News

‘Devious’ fraudster jailed again

Published

11 years ago

November 20, 2013

Tom Sinclair

A LETTERSTON man jailed in July for assaulting his mother, has been jailed again for fraud.

William John Thomas, aged 55, received a 32 month sentence in the summer but more offending was being investigated.

Swansea crown court heard this week how Thomas, of Station Road, Letterston, prior to his arrest, had received £100,000 as his share of a divorce settlement following the sale of a property.

He also received an annuity payment of £3,000 and two pensions paying him about £1,200 a year.

He had £90,000 in savings left when, in May 2008, he applied for income support and told the Department for Work and Pensions he was broke. Thomas repeated the lie until 2013 when he was found out.

Thomas was paid a total of £5,802 he had not been entitled to because his savings had been above the limit.

Judge Paul Thomas heard that as the DWP closed in Thomas sent them a letter “from his GP” saying he was too ill to be interviewed for at least six months.

But although it appeared to be on the letterhead of his surgery it was a forgery. The court also heard that Thomas was carrying out a bizarre fraud on the John Lewis retail partnership.

Thomas sent “numerous” e-mails to 22 stores claiming he had received faulty products and 14 stores sent him household goods ranging from steak knives to food processors as “replacements” even though he had not actually bought anything in the first place.

Again, Thomas tried to fool police by producing e-mails showing he traded on-line with retailers like Comet and British Home Stores. But they, too, had been faked by Thomas.

He admitted both frauds and twice attempting to pervert the course of justice. His barrister, Ieuan Rees, said Thomas had not been in trouble with the law until he was 49 when his marriage broke up in.

He said Thomas suffered from depression, had attempted suicide and was finding jail difficult to deal with. Judge Thomas said Thomas’ unpleasant assault on his own mother showed he was a violent man.

“But you are greedy and dishonest as well.

“To get yourself off the hook you calculatedly and deviously falsified documents.

“You have gone off the rails in a fairly spectacular way in recent years,” he added.

Thomas was jailed for an additional 10 months, making the sentence he is serving now one of three and a half years.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

13 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

13 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.

Mark your calendars and join the excitement as Milford Haven celebrates the season in style!

Community

Milford Haven Business Circle launches litter-free zone initiative

Published

13 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling on the community to join the launch of its new Litter-Free Zone.

In partnership with Keep Wales Tidy Pembrokeshire, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, greener town centre while promoting environmental responsibility and community pride.

The event marks a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a litter-free environment and highlights the far-reaching benefits of a cleaner town centre.

The organisation says that a cleaner, more attractive town centre is key to drawing visitors and potential investors.

This initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, benefiting local businesses and encouraging growth in Milford Haven.

The project not only enhances the town’s appearance but also instils a sense of pride among residents. By improving cleanliness, the initiative aims to encourage more community participation in local events and activities.

Reducing litter has significant environmental benefits, including:

Protecting Wildlife: Preventing harm to animals caused by ingestion or entanglement.
Cleaner Air and Water: Reducing pollution in streets and waterways, fostering healthier ecosystems.
Sustainable Practices: Encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal to cut down on the town’s environmental footprint.
Creating Green Spaces: Supporting the development of habitats, recreational areas, and improved air quality for residents.

The Milford Haven Business Circle believes this initiative will set a strong example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action in fostering a sustainable future.

By joining this movement, participants can contribute to making Milford Haven a shining example of environmental care and community cooperation. Let’s work together to transform our town into a cleaner, greener space for all to enjoy.

Stay tuned for event details and updates. Together, we can make a difference!