News

Threatening email revealed: Why Neyland’s clerk missed controversial meeting

Published

11 months ago

February 7, 2025

A THREATENING email sent by Neyland Town Councillor David Devauden has been revealed, shedding new light on the Clerk’s absence from a chaotic council meeting earlier this week. The email, sent on Monday, February 3, contained intimidating language, personal attacks, and a demand for resignation, raising concerns over bullying and governance within the council.

THE MEETING THAT DESCENDED INTO CHAOS

As previously reported by The Herald, the February 3 meeting of Neyland Town Council was marked by public outcry, councillor clashes, and allegations of dishonesty. Town Clerk Elizabeth Mathews’ absence from the meeting sparked significant tension. Mayor Peter Hay told the meeting that the Clerk had received an upsetting email earlier that day and was too distressed to attend.

At the time, councillors David Devauden dismissed this explanation, with Devauden accusing the Mayor of lying. However, The Herald can now confirm that the email in question was sent by Devauden himself, and its content is shocking.

YOU’RE A DEAD (WO)MAN WALKING

**Regulator’s probe: Cllr David Devauden**

The email, addressed to Miss Elizabeth Mathews, carried the subject line Pre-Action Protocol in regard to Malicious Communications 2003 & Defamation Act 2013, suggesting that legal action was being threatened. However, the body of the email quickly descended into personal attacks and veiled threats.

In one of the most disturbing lines, Devauden wrote, “You’re a dead (wo)man walking.” This phrase is particularly chilling in the context of an elected official attempting to pressure a Clerk into resigning.

He continued by demanding that Mathews issue a public retraction of statements made about him, apologise on social media, and resign immediately from her position as Town Clerk, declaring, “You’re not fit for purpose.” Devauden’s email also included unfounded accusations about Mathews’ mental state, claiming she had “serious mental health issues,” and referring to a rival councillor, suggested she was under the influence of a “control freak.”

CLERK SPEAKS OUT: HARASSMENT CLAIMS AND SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

***Neyland Town Clerk: Libby Matthews***

Following the release of the email, The Herald has reviewed a post made by Elizabeth Mathews on Facebook. This post shed light on her experiences as the Clerk for Neyland Town Council and the alleged hostile environment she has faced.

Mathews accuses councillors David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero of engaging in prolonged bullying and harassment over a 14-month period. She describes receiving thousands of emails filled with insults, demands, and accusations. Mathews further claims to have been physically and verbally threatened, belittled, and accused of misconduct without evidence.

While Mathews does not name the details of specific incidents in her post, she alludes to a serious allegation against a councillor, currently under investigation by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. She states, “I have thousands of pages of evidence of this, which I will happily share when I can, but this is all currently under a legal investigation.”

The emotional toll of these alleged actions is evident, as Mathews claims that the harassment drove her to the brink of despair. “At one point, I wanted to die. I could barely get out of bed; they destroyed my sense of worth so much,” she wrote. She also condemned the behavior of some councillors as “vile” and criticized their attempts to undermine her professionally and personally.

COUNCILLORS DEFEND THEMSELVES

In response to the accusations, councillors like Steve Thomas have pointed to the Clerk’s own conduct as a source of concern. In an email thread obtained by The Herald, Thomas , regarding a co-option process. He claims this failure may have been an attempt to influence the outcome of the selection process in favor of Mathews’ mother, who was also a candidate.

Mathews, however, denies any wrongdoing and states that all actions were carried out transparently. She has also expressed frustration with the constant scrutiny and accusations, stating that the councillors’ behavior has caused irreparable harm to her reputation and wellbeing.

PETITION CALLS FOR CLLR MIKE HARRY TO RESIGN

Adding to the council’s troubles, Councillor Mike Harry has been the subject of a petition signed by local residents calling for his resignation. The petition alleges that Cllr Harry referred to certain individuals as “degenerates” in an email circulated among council members. The petition, which states that his remarks were “unbecoming of a public representative,” was handed to him during the previous council meeting on January 16, where the Neyland Council precept was decided.

During this extraordinary meeting, held in the Viewing Gallery at Neyland Community Hub, residents voiced their concerns over Cllr Harry’s conduct. Cllr Harry defended his comments, clarifying that they were directed at individuals associated with a group critical of council decisions, not Neyland residents as a whole. He described the group as a “noisy, irrelevant minority.”

