Crime

Hotel manager jailed for £155k fraud that nearly ruined family business

Published

8 months ago

September 19, 2025

A FORMER hotel manager who was treated like “one of the family” stole almost £155,000 from a Carmarthen hotel, pushing the business to the brink of collapse.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Ivo Ricardo Rodrigues Lima, 39, of Brewery Road, Carmarthen, was entrusted with running the Spilman Hotel when the owner became seriously ill. Instead of safeguarding the business, he siphoned off funds over a three-year period to fund a lifestyle beyond his salary.

Trusted role abused

Lima was employed as general manager but gradually assumed control of bookings and finances as the owner’s health deteriorated. Prosecutor Caitlyn Jones told the court that from February 2021 to July 2024, Lima diverted payments made by customers through the hotel’s Stripe and Barclays accounts directly into his personal bank account.

When family members raised concerns over missing income, Lima blamed rising costs. It later emerged that he had changed system passwords, deleted email records, and concealed transactions to cover his tracks.

The theft was finally uncovered when the family regained access to accounts and discovered £154,591 missing. Lima admitted what he had done and handed back only £1,500, saying the money had been spent on cars, electrical goods, and everyday family expenses.

“Milked the hotel”

In a victim statement read in court, the owners – who have run the Spilman Hotel since 1972 – said Lima had been treated “as a member of the family, not just an employee”. They said his actions nearly bankrupted the business at a time when they were already dealing with serious illness.

Defence barrister Dyfed Thomas said Lima had no previous convictions and described the case as a “spectacular fall from grace”. He argued that the money had not gone on gambling, drink, or drugs, but on everyday spending and living beyond his means.

Jail sentence

Judge Geraint Walters told Lima he had “grossly abused” the trust placed in him and “milked” the hotel of money to live “a grander life than your salary allowed”.

He said the scale of the theft was so serious that no suspended sentence could be considered. Lima was jailed for 30 months, with up to half of the term to be served in custody before release on licence.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.