News

Pembrokeshire man facing trial over ‘racist’ online radio station

Published

3 years ago

August 18, 2021

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared in court in Haverfordwest charged with distributing sound recordings containing racial hatred, and which were threatening abusive or insulting.

Sven Longshanks, 48, (formerly known as James Barnaby Allchurch) of no fixed abode but formerly of Chapel House, Gelli is facing fifteen similar charges in all.

The case is being prosecuted by the CPS’s Counter Terrorism Unit in London, and because of this the normal bench of magistrates stepped aside and the case was presided upon by the Deputy Chief Magistrate of England and Wales, Mr Tanweer Ikram via a video link.

The defendant entered the dock wearing a white forensic suit, a white 3M face mask, covid face shield, dark glasses and thick black rubber gloves. He was carrying a bag of documents which was wrapped in protective material as well.

Mr Sven Longshanks (Previously James Allchurch) leaves court in Haverfordwest (Pic T Sinclair/Herald)

Before the case started he was moved from the dock to sit with his defence lawyer, Kevin Smallcombe, from Law24 Ltd in Tyne and Wear, so that they both could be seen on the video link at the same time by the judge and CPS lawyer.

At the start of the case the judge asked the defence lawyer if he was sure that the man sat beside him really was the man who had been sequestered to attend court.

“We cannot see this man’s face and we now have a different name in court than we have on the court list. We need to be sure that the person here is actually the correct person. Can you confirm that please Mr Smallcombe?”

The lawyer said: “Yes, we can confirm that this is the correct person and that he now wishes to be addressed by the name he now identifies as – Sven Longshanks.”

Longshanks agreed to pull down his face mask to show to the judge to the CPS what he looked like. When asked by Judge Ikram why he was wearing dark glasses, the defendant said that they were prescription glasses and that he “wouldn’t be able to see anything without them.”

James Cable for the CPS said “The charges relate to the ownership and hosting of an online radio station, a website with podcasts which were available to the public without the need for any paywall or passwords.

“The station was called Radio Aryan until November 2019, then it changed its name.”

Mr Cable continued: “12 of the charges relate to material allegedly offensive to people from black or ethnic minority communities.

“The remaining three relate to podcasts said to be anti-Semitic.

Longshanks openly admitted that he ran the station, which he called in court his “life’s work”.

Indeed, he told the judge the reason he changed his name from James Allchurch to Sven Longshanks was that it was his “life’s work that is on trial” and “that’s the name that my work is published under.”

Defence lawyer Kevin Smallcombe said the issues in the case would be “academic research, freedom of speech and journalism”.

The CPS agreed that the case did not need to be dealt with in London in the terroism list, but could be heard at a local Crown Court

Accordingly, the case to Swansea Crown Court on September 15 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. Longshanks was granted unconditional bail until that date.

The defence lawyer, Mr Smallcombe’s past clients include: Jayda Fransen and Paul Golding of Britain First when they were convicted of inciting religious hatred; Alexander Deakin, imprisoned for being an organiser for the banned extreme right terrorist organisation National Action; and Oliver Bel, who this May was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for possession of a bomb-making manual.

News

Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

Published

3 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”

Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.

Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.

Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.

“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.

“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.

“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”

Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.

“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”

Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.

Community

Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange

Published

3 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”

The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”

The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.

Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”

Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.

Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.

News

Police ask for witnesses after single vehicle collision on A477

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SINGLE-VEHICLE road traffic collision occurred on the A477 between Redberth and Broadmoor, Pembrokeshire, early this morning (Thursday, Nov 21).

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene at around 7:10am. One person was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The road was closed while emergency services attended, and the vehicle was recovered. It reopened at approximately 9:20am.

Police are appealing for anyone with information, dash cam, or CCTV footage to come forward.

Contact methods:
🖥️ | Submit online
📧 | Email: [email protected]
💬 | Direct message on social media
📞 | Call 101

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Please quote reference: 034 of 21st November.