Rail worker jailed for biting man’s lip off in Pembrokeshire pub

Published

1 year ago

January 20, 2025

A rail worker has been jailed for biting off a section of a man’s lip in the Boat House, Saundersfoot.

Just before 10.30 pm on October 28, 2022, James O’Neill, 53, from Merthyr Tydfil struck Stephen Kanauros to the ground.

CCTV footage played to Judge Catherine Richards sitting in Swansea Crown Court showed Mr. Kanauros surrounded by O’Neill, and two other men. Moments later, Mr. Kanauros stood up with blood pouring from his mouth. A section of his lip had been bitten off which was later found on the pub floor.

This week Judge Richards was told that Mr Kanauros’ injury has resulted in a permanent scar as well as constant severe pain, despite the attack taking place 27 months ago.

“The pain is extreme, particularly when it’s cold, and he has to take paracetamol every day,” said Dyfed Thomas, KC, for the Crown.

“He worries what people think when they see him, he struggles to eat his food and he worries when he goes out in public.

“This man [the defendant], was aggressive from beginning to end.”

Dyfed Thomas said the attack has also affected Mr Kanauros’ wife and daughter, who were with him at the Boat House on the night of the attack.

“His daughter is concerned about going out on her own, walking the dog and socialising and he and his wife haven’t gone back to The Boat House since that night.”

James O’Neill, who is employed as a supervisor with Network Rail, denied causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Kanauros but he was convicted following a trial at Swansea Crown Court in December 2024.

He must now serve 28 months in prison.

Crime

Accused Milford Haven rapist to stand trial at Crown Court

Published

3 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has appeared before magistrates accused of rape and sexual assault.

James Kershaw, 46, is charged with raping a woman in Milford Haven between February 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014.

He also faces a charge of sexually assaulting a female over the age of 13 by penetration with his finger between December 1 and December 30, 2012.

Kershaw appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 23) by video link and denied both charges.

Due to the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court, where Kershaw is due to appear for a pre-trial hearing on July 24.

He was released on conditional bail, with the sole condition that he must not contact the complainant.

News

Bus overturns in major incident near Kidwelly

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

All passengers rescued as emergency services remain at scene

A BUS overturned on the A484 between Kidwelly and Ferryside on Tuesday (Jun 23), prompting a major emergency response and lengthy road closures.

The incident happened shortly after 12:20pm near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

Emergency services, including firefighters from Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Tumble, were sent to the scene following reports of a serious collision involving the bus.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all passengers were safely removed from the vehicle.

A spokesperson said: “All passengers have been safely removed from the bus and are receiving appropriate care.”

A rest centre has been established at the John Burns Centre in Kidwelly, where welfare arrangements are being made for those involved.

The scale of the incident led Dyfed-Powys Police to declare a major incident earlier in the day, with officers urging members of the public to avoid the area.

The A484 remains closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog while emergency services continue their response and carry out investigations into the cause of the crash.

Police, ambulance and fire crews remain at the scene.

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes and are warned that the road is expected to remain closed for a considerable time.

Emergency services have also issued advice for drivers caught in congestion during the hot weather, urging people to stay hydrated, keep vehicles ventilated and never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.

The cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed.

The Herald will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

News

Major incident declared after bus crash in Carmarthenshire

Published

4 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Emergency services at scene as A484 closed near Parc y Bocs

A MAJOR incident has been declared in Kidwelly following a collision involving a bus.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were dealing with the incident on the A484 near the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs.

The road has been closed between the Kidwelly roundabout and Llandyfaelog, and motorists are being urged to find alternative routes.

Emergency services are at the scene, and members of the public have been asked to stay away from the area until further notice.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Officers are dealing with a major incident in Kidwelly, following a report of a collision involving a bus on the A484 near the Kidwelly roundabout.

“The road is closed between the Kidwelly roundabout at Parc y Bocs and Llandyfaelog, and motorists are asked to find alternative routes.

“Emergency services are on scene and members of the public are asked to stay away from the area until further notice.”

More information is expected to follow.