres today (Friday, April 25) on Netflix. Backed by Welsh...
Social care crisis reveals urgent need for funding reform
INCREASING demand, flatlining budgets, and systemic neglect are pushing adult social care to the brink—especially in rural areas like Pembrokeshire....
Paddleboarding boss jailed for ten years after deaths of four in river tragedy
Judge condemns ‘flagrant disregard’ for safety as four families left devastated by tour leader’s fatal failings THE OWNER of a...
Drugs, deaths and drones: Damning report highlights crisis at Parc Prison
NEARLY 900 DRUG FINDS, 17 DEATHS IN A YEAR, AND INMATES LOCKED UP FOR 21 HOURS A DAY A DAMNING...
Dŵr Cymru loses 251 million litres each day due to leaks
Welsh Lib Dems slam water firms as millions of litres leaked daily WELSH Liberal Democrats have criticised Dŵr Cymru and...
Search continues for missing sailor in Irish Sea
THE SEARCH for a man who went overboard from a UK-registered yacht in the Irish Sea entered its third day...
Pope Francis Dies at 88: Tributes pour in for a Pontiff of compassion and reform
REQUIEM MASSES TO BE HELD ACROSS WALES POPE FRANCIS, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and...
-
Crime2 days ago
Paddleboarding boss jailed for ten years after deaths of four in river tragedy
-
Community5 days agoWarning after suspected drug-related incidents in Haverfordwest
-
News5 days agoSearch continues for man overboard from UK yacht in Irish Sea
-
Crime3 days ago
Guide condemned as ‘arrogant’ after paddleboarding tragedy claims four lives
-
News4 days ago
Pope Francis Dies at 88: Tributes pour in for a Pontiff of compassion and reform
-
Crime2 days agoSt Davids man accused of abuse and coercive control
-
Business5 days agoCalls for urgent sale of Oakwood site amid trespasser fears
-
Charity4 days agoPembrokeshire farming couple takes bull by the horns in family fund raiser for talented singers