The situation has further divided the community, with some residents supporting Cllr Harry and others demanding his immediate resignation. The controversy reflects broader frustrations within Neyland Town Council and its governance.

POLICE AND LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS

The presence of a Dyfed-Powys Police patrol car outside the February 3 meeting venue now takes on new significance. It is unclear whether police were already aware of the threats received by the Clerk, but the email’s tone could now warrant further investigation under harassment or malicious communication laws.

Under the Malicious Communications Act 2003, it is a criminal offence to send electronic communications that are grossly offensive, indecent, threatening, or designed to cause distress. The line “You’re a dead (wo)man walking” may be interpreted as a veiled threat, potentially attracting police scrutiny.

PUBLIC OUTRAGE AND CALLS FOR ACTION

The public has reacted strongly to the revelations. Many residents have expressed outrage over Devauden’s email and the alleged toxic culture within Neyland Town Council. While Devauden is under investigation, no formal calls for his resignation have yet been made. One resident commented on social media, “This is absolutely disgraceful. We elect councillors to represent us, not to threaten people.”

Another resident said, “I don’t care what politics are involved, telling someone they are a ‘dead man walking’ is not acceptable. Full stop.”

This follows the previous meeting in January where a small group of protestors gathered in the building’s foyer calling for the resignation of Cllr Mike Harry.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The email’s release has cast a harsh spotlight on Neyland Town Council, with ongoing investigations by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales expected to play a key role in determining accountability. Mayor Peter Hay has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the email or the broader allegations of misconduct.

As calls for transparency and accountability intensify, The Herald will continue to investigate and provide updates on this developing story.

UPDATE 10.02.2025

Ash Phelan said after the meeting “I just wanted to confirm that I did not agree with Mr. Devauden and I am very upset that I have been misquoted. I categorically support Libby, unlike other Councillors.”

He added that a previous report that he was supporting Cllr David Devauden’s point of view was inaccurate

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

12 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

News

Welsh-language school praised for ‘happy, proud and friendly community’

Published

13 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Estyn highlights strong leadership, positive attitudes and a clear curriculum vision at Ysgol Bro Preseli

A WELSH-medium all-age school in Crymych has been praised by inspectors for fostering a “happy, proud and friendly community,” according to a recent Estyn report.

Inspectors said pupils at Ysgol Bro Preseli show pride in their local area, thrive both academically and socially, and are well prepared for the next stages of their learning.

The school currently has 932 pupils on roll, including 118 in the sixth form, and has operated as an all-age school since 2022.

Estyn found that most pupils demonstrate extremely positive attitudes to learning, treat staff with respect, and listen carefully to the contributions of their peers.

The report also notes that, in almost all cases, teachers show strong subject knowledge. Inspectors highlighted the close and supportive relationships staff build with pupils, alongside the creation of a safe learning environment where pupils are not afraid to make mistakes.

It states: “As a result of a clear strategic direction and detailed planning, teachers provide beneficial practical activities that allow pupils to develop purposeful oracy, reading and writing skills in language sessions and across the other areas of learning and experience.”

Inspectors also praised the school’s clear curriculum vision, rooted in its motto Gwreiddiau a Gorwelion (Roots and Horizons).

“Leaders and teachers provide a coherent curriculum and learning experiences that bridge the primary and secondary sectors effectively,” the report said. “Staff plan stimulating activities and experiences for pupils to learn and deepen their understanding within the areas of learning and experience. This contributes positively to the sense of belonging that permeates the whole curriculum of Ysgol Bro Preseli.”

Headteacher Rhonwen Morris said the report was a reflection of the collective effort across the school community.

“As a successful all-age Welsh-medium school, we are delighted that the report recognises our commitment to excellence and the unique identity that makes Ysgol Bro Preseli so special,” she said.

“Since becoming an all-age school in 2022, our cohesive leadership team and governing body have focused on building a strong foundation based on our values of Welsh ethos, kindness, community and responsibility.

“The report highlights the excellent strategic work of staff at all levels, which is a testament to the shared dedication and vision that drives our school forward.

“It is gratifying that the report reflects what we continuously aim to achieve day in and day out. This achievement belongs to our entire community — staff, pupils, parents and governors — and together we will continue to build on this success and provide the very best education for every pupil.”

Charity

Welsh opticians raise £1,600 for people experiencing homelessness

Published

13 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.