Top judge says Pembrokeshire businessman’s will was ‘a mistake’

Published

8 years ago

April 9, 2018

AN ELDERLY Pembrokeshire woman who was left nothing in her millionaire partner’s will has been saved from poverty by a senior judge.

Joan Thompson, 79, lived as man and wife with Amroth landowner, Wynford Hodge, for 42 years before his death, aged 94, in 2017.

Mr Hodge, who owned Parsonage Farm and Caravan Park, along with land and other properties, was worth over £1.5 million when he died.

But he left Mrs Thompson without a penny, instead bequeathing everything to two of his tenants who had been kind to him in his final years.

In a letter attached to his will, Mr Hodge was adamant that he did not want Joan or her four children to inherit any of his fortune.

Describing Joan as “financially comfortable”, he said she had “her own finances” and would have no need of his money.

But Judge Milwyn Jarman said that was a “mistake” and Mrs Thompson had in fact been left with only modest savings of about £2,500.

Reluctantly living on benefits in a nursing home, she wanted to return to the family estate where she had friends on the caravan park.

Now, in an extremely rare decision, Judge Jarman has ruled that Mr Hodge failed to match up to his responsibilities to his long-term partner.

And he effectively re-wrote the wealthy businessman’s will by awarding Mrs Thompson a cottage on the estate worth £225,000.

She will also receive almost £190,000 in cash to pay for the cottage’s refurbishment and to provide her with reasonable financial support.

Mr Hodge, who suffered from prostate cancer, made more than 10 wills before his death, the High Court in Cardiff heard.

In hospital shortly before he died, he told Mrs Thompson “not to worry as she would be well looked after”, said the judge.

But, in the last will he signed in December 2016, Mr Hodge left everything he had to tenants, Karla Evans and Agon Berisha.

Working as subsistence market gardeners and on the caravan park, the kindly couple became instant millionaires on Mr Hodge’s death.

Parents of two young children, they rented a house called Penffordd, in Narbeth, from Mr Hodge, doing unpaid errands for him and helping him with his shopping.

But, when asked, Ms Evans said she didn’t want to be a millionaire and would be happy with an annual holiday and enough money to bring up her kids.

Judge Jarman said that, even after his ruling, the couple would receive “by far the major part” of Mr Hodge’s seven-figure estate.

But the landowner’s belief that Mrs Thompson would need no financial support after his death was simply a “mistake”, he said.

She and her son, Dean, then a young boy, moved into a caravan at Parsonage Farm in the 1970s and into the farmhouse with Mr Hodge soon afterwards.

She worked on the farm and on the caravan site without pay and helped care for Mr Hodge’s mother, said the judge.

They were together for over 40 years and, after Mr Hodge’s health began to fail, she acted as his main carer.

Mrs Thompson had a serious stroke about 12 years ago and has suffered heart attacks since then, the court heard.

And, since her husband’s death, her only income has been benefits of little more than £1,000 per month.

Mrs Thompson, who gave evidence from a wheelchair, said she was determined to leave the nursing home and return to the family estate.

Granting her wish, Judge Jarman said that, by disinheriting her, Mr Hodge had failed to meet the “obligations and responsibilities” he owed her.

He ordered that a property called Elidyr Cottage should be transferred to her, where she can be looked after by Dean and his wife.

Mrs Thompson will also receive almost £30,000 from Mr Hodge’s estate, to pay for the cottage’s refurbishment, and £160,000 to cover future expenses.

Community groups invited to apply for monthly funding boost from Cwm Arian

Published

13 minutes ago

February 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

£200 donations helping sports clubs, warm spaces, schools and local projects keep Pembrokeshire villages connected and thriving

COMMUNITY groups across north Pembrokeshire are being encouraged to apply for monthly funding as Cwm Arian Renewable Energy continues its programme of small grants aimed at strengthening local life.

The community energy organisation is offering £200 every month to support grassroots projects, with the funding open to clubs, charities, volunteer groups and informal community initiatives. Since the scheme launched in April 2022, the fund has supported a wide range of activities, from youth sport and schools to cultural events and wellbeing projects.

The grants are deliberately flexible, allowing groups to decide what their communities need most rather than fitting strict criteria. Money can be used for hall hire, equipment, refreshments, transport, training costs or materials, helping even the smallest organisations get ideas off the ground.

In Hermon, funding has supported the popular Warm Rooms project, providing hot meals, company and a welcoming space for older residents during the colder months. Organisers say the grant has helped tackle isolation while giving people somewhere safe and social to meet.

