Crime

Husband ‘fought for his life’ as masked gunmen burst into caravan near Newcastle Emlyn

Published

5 months ago

October 8, 2025

Court hears claims of plot to murder veteran by wife and two ex-soldiers in alleged charity-love triangle

A VETERAN told a jury he was “fighting for his life” after opening the door of his caravan near Cenarth to find two masked men armed with pistols.

Christopher Mills said he was struck in the face, pistol-whipped and forced to grapple with the men — later identified as former soldiers — during what prosecutors claim was a planned attempt on his life.

The alleged attack took place just after 11:30pm on September 20 last year at the Argoed Meadows caravan and camping park, near Newcastle Emlyn. Mills said he managed to disarm both men, who then fled into the night.

Armed officers, police dogs and a helicopter were scrambled to the scene. Two men — Geraint Berry, 46, of Clos Coffa, Clydach, and Steven Thomas, 47, of Villiers Road, Blaengwynfi — were found hiding in bushes nearby. In their rucksacks, officers discovered gas masks, pliers, cable ties and a note purporting to be a suicide letter from Mr Mills.

The court heard Berry and Thomas were both clients of the veterans’ charity Alabare, where Mr Mills had previously worked before joining Help for Heroes. His wife, Michelle Mills, 46, of Maes Ty Gwyn, Llangennech, had also worked for Alabare — and was allegedly having a secret affair with Berry.

Prosecutor Jonathan Rees KC told Swansea Crown Court the affair developed into a conspiracy to kill her husband, involving discussions about poisoning him with antifreeze, sedatives or foxgloves, or smothering him with a pillow.

Berry, a former Royal Marine, allegedly “recruited” Thomas to help carry out the plan.

Giving evidence, Mr Mills said he had no idea his wife wanted him harmed. “It was completely out of the blue,” he said. “I thought it was a robbery. I just fought for my life.”

The owner of the caravan park, Rita Owens, told the court she rushed to the scene after receiving a call from Mills. “There was blood everywhere,” she said. “He was covered in blood, and she [Michelle] was sitting calmly texting.”

Mills later discovered cable ties and duct tape in the boot of his wife’s car and reported it to police.

Berry and Thomas have already admitted possessing imitation firearms with intent to cause fear, but deny conspiracy to murder. Michelle Mills also denies attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The trial continues at Swansea Crown Court.

Crime

Multiple charges of attempted sexual communication with child

Published

5 minutes ago

March 15, 2026

Court Reporter

Machynlleth defendant committed to Crown Court for sentence

A 63-YEAR-OLD man has been committed to the Crown Court for after appearing in court over offences involving attempted sexual communication with a child.

John Langdon, aged 63, of Brickfield Street, Machynlleth, appeared before magistrates charged with two offences relating to attempted online sexual contact with a child.

The court heard that between Saturday (Mar 8) and Wednesday (Mar 12), 2026, Langdon attempted to cause a child aged fourteen to view images of sexual activity for the purpose of sexual gratification.

He was also charged with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under sixteen by sending videos containing sexual content.

Both offences were prosecuted under the Criminal Attempts Act 1981.

Langdon did not enter a formal plea the hearing.

Magistrates ruled that their sentencing powers were insufficient due to the seriousness of the allegations.

Crime

Woman fined over £1,000 for illegally collecting rent without a licence

Published

2 days ago

March 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST woman has been ordered to pay more than £1,000 after admitting to unlawfully collecting rent at a property she was not licensed to manage.

Majeda Sikdar appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court where she pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place at a property on Tasker Way in the town last April.

The court handed Sikdar a total bill of £1,046, made up of a £293 fine, £636 in costs, and a £117 surcharge.

Crime

Dangerous driver sentenced following a police chase through Carmarthenshire streets

Published

2 days ago

March 13, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A DANGEROUS driver has been sentenced after attempting to evade the police and hitting speeds of up to 70mph in residential streets.

Liam Williams, 31, from Station Road in Llanelli, was arrested on February 23 after he failed to stop for officers whilst driving without a valid licence and under the influence of drugs.

His black Jaguar XF was spotted travelling along New Dock Road, Llanelli, at around 2am. Williams quickly accelerated away from officers after turning into a residential area. Despite being warned to stop with blue lights, he reached an estimated speed of 50mph over the speed bumps on the 20mph road.

He then cut across a junction and turned on to the 40mph coastal road on the wrong side of a bollard. He continued to reach around 80mph to try and get away from pursuing officers.

Williams was unaware that Dyfed-Powys officers had set up a stinger site to puncture his tyres further along the road. He sped through the stinger site and continued towards the sandpiper roundabout. He reached speeds of 70mph and then appeared to lose control of the car at the roundabout. Officers noted that his front offside tyre was deflated and his brake disc was red hot and sparking.

Despite this, Williams exited the roundabout towards Llanelli town centre and appeared to lose control again. Officers attempted to pass him as he accelerated back up to speeds around 50mph on the 20mph road. Williams turned into smaller side streets to try and escape but was quickly followed by supporting officers.

As he returned to the main road towards Llanelli town centre, officers moved to box the vehicle in. The pursuit quickly came to an end and Williams was arrested for multiple offences.

A drug wipe showed that Williams was under the influence of cocaine. A further blood specimen was taken in custody, before he was charged and remanded.

He appeared in Llanelli Magistrates Court on Tuesday 10th March. He was found guilty of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

Williams was handed a 34-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months. He was disqualified from driving for 34 months, followed by an extended re-test. He must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work within 12 months and pay £85 in court costs and a £187 surcharge.