A PEMBROKE DOCK man who assaulted two women has been handed a community order and banned from contacting one of the victims.

Ryan Brundrett appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jun 8) after admitting two charges of assault by beating.

The court heard that on October 3, 2025, at Pembroke Dock, Brundrett assaulted Ceri Laville and Sonia Duffin.

Magistrates were told Brundrett changed his plea on the day of trial, receiving limited credit for his guilty pleas.

He was sentenced to a community order lasting until June 7, 2027.

As part of the order, Brundrett must complete 250 hours of unpaid work and up to ten days of rehabilitation activity.

The court also ordered Brundrett to pay £100 compensation to Ceri Laville, along with £325 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

A restraining order was imposed preventing Brundrett from contacting Ceri Laville directly or indirectly until June 7, 2027. He is also banned from entering any property where she lives and prohibited from posting anything on social media or public forums referring directly or indirectly to her.

No restraining order was made in relation to Lewis Laville, with magistrates ruling this was not necessary or proportionate.

No compensation order was made for Sonia Duffin as the court heard the parties had reconciled.

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.

MEMBERS of the public are being encouraged to play a direct role in improving policing by joining a Community Scrutiny Panel hosted by Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn.

The panel will take place in Brecon on Tuesday, July 1, from 4pm to 7pm, offering local residents the opportunity to independently review police interactions with the public.

Volunteers will examine the quality of police contact, the ethical use of police powers and the level of service being delivered to communities across the force area. The panel serves as an independent public voice, providing feedback and recommendations to Dyfed-Powys Police to help strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in policing.

The initiative is open to anyone aged 18 and over. No previous experience is  required as training and guidance will be provided to all participants.

Those who join the panel will have the chance to influence improvements in police practice, gain valuable real-world skills and experience, and represent the views of the wider community.

Anyone interested in taking part can find out more and register online at: https://forms.office.com/e/u9dR9rjc9Z?origin=lprLink.