In Crymych, football and rugby clubs have used the donations to run training sessions, organise matches and purchase kit, giving young people regular opportunities to stay active, develop skills and build confidence. Elsewhere, cultural groups and local festivals have used the support to stage workshops, performances and events that bring residents together.

A spokesperson for Cwm Arian said the aim is to keep the process simple and accessible.

They said: “These donations are about helping local people do what they already do best. A relatively small amount of money can make a big difference to a village group or volunteer project. We want to support activities that strengthen communities and improve everyday life.”

Best known locally for its renewable energy and sustainability work, Cwm Arian says reinvesting income back into the community is central to its mission.

Groups with an idea that benefits people in Pembrokeshire are invited to apply, with guidance and application details available through the Cwm Arian website.

Community

Newgale road scheme paused after pressure from community

Published

19 minutes ago

February 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A PROPOSED road realignment scheme at Newgale has been paused after Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet agreed to halt its plans amid concerns over cost, disruption and environmental impact.

Local Senedd Member Paul Davies welcomed the decision and is urging the authority to give full consideration to an alternative proposal developed by residents.

The Council had been examining options to move the A487 inland to address the long-running problem of coastal erosion and storm damage at the popular seaside village, where the road sits directly behind a narrow shingle bank separating the carriageway from the sea.

Years of storm disruption

Newgale has repeatedly suffered flooding and damage during winter storms.

High tides and heavy seas have previously thrown shingle and debris onto the road, forcing temporary closures and clear-up operations. At times, traffic has been reduced to single-lane working while machinery removes stones and sand.

The stretch is one of the main north–south routes through Pembrokeshire, linking Haverfordwest with St Davids and the north of the county, meaning closures can cause lengthy diversions for residents, businesses and emergency services.

Council officers have warned in recent years that rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events could make the situation worse, prompting work on longer-term solutions.

Cabinet pauses scheme

The Cabinet had been considering a significant realignment of the road further inland.

However, the proposal has drawn criticism locally over its potential cost and its impact on the landscape.

Following discussion, members agreed to pause the scheme.

Mr Davies, who has been working with residents on an alternative plan, said the decision gives the community a chance to be heard.

He said: “Coastal erosion in Newgale has been a longstanding issue, and it’s crucial that any response is both effective and proportionate.

“The community has developed its own Newgale Beach Access and Shingle Bank Realignment Scheme which offers a less invasive approach that would significantly reduce costs for the Council and local taxpayers.

“Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet is right to stop its own scheme from going ahead and I now urge the Council to consider the community’s proposal, which strikes a far better balance between environmental protection, financial responsibility and the needs of local residents.”

Community voices

Residents have previously raised concerns about both safety and affordability.

One local business owner said road closures during storms can have an immediate impact on trade, adding: “When the road shuts, visitors simply don’t come through. We just want something practical that protects the village without costing the earth.”

Another resident said: “Everyone accepts something needs to be done. The key is finding a solution that works with nature, not against it.”

The Council is expected to review options, including the community-led scheme, before deciding how to proceed.

Details of the pause were included under Item 8 of the Cabinet’s recent meeting papers.

Crime

Publican admits supplying cocaine and cannabis at Crown Court

Published

49 minutes ago

February 11, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Admits cocaine and cannabis supply but denies intent and cash allegations

A MILFORD HAVEN pub landlord has admitted supplying cocaine and cannabis but denied a series of further drugs and cash-related offences during a Crown Court hearing in Swansea.

Daniel Booth appeared at Swansea Crown Court at 11:00am on Wednesday (Feb 11) for a plea and trial preparation hearing before His Honour Judge Paul Thomas KC.

Booth, the licensee of The Vibe on Charles Street, faced an indictment containing seven counts covering a two-year period.

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, a Class A drug, between January 3, 2024 and January 6, 2026.

He also admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis, a Class B drug, over the same period, and pleaded guilty to simple possession of cannabis found at his address.

However, Booth denied possessing cannabis with intent to supply, denied possessing cocaine with intent to supply, denied simple possession of cocaine relating to December 30, 2025, and denied possessing criminal property, namely £1,682.95 in cash alleged to be the proceeds of crime.

Defence counsel indicated a written basis of plea would be served on the prosecution. Judge Thomas directed the Crown to consider the pleas within seven days.

The court heard that if the pleas are accepted, the matter will proceed directly to sentencing. If not, a trial will be listed, likely within the next six months.

Booth was remanded in custody pending the next hearing.

The Herald previously reported that police allege cocaine was discovered concealed inside the air filter of a van linked to Booth, along with cash seized at the time of his arrest, and small quantities of drugs located during a search of his home.

The case is due to return to Swansea Crown Court next week for further directions.