Crime
Former GP practice manager sentenced for £49k fraud
A FORMER GP practice manager who stole more than £49,000 from an NHS surgery in Neath has been ordered to repay £25,000 following an investigation by NHS Counter Fraud Service (NHS CFS) Wales.
Kimberley Wilson, 52, of Tabernacle Street, Skewen, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on 12 September, where she was ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation to Castle Surgery, Neath, at a rate of £200 a month over the next two years. This follows a payment of £20,000 she made on 21 July.
Wilson had previously pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on 21 May. On 7 August, she was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. She was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and complete 25 days of rehabilitation activity.
The court heard that between April 2019 and March 2023, Wilson defrauded Castle Surgery of £49,213.08 while employed as practice manager. She was dismissed for gross misconduct after the fraud was uncovered.
Accountants for the practice raised concerns which led to an NHS CFS Wales investigation. Investigators discovered Wilson had been transferring money from the practice’s business account into her own, using references such as “petty cash” and “advance”, as well as purchasing personal items directly from the account. A production order under the Proceeds of Crime Act gave investigators access to her bank accounts, confirming the fraud.
The stolen funds were found to have been spent on everyday living costs and gambling.
Emily Thompson, Counter Fraud Specialist at NHS CFS Wales, said: “Wilson abused her position of trust to steal money that was meant for NHS patient care. Her actions were motivated by greed and represent a serious breach of the trust placed in her by her employers and colleagues.
“This outcome sends a clear message that diverting funds from the NHS is unacceptable and will lead to serious consequences, including a criminal record.”
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
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
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
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.
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