Judith Rhead’s son Dale Morgan sentenced for murdering his mother with a hammer

Published

5 years ago

October 4, 2021

A NEYLAND man who murdered his mother with a hammer and continued to live in her home with her body for two months has been sentenced to life in prison.

Dale Morgan, aged 43, of Honeyborough Green, will serve a minimum of 21 years and six months after being sentenced at Swansea Crown Court for murdering Judith Rhead.

Her body was found in her home in Market Street, Pembroke Dock, on Saturday, 20 February 2021, with a plastic bag over her head.

She had been struck to the head 14 times with the hammer officers found on the floor near her body.

Morgan was arrested later that day and has been in custody since, pleading guilty to murder at a hearing on 31 August.

Dale Morgan killed his mother with a hammer

Senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Jayne Butler, said the investigation had seen departments across the force pull together to get justice for Judith and her grieving family.

“Judith Rhead was the victim of an horrific attack,” she said.

“The fact that it was at the hands of her own son and in her own home only adds to the cruelty and horror of what she went through.

“Our officers worked hard to apprehend her killer and bring him to justice, which was achieved promptly and professionally.

“This investigation was a major undertaking and I would like to thank everyone involved in reaching this conclusion today.

“From the officers who guarded the scene and carried out the house-to-house enquiries to the investigators, they should all be proud to have helped secure justice for Judith.”

Judith was last seen alive on 11 December and it is believed she was murdered before Christmas, with unopened gifts still in her home.

Morgan continued to live in his mother’s flat as he tried to conceal what he had done, walking her dog and lying to her concerned friends when they asked where she was.

Following his arrest, Morgan answered no comment at interview, and has still said very little to give any sort of an account of what happened or why.

However, on 23 February 2021, whilst awaiting a video link to court, the defendant commented “to be honest, it’s a relief that things are kind of out of my hands now” to an officer.

Although unable to find a definitive motive, investigators have been able to prove Morgan was using Judith’s bank account and that she believed he was taking her prescription drugs.

DS Butler added: “I would like to thank Judith’s family and friends for the honesty, patience and dignity they have shown throughout the enquiry.

“Our thoughts are with them and we hope this sentence will provide an element of closure and allow them to grieve her loss.”

The family gave a tribute to Judith, saying: “As a family, we cannot come to terms with what has happened to Judith and we never will.

“Judith was a well-respected woman in her community and with a wide circle of friends.

“She was such a gentle person, who did not deserve to die in such a horrific way.

“This is something that will haunt our family for the rest of our lives.

“As a family we ask for our privacy to be respected during this difficult time. Thank you.”

Former West Wales MS says Starmer resignation felt ‘increasingly inevitable’

Published

1 hour ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Samuel Kurtz says public frustration has grown after two years of Labour controversies and policy decisions

FORMER West Wales MS Samuel Kurtz has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation felt “increasingly inevitable” after months of controversy and public frustration.

The Welsh Conservative said he watched the Prime Minister’s Downing Street statement with “genuine frustration”, adding that he wanted the UK to be respected regardless of which party was in government.

Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and Labour leader, just 12 days before the second anniversary of Labour’s 2024 general election victory.

Mr Kurtz said: “As a British citizen, I sighed genuine frustration while watching this morning. Whatever the political colour of the Government, I want our country to be respected at home and on the international stage.

“But, in truth, this moment has felt increasingly inevitable as the weeks turned into months.”

He pointed to a series of controversies and policy decisions, including the Lord Alli gifts row, winter fuel allowance cuts, the Family Farm Tax, rising National Insurance, defence spending and domestic energy production.

Mr Kurtz said people “simply feel worse off”, adding that confidence in the economy remained low.

He said: “A Government should ultimately be judged on whether life is getting better for the people it serves.

“After two years marked by the controversies and a series of damaging policy decisions mentioned above, it’s difficult to argue this Government has passed that test.”

Mr Kurtz also questioned what would happen next, asking whether Labour would see an “Andy Burnham coronation”, whether Wes Streeting could build enough support, or whether an outsider could emerge.

He added that he would be watching the leadership contest “from the sidelines with interest”.

Labour is expected to open nominations for a new leader on July 9, with Starmer remaining in office until his successor is chosen.

Community

Haverfordwest lounge praised for charity work

Published

1 hour ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HAVERFORDWEST venue has been praised for raising more than £2,600 for local charities through a series of community events.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor visited The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest with Henry Tufnell MP, where they met manager Stephanie Davies.

Cllr Tudor said Stephanie had “truly embraced” her role in the community, organising events including a duck race, sports quiz, Mad Hatter’s tea party for Little Loungers, a bake sale and a drag night show.

Together, the events have raised £2,637 for local good causes.

Charities to benefit include The VC Gallery, Tŷ Hafan and Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Cancer Support Centre.

Cllr Tudor said: “It was lovely to introduce Henry Tufnell MP to Stephanie Davies, manager of The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

“Stephanie has truly embraced her role in the community of Haverfordwest, running many exciting initiatives and raising a staggering £2,637 for local charities.”

The fundraising continues this week, with Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo and a Wild West country and western night featuring a rodeo bull.

Caption: Community support: Thomas Tudor, Stephanie Davies and Henry Tufnell MP outside The Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest.

News

Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire

Published

2 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.

Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.

The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.

The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.

On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.

Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.