Crime

Man who ‘threatened to cut off victim’s ears’ scheduled for court

Published

1 year ago

August 27, 2024

A WEST WALES man is due to appear before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Aug 28), facing charges related to sending a violent and threatening message.

The hearing will see, Paul Gurney, 32, from Swansea, entering a plea regarding the charge of sending a communication that conveyed a threat of serious harm.

The charges stem from an incident on February 11 in Whitland, where Gurney allegedly sent a message threatening to “chop ears off” and also allegedly threatened attending the victim with a “gun and a baseball bat”.

This case falls under the Online Safety Act 2023, specifically section 181, which covers communications that threaten death or serious harm. If convicted, Gurney could face a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

The hearing was originally scheduled for August 21 but was adjourned after Gurney’s defence team requested more time. According to court documents, Gurney had been misinformed by his solicitors about the hearing date, leading to the adjournment. The police had sent a letter to a hostel address where Gurney resides, notifying him of the new date, but attempts to contact him by phone were unsuccessful. Both the defence and the Crown Prosecution Service agreed to the postponement.

Gurney is now expected to attend court to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Should he fail to appear again, the court said a warrant for his arrest could be issued.

Crime

Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock

Published

1 hour ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward

DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).

Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.

Information can be provided online, by 101.

Quote reference: 212 of February 6.

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.

Crime

Man fined after obstructing police in Haverfordwest

Published

3 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been fined after admitting obstructing police officers during an incident in the town centre.

John Smith, aged twenty-seven, of Castle Street, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court to wilfully obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty.

The offence took place on Tuesday (Feb 3).

Magistrates fined him £160 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £64 victim services surcharge.