Crime

Senior doctor at West Wales hospital sexually assaulted staff

Published

1 year ago

April 8, 2025

‘Predatory and calculating’: Court hears of abuse of power at Morriston Hospital

A SENIOR doctor at Morriston Hospital used his position to sexually assault two female colleagues while on duty, a court has heard.

Naleen Thota, aged 55, deliberately targeted the women when they were alone, ensuring no witnesses were present before carrying out the assaults. Both incidents took place on separate dates while Thota was working in the intensive care unit at the Swansea hospital.

During sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, the judge described Thota’s behaviour as “a gross and calculated abuse of power and position”. The court heard that Thota’s seniority and reputation among colleagues allowed him to act with impunity.

Victim impact statements read to the court revealed the devastating toll the assaults had on the women. One described how Thota had “wielded his position of power like a weapon to hurt me and silence me”, adding that the violation took her mental health “to a very dark place”.

The second woman said Thota’s conduct was “predatory and calculating”. She told the court that he had groomed his victims, hiding behind a friendly façade while manipulating situations to his advantage. She has since required counselling to cope with the trauma.

The court heard that both women were initially too afraid to report the incidents, fearing they would not be believed due to Thota’s status at the hospital.

Thota, of Keepers Close in Penllergaer, was convicted at trial of two counts of sexual assault. He has no previous convictions.

Judge Catherine Richards praised the “enormous courage and strength” shown by the victims in coming forward. She told Thota: “Like sexual offenders before you, these offences were born out of the exercise of power used against these women without regard for the impact on them. You brought shame and disgrace on your family.”

The court heard that Thota trained as a doctor in India before moving to the UK more than two decades ago. He had worked in Swansea almost continuously during that time.

His barrister, Hywel Davies, said Thota’s family were likely to have to sell their home and move due to the shame caused by his actions. He also said Thota was now taking steps to address his attitudes towards the workplace.

Although the court found that the offences crossed the custody threshold, Judge Richards imposed a suspended sentence, citing the impact on Thota’s wife and daughters and the strain on the prison system.

Thota was sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work, attend a rehabilitation programme, and is subject to 10-year restraining orders. He will remain on the sex offenders’ register for the next decade.

Crime

Police appeal after reported rape at Young Farmers rally

Published

5 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an allegation of rape at a Young Farmers Club rally in Builth Wells.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident was reported to have taken place at Wernhalog Farm on Saturday, June 13.

Officers said it happened in the portaloo area sometime between 11:00pm and 11:45pm.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information which could help the investigation, is asked to contact police.

Reports can be made online through the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through the Crimestoppers website.

Quote reference: 26*472649.

Crime

Dock woman given mental health treatment order after supermarket thefts

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKE DOCK woman has been placed on a mental health treatment requirement after repeatedly stealing meat, cheese and other grocery items from local supermarkets.

Lisa Stewart, 45, admitted three theft offences when she appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

The first offence took place on March 11, when Stewart stole Vanish, Lenor and three packs of Persil capsules from Home Bargains in Pembroke Dock, with a total value of £58.41.

The following month, she stole four small beef joints, four steaks and three blocks of cheese from Asda in Pembroke Dock, worth £55.68.

Seven days later, she stole four legs of lamb from Farmfoods in Pembroke Dock, valued at £99.96.

Stewart, of Truscott House, London Road, Pembroke Dock, also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to police bail on or around May 26.

She was represented in court by solicitor Alaw Harries, who told magistrates the thefts involved items of relatively low value and were not the result of “sophisticated offending”.

“The defendant has had an exceptionally difficult time, as last year she lost her partner to cancer and has struggled profoundly to process that grief,” said Ms Harries.

“Instead, she has attempted to cope by taking more of her prescribed medication than she should. And this is what has led her to be here today.”

Ms Harries said Stewart is now motivated to address her issues.

Magistrates sentenced Stewart to an 18-month community order. She must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a 12-month mental health treatment requirement and a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

The order will include monthly reviews in court.

Stewart must also pay £214.05 compensation to the supermarkets, together with a £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Crime

Grandmother banned after cocaine drug-drive offence

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A GRANDMOTHER has been banned from the roads after being caught behind the wheel with 800 mcg of a cocaine metabolite in her system.

Eleri Phillips, 57, was stopped by police in the early hours of December 18 as she drove her Audi Q5 along Derwent Avenue, Steynton.

A roadside drugs swipe proved positive, and further blood tests carried out at the police station showed she had 45 mcg of cocaine in her system and 800 mcg of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.

The legal limits are 10 mcg and 50 mcg respectively.

Phillips, of Brook Close, Steynton, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. She was legally represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.

“She is absolutely ashamed of what has happened,” Mr Kelleher told the court.

“She had been out with friends that evening and someone offered her cocaine. Very foolishly, she took it.

“As a result, she is now going to be disqualified from driving, which is going to cause problems not only for her but for her family, as she regularly helps look after her grandchildren with general pick-ups from school.”

Phillips was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £120. She must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.