Crime
Guilty verdict returned in Saundersfoot pub assault case
JAMES O’NEILL, 53, from Merthyr Tydfil, was found guilty of wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Dec 13). His co-defendants, Aron O’Neill, 25, and Shaun Nicholas, 24, were acquitted after the jury ruled that their actions were in self-defence.
The charges arose from a violent altercation at The Boat House pub in Saundersfoot on October 28, 2022. The complainant, Stephen Kanauros, had been celebrating his daughter’s birthday with his family when tensions escalated, leading to a brutal attack that left Mr. Kanauros with serious injuries.
During the trial, the jury was shown CCTV footage and graphic images of Mr. Kanauros’ injuries. Prosecutors revealed that James O’Neill bit off part of Mr. Kanauros’ lip during the altercation, with the severed section later found on the pub floor. O’Neill also bit the complainant’s finger, causing further significant injuries.
Prosecutor Dyfed Thomas KC argued that James O’Neill’s actions were deliberate and intended to cause serious harm. “He intended to cause harm—really serious harm—and he certainly achieved it,” Mr. Thomas said.
The violence reportedly stemmed from James O’Neill’s anger after bar staff questioned his daughter, Lowri O’Neill, about her ID. When staff asked the group to leave, James O’Neill responded aggressively, directing offensive language at the staff and blowing vape smoke at them.
Co-defendants cleared
While James O’Neill was found guilty, his co-defendants, Aron O’Neill and Shaun Nicholas, successfully argued they acted in self-defence during the altercation. Both men testified that their actions were defensive and aimed at protecting James O’Neill.
Aron admitted throwing punches but maintained they did not connect as alleged. Shaun acknowledged striking Mr. Kanauros once but described his action as a panicked response to protect his uncle.
Their legal teams emphasized that the men’s actions were reasonable given the perceived threat to James O’Neill.
Courtroom testimony
During closing arguments, Mr. Singh, representing Shaun Nicholas, drew comparisons to Mr. Kanauros’ defence of his wife earlier in the altercation. “Shaun Nicholas acted out of a desire to protect his uncle. How is this any different from when Mr. Kanauros defended his wife?”
The jury ultimately found the two men not guilty, while James O’Neill was held solely responsible for the grievous injuries inflicted on Mr. Kanauros.
James O’Neill is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday (Jan 17) 2025.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the injuries and the dramatic CCTV evidence presented in court.
DR RICHARD LEWIS has announced his retirement as Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, bringing a 25-year policing career to a close.
The force, which serves Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys, will now begin the search for his successor.
Chief Constable Lewis, who was born and raised in west Wales and has worked across all four counties, described leading the force as “the professional privilege of my life.”
He said: “I have nothing but fond memories of working in this fantastic force, and in policing. It has been a real honour to work alongside PCC Dafydd Llywelyn, a true leader and nationally important figure in Wales who has invested so much in the development of Dyfed-Powys and the safety of its communities.
“I have every confidence that whoever is appointed the next Chief Constable will continue the force’s positive trajectory, which led us to cutting crime by 18% over the past 12 months – by some distance the biggest cut in crime anywhere in England and Wales.”
Following the announcement, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn paid tribute to Dr Lewis, praising his leadership during a period of major change.
Mr Llywelyn said: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis for his service and dedication to Dyfed-Powys Police.
“His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the force through significant transformation over the last three years, ensuring we continue to provide an effective and efficient policing service to our communities.
“During his tenure, Dr Lewis has overseen a major force review, delivering essential reforms that achieved £10 million in savings. He has also modernised the force’s infrastructure, including the introduction of a new crime records management system – a critical step in addressing HMICFRS concerns about data integrity.”
The Commissioner confirmed that the process to appoint a new Chief Constable will begin in the coming weeks.
Deputy Chief Constable Ifan Charles will act as temporary Chief Constable until a permanent appointment is made.
Mr Llywelyn added: “On behalf of the people of the Dyfed-Powys area, I thank Richard for his service and commitment and wish him every success for the future.”
A CAMROSE man who thought he was grooming a 13-year-old girl has been sentenced at Swansea Crown Court.
Phillip Jackson, aged 42, of The Causeway, Haverfordwest, appeared before the court on Thursday (Apr 3) after pleading guilty to two offences: attempting sexual communication with a child, and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
The court previously heard that between September 22 and October 20, 2024, Jackson engaged in sexually explicit conversations online with someone he believed to be a young teenage girl. In reality, the account was operated by a decoy.
He also encouraged the supposed child to perform a sexual act on herself.
Judge Paul Thomas KC sentenced Jackson to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years. He must also complete 35 days of rehabilitation activity and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
Jackson was made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.
The Herald understands Jackson made full admissions during his police interview and had no previous convictions.
A FORMER Dyfed-Powys Police CCTV operator is appearing at Swansea Crown Court today (April 7) for a plea and directions hearing, facing charges of controlling and coercive behaviour, along with offences under the Data Protection Act and Computer Misuse Act.
Russell Hasler, who was arrested in 2023 by the force’s Professional Standards Department, had worked as a CCTV operator since 2019. He resigned from his post while under investigation for alleged offences said to have taken place between 2020 and 2022.
He was previously charged at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 5, 2025, and committed to the Crown Court for further proceedings.
The Herald understands that legal directions will be set today, with a trial date expected to be scheduled later this year.
Hasler remains on court bail.
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