Crime

Sex offender in senior role at Tenby family hotel

Published

4 days ago

June 8, 2026

CREST HOTEL GROUP says it is investigating safeguarding concerns after staff at the Imperial Hotel in Tenby raised alarm over a senior employee who they say has a conviction linked to indecent images of children.

The Herald understands concerns were raised internally after staff became aware that a senior member of the hotel group’s guest experience team was alleged to be a convicted sex offender and subject to safeguarding restrictions.

The Imperial Hotel, on The Paragon, is one of Tenby’s best-known seafront hotels and regularly welcomes families and children.

Staff concern

A source at the hotel, who asked not to be named, told The Herald that employees were deeply worried after becoming aware of the man’s background.

The source said staff had raised safeguarding concerns because children and families are regularly present at the hotel.

They also alleged that, during a staff meeting after concerns were raised, management said they were aware of the matter, stood by the employee, and did not believe he presented a risk.

The Herald has not been able to independently verify everything said at that meeting, but has put the allegations directly to Crest Hotels Group.

Company response

A solicitor acting for Crest Hotels Group confirmed the company was aware of the safeguarding concerns raised.

Minesh Patel, of Keystone Law, said: “Our client considers the safety of its guests and employees of paramount importance and have appropriate safeguards, supervision and risk management oversight in place.

“Our client will be investigating the allegations and at this stage have no reason to suspect the safety of their guests, visitors or employees has been compromised.”

He added that, as the matter related to an individual employee, it would not be appropriate for the company to comment further on confidential employment matters.

Crest Hotels Group also asked The Herald to refrain from publishing “speculation or unsubstantiated facts”.

Public interest

The Herald is not naming the individual at this stage while further checks are carried out.

However, the case raises clear questions about safeguarding, transparency, risk assessments, and the reassurance given to staff working in a family hotel environment.

Crest Hotels Group’s own website lists a Group Director of Guest Experience role among its senior team, describing the role as one which shapes “every moment of a guest’s journey”.

The company has not denied that safeguarding concerns were raised by staff.

Nor has it denied that it is investigating allegations involving an employee.

The Herald has asked Dyfed-Powys Police and Pembrokeshire County Council whether any safeguarding concerns have been reported to them.

More follows.

Crime

Currys worker denies stealing £2,500 of store stock

Published

4 hours ago

June 12, 2026

Court Reporter

Trial listed after alleged theft of iPads, iPhone, AirPods and other electrical goods

A CURRYS worker accused of stealing more than £2,500 worth of stock from the Aberystwyth store has denied the allegation.

Megan Ihle, aged 25, of Flat 3, Pembroke House, Queen’s Road, Aberystwyth, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 11) for a further case management hearing.

She is charged with theft by employee, contrary to sections 1 and 7 of the Theft Act 1968.

The charge alleges that on December 14, 2025, Ihle stole items belonging to Currys at Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, with a total value of £2,567.98.

The items listed include a Nintendo Switch Luigi’s Mansion 2 game, a USB-C stick, two Apple iPads, an iPhone Air, Apple AirPods 4 and an Apple Pencil.

Magistrates directed the defence to file and serve an expert report by 4:00pm on July 3.

Ihle was remanded on conditional bail. Her bail conditions include not entering Currys PC World, Llanbadarn Fawr, unless invited by managers for matters connected to their investigation or other requirements.

She is due to stand trial at Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on August 6 at 2:00pm. The trial is expected to last three hours.

Crime

Dog owner admits causing suffering to pet with untreated skin disease

Published

22 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Staff Writer

Collie cross German Shepherd left suffering after illness went unaddressed, court told
A CARMARTHEN man has admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a dog after failing to properly address a serious skin condition.

David Allen Murphy, aged 40, of Quay Street, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Jun 11) after previously pleading guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

The court heard that between November 28 and December 28, 2025, Murphy caused unnecessary suffering to a Collie Cross German Shepherd dog named Cora by failing to adequately investigate and address the animal’s skin disease.

Prosecuted by the RSPCA, the charge stated that Murphy either knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that failing to deal with the condition would likely cause suffering to the dog.

Murphy, of Flat 2, 12 Quay Street, entered a guilty plea on May 21.

The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, with magistrates remanding Murphy on unconditional bail.

He is due to return to Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 23, at 10:00am for sentencing.