Crime

Builder jailed for killing workmate in alcohol-fuelled punching game

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2025

A CARMARTHENSHIRE builder has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after killing his former workmate during an alcohol-fuelled punching game, Swansea Crown Court has heard.

Jason Thomas, 40, from Llanelli, admitted manslaughter after punching 22-year-old Liam Morgan-Whittle twice in the head, causing him to collapse and suffer a fatal brain bleed in March 2023.

The court heard that the pair, who had previously worked together in construction, had been drinking alcohol and taking cocaine at a friend’s house in Llanelli. What started as banter escalated into a contest over who could take a harder punch.

Prosecutor William Hughes KC said the two men were “joking and laughing” before the conversation became more aggressive. Michael Davies, who was also at the flat, told police he had tried to stop the game, but Thomas insisted: “I’ll hit you first,” to which Morgan-Whittle responded: “Go on then.”

***Liam Morgan-Whittle died after being taken to hospital (Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)***

Davies described both punches as forceful rather than playful and recalled telling Thomas: “What have you done? There was no need for it.” Thomas allegedly replied: “He asked for it, I told him not to mess.”

John Hipkin KC, defending, said Thomas had no intention of seriously harming Morgan-Whittle, let alone causing his death. “Jason Thomas has struggled to cope with what he has done. His remorse is genuine,” he said.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told the defendant: “This tragic event was fuelled by your excessive alcohol and cocaine use, which caused you to lose all common sense. You were warned by someone present not to do it, yet you carried on.”

The judge noted that both punches were delivered with significant force, knocking Morgan-Whittle unconscious and leading to cardiac arrest, from which he never recovered.

Jonathan Pritchard, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Regardless of what was said that night, Jason Thomas decided to use his fists and bears full responsibility for his actions. Our thoughts remain with Liam’s family and friends.”

Liam’s mother, Claire Whittle, described her son as “loving, caring, and funny” and said she would “never come to terms with the devastating loss.”

She added: “No words can explain the pain, devastation, and anger we have endured since Liam was taken. Nobody should have to go through this unending tragedy.”

Crime

Spittal man to stand trial accused of ABH

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A SPITTAL man is to stand trial accused of assaulting a man and causing actual bodily harm.

Robert Hedley, 41, of Wesley Way, Spittal, Haverfordwest, is charged with assaulting Liam Morley-Trivett at St Clears on August 30, 2025.

The case was before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 18).

Hedley was granted unconditional bail and is due to stand trial at the same court on Monday, June 29.

The trial is listed for 10:00am and has been given a time estimate of twenty minutes.

Crime

Milford Haven woman spared jail despite string of shop thefts

Published

16 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Repeat offender stole from Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and petrol stations in wave of offences

A MILFORD HAVEN woman who admitted a series of shop thefts committed over a matter of weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

Marion Picton, aged 46, of Hawthorn Path, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jun 18) and pleaded guilty to eight theft offences and a drugs-related offence.

The court heard that Picton carried out a string of thefts at stores across Milford Haven between April and June this year.

Among the offences, Picton admitted stealing meat from Food Warehouse on Apr 23, food worth £60 from Victoria Filling Station on May 29, groceries from Home Bargains on Jun 7 and Jun 8, food from Victoria Filling Station on Jun 7 and Jun 9, groceries and non-food items worth £51.09 from Tesco on Jun 16, and food worth £32.50 from Food Warehouse on the same day.

She also admitted failing to attend an initial drugs assessment after testing positive for Class A drugs, including cocaine and opiates.

Magistrates were told the offences represented persistent repeat offending and had been committed while Picton was already subject to a court order.

The bench imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

As part of the order, Picton must complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of the Probation Service.

The court ordered her to pay compensation to several of the businesses affected, including Tesco, Home Bargains, Food Warehouse and Victoria Filling Station.

In sentencing, magistrates said the offences were serious enough to justify immediate custody but suspended the sentence because there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and Picton appeared motivated to address her addiction issues.

Picton was warned that any further offending during the 18-month suspension period could see the prison sentence activated.