Appeal withdrawn at Swansea Crown Court after judge hears medical evidence

A MAN has withdrawn his appeal against the revocation of his shotgun licence after a judge heard medical evidence raising concerns about public safety.

The case was heard at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Feb 13) before His Honour Judge Huw Rees, Recorder of the Crown Court, where Luke Randall-Smith challenged the decision to revoke his shotgun certificate, which covered five firearms.

However, following discussions during the hearing, the appeal was formally withdrawn, leaving the revocation in place.

The court heard that police concerns were first raised after a mental health incident in May 2024.

Firearms licensing officers later contacted his GP for updated medical information.

Reports indicated that Randall-Smith had experienced obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a serious farm accident in which he discovered a colleague who had fallen from a height.

Symptoms were said to include intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Historical records also referred to a previous episode in 2008 when his OCD allegedly contributed to what was described as “significant violence” during an unprovoked incident at licensed premises. He also held a police caution for affray.

Firearms Licensing Manager Mr Phillips told the court he decided to revoke the certificate after concluding Randall-Smith was no longer fit to possess weapons.

The revocation notice stated that allowing him access to shotguns could present a risk to both himself and others.

Representing himself, Randall-Smith accepted he suffered from mental health conditions but disputed aspects of the assessment and the timeline of events.

At one stage he told the court: “I’m a really nice guy… I’m a good father.”

Judge Rees replied: “Yes, but you’ve been ill.”

He said intrusive thoughts he had described were fears rather than intentions and were symptoms of illness rather than actions.

The judge made clear the decision rested on medical evidence and public safety rather than character alone.

Randall-Smith said the firearms were of sentimental value and hoped to transfer them to another certificate holder.

After being advised the court could proceed to a full hearing or allow the appeal to be withdrawn, he chose to withdraw. The application was granted.

The revocation of the shotgun certificate therefore remains in force.

Firearms officers, dog units and roadblocks deployed on Gordon Street as Dyfed-Powys Police investigate

ARMED officers sealed off part of Pembroke Dock this afternoon (Friday, Feb 13) after a large-scale police operation in Gordon Street.

Heavily equipped firearms officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were seen wearing helmets and body armour and carrying carbines and ballistic shields as they surrounded a terraced property.

Multiple marked vehicles blocked both ends of the road while specialist teams moved in on foot. Two police dog units were also deployed to search the area.

Photographs from the scene show officers establishing a cordon with police tape across the street and positioning themselves at the doorway of a flat.

The Herald understands that at least one man was detained and led away in handcuffs. Witnesses reported several people being stopped during the operation.

One nearby resident said the response was swift and highly visible. “They blocked the street straight away. There were armed officers everywhere and dogs searching around,” they said.

Police have not yet confirmed the nature of the incident or how many arrests have been made.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been approached for further information.

More to follow as we receive it.

Valero donation helps secure historic ‘Memento Mori’ treasure found near Uzmaston

A RARE Tudor gold ring dating back more than four centuries has been added to the collection at Haverfordwest Town Museum, thanks to a donation from Valero Pembroke Refinery.

The 6.38-gram gold ring was discovered by a metal detectorist at Uzmaston and Boulston in 2021 and has since been formally declared treasure.

Stylistically dated to between 1550 and 1650, the ring bears the inscription ‘Memento Mori’ – the Latin phrase meaning ‘Remember you must die’ – alongside a small skull motif filled with cross-hatched detailing. Such rings were commonly worn during the Tudor and early Stuart periods as a symbolic reminder of the brevity of life.

Museum curator Dr Simon Hancock said the piece offers a rare and personal glimpse into the beliefs of the period.

He explained: “Such rings, worn by a merchant or member of the gentry, reminded the wearer of the shortness of life. This was a very popular theme during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

“The ring was declared treasure and we are very grateful to Valero for providing a grant towards the treasure valuation, allowing us to secure it for the museum and the people of Pembrokeshire.”

The acquisition ensures the artefact will remain in the county where it was found and will go on public display as part of the museum’s growing local history collection.

Pictured are Ted Sangster, chair of Haverfordwest Castle CIO; Lesley Turner, museum treasurer; Tim Evans, chair of trustees; Stephen Thornton of Valero; Dr Simon Hancock, curator; and Bethany Hope, museum volunteer and social media manager.