Crime

Two men sentenced to life for murder of Andrew Main at Swansea Travelodge

Published

11 months ago

January 24, 2025

JOSEPH DIX, 26, from Frome, and Macauley Ruddock, 28, from Bath, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Andrew Main, a 33-year-old man from Falkirk, Scotland. The tragic incident occurred in Swansea city centre on July 17, 2024, where all three men were staying at the same hotel for work.

The fatal confrontation began with an argument at a nearby bar, escalating back at the hotel and spilling onto the street. Dix and Ruddock chased Mr. Main, rendering him unconscious before launching a prolonged and brutal assault. The court heard that Dix struck Mr. Main from behind, knocking him out. Both men then continued to punch him in the head and face as he lay helpless on the pavement.

Mr. Main never regained consciousness and succumbed to his injuries on August 14, 2024, nearly a month after the attack. His sisters, Nikki Main and Sharon Leebody, provided emotional impact statements in court, expressing the profound grief and trauma their family has endured.

In her statement, Nikki Main said: “I’m absolutely heartbroken and depressed at what has happened to Andrew. My kids are distraught at losing their uncle. Andrew was like my first child. I had legal guardianship over him at 18, since both our parents passed away. I’ve been referred to a psychologist and am struggling with suicidal thoughts. My kids feel scared for my safety. There will forever be a hole in my heart.”

Sharon Leebody added: “When the decision was made to remove life support on August 14, I was devastated. I returned home after Andrew’s death and have been housebound since. Life will never be the same now that he is gone.”

During sentencing, Judge P H Thomas KC highlighted the defendants’ reckless behaviour.
“You two went on an alcohol and cocaine binge in the centre of the city—it lasted for many hours. You both became highly aggressive, and you both wanted to show off to each other. During the trial, neither of you took responsibility for what you did, claiming self-defense. The jury did not accept this. The overwhelming tragedy is that a man has senselessly lost his life in his 30s. I do not lose sight of that paramount point.”

Both Dix and Ruddock will serve a minimum of 13 years before being eligible to apply for parole.

Detective Inspector Claire Lamerton reflected on the devastating consequences of the defendants’ actions, stating: “If Dix and Ruddock had chosen to walk away that night, a life would have been saved, and they would not be convicted killers.”

The case serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic outcomes that can result from alcohol-fueled violence and poor decision-making.

Crime

Milford Haven man denies child sex charges as trial date set

Published

4 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A MAN originally from Milford Haven has pleaded not guilty to a series of sexual offences involving a child after recently moving to Cornwall.

James Kershaw, aged 45, formerly of Milford Haven and now living in Quethiock, Cornwall, appeared in court on Friday (Dec 19), where he denied all four sexual charges put to him.

The hearing was his first Crown Court appearance in the case, during which a trial date was fixed for October 5.

Kershaw was allowed to remain on bail under strict conditions, including that he must have no contact with any prosecution witnesses.

Kershaw appeared via video link from his solicitor’s office in Cornwall. The judge described this as “a very generous decision by the listings officer” and said it had “presumably been arranged due to the distance from you to the court”.

Allegations denied

The charges relate to alleged incidents said to have taken place in Liskeard, Cornwall, between October 26 and November 1, 2023.

Kershaw is accused of engaging in sexual communication with a child under the age of 16 and of causing a child aged 13 to watch sexual activity. He also faces two allegations of causing or inciting a girl aged 13 to engage in sexual activity of a non-penetrative nature on separate dates.

In addition, Kershaw is charged with two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed by Derby Crown Court in May 2022. These allegations include the use of an undisclosed Facebook account and the deletion of messages, both of which are said to be prohibited under the terms of that order.

Kershaw denies all allegations.

The court ordered that Kershaw may remain on bail pending trial, subject to conditions including a strict ban on contacting any witnesses.

The complainant’s identity is protected by law under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992.

The case is due to return to court when the trial begins in October.

Crime

Swansea man jailed for online child sex offence dies in hospital

Published

20 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A SWANSEA man who was jailed earlier this year for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child has died in hospital soon after leaving custody at Parc Prison.

Gareth Davies, aged 59, of the Maritime Quarter, had been serving an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted in May of sending sexually explicit messages to what he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The account was in fact a decoy used as part of an online safeguarding operation.

The court heard that Davies began communicating with the decoy between November and December 2024 and persistently pursued the individual, later attempting to arrange a face-to-face meeting. He was arrested after being confronted by the decoy operators.

Davies had pleaded not guilty but was convicted following a trial. At the time of sentencing, police described the messages as extremely concerning and said his imprisonment was necessary to protect children.

It has now been confirmed that Davies died in hospital after being at HMP Parc on Wednesday (Nov 27).

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched an independent investigation into the death, which is standard procedure in all cases where someone dies in custody or in hospital shortly after being at prison.

A HMP Parc spokesperson: “Mr Gareth Davies (DOB 12/08/1966) passed away at an outside hospital on 27 November 2025.

“As with all deaths in custody, this will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. The cause of death will be for the coroner to determine.”

No cause of death has been released at this stage.

A coroner will determine the circumstances in due course.