Crime

Wife and lover ‘planned to poison husband with antifreeze in his dinner’, court told

Published

7 months ago

October 11, 2025

A JURY has heard how a Carmarthenshire woman and her lover exchanged messages about poisoning her husband with “antifreeze in his gravy” before he was later attacked by masked men at the couple’s caravan.

Swansea Crown Court was told that Ethel “Michelle” Mills, aged 46, from Llangennech, conspired with her partner Geraint Berry, also 46, from Swansea, and Steven Thomas, 47, of Blaengwynfi, Neath Port Talbot, to kill her husband, former soldier Christopher Mills.

Mr Mills was assaulted at his caravan in Cenarth, Carmarthenshire, on 20 September 2024. Two men wearing masks, gloves, gas masks and carrying cable ties forced their way in and attacked him.

‘Antifreeze in the gravy’

Prosecutor Jonathan Rees KC told the jury that police later discovered hundreds of text messages between Mrs Mills and Mr Berry which laid bare their relationship and apparent plans to harm her husband.

In one exchange, Berry suggested crushing sleeping pills into Mr Mills’ drink or adding antifreeze to his food. He also claimed he could “pay someone” to kill him.

Berry wrote that he loved Mrs Mills and hated how her husband treated her, saying he wanted to “hurt him badly” and would “do time” for her. In another message he said: “All you need to do is say OK and it will be done.”

Mrs Mills allegedly replied that she “needed him gone one way or another.”

‘Kill him together’

Jurors heard that Berry later told Mrs Mills they should “kill him together” and that if she ever felt the urge to smother her husband, she should “make sure he’s died.”

Other messages showed Berry plotting to poison or shoot Mr Mills, adding: “We will watch him die and then come home and chill for the rest of the weekend.”

In one message, Berry allegedly referred to Mr Mills as “your husband but my problem” and said: “Every day he’s alive, the more I want to end him for good.”

The court was told Berry contacted another man, Paul Kershaw, asking for “three bullets and a gun” or advice on how to make a Mini Cooper “go boom.”

Day of the attack

On the morning of the assault, Steven Thomas reportedly texted Berry: “We are 100% going tonight, brother. Got my kit ready.”

Later that day, Berry messaged Mrs Mills: “I’ll kill him, cause he’s not to touch you, you’re my queen.”

She allegedly responded: “I am encouraging him to drink, so hopefully he will be asleep before long.”

The jury heard her final message before the assault read: “Sorry, you know what you’re doing, and I trust you.” Berry replied: “We are here.”

After the attack, Mrs Mills texted: “Police have been called, delete all communications, I love you. Chris did not recognise you or the other one. I won’t say anything.”

‘Fantasy that went too far’

During police interview at Haverfordwest Police Station, Mrs Mills told detectives she never believed the plan would happen in real life, describing the conversations as “fantasy talk” and claiming Berry suffered from post-traumatic stress and psychosis.

She said: “I never wanted my husband to be hurt. It was just something I could escape into.”

The trial continues.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

1 day 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.