News

Builder convicted for fraudulently claiming £16,000 in benefits during lockdown

Published

2 years ago

May 27, 2023

A BUILDER who possessed two properties in Pembrokeshire has been found guilty of unlawfully receiving over £16,000 in benefits following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gordon Hardy, aged 56 and residing on Dew Street in Haverfordwest, submitted a claim for universal credit on March 27, 2020, just days after the implementation of lockdown measures.

According to the prosecution led by Alycia Carpanini, Hardy stated in his claim that he was an unmarried individual with a dependent child, devoid of any income or capital. Regrettably, he failed to disclose his ownership of two properties – one on Brookside Avenue and another on Haven Road.

Hardy later admitted to the police that the Haven Road property was vacant and in a dilapidated state. Meanwhile, he revealed that he allowed a friend to reside in the Brookside Avenue property rent-free, as relayed by Ms. Carpanini.

Due to the increased demand for support during the lockdown and the subsequent relaxation of checks on claims, the prosecutor stated that the scrutiny had become “less stringent.” Although Hardy underwent a telephone appointment, no irregularities were detected.

Between March 27, 2020, and May 26, 2022, Hardy illicitly claimed a total of £16,667.29 in universal credit.

During a police interview on July 1 of the previous year, Hardy asserted that he had applied for universal credit due to the pandemic’s adverse impact on his self-employed building business, leaving him without work.

He also claimed ignorance regarding the requirement to disclose his properties as part of the application process.

In his defense, Mr. Thomas expressed Hardy’s deep remorse for his actions during the lockdown period. He noted, “Many people genuinely needed benefits during that time. Many people engaged in actions they would never have contemplated.”

Mr. Thomas further pointed out that Hardy, who had no prior convictions, had fully repaid the entire amount.

Sentencing Hardy, Recorder Simon Mills criticized his fraudulent claim, remarking, “At the commencement of the lockdown, you knowingly made a false claim for state benefits. At different times, you attempted to provide excuses, alleging ignorance of the regulations. Such claims are baseless, as everyone is aware of the actual rules, especially the fundamental ones.”

Recorder Mills continued, “I have read one of your character references, which mentioned your involvement in a tennis club. Certain aspects of your lifestyle lie well beyond the reach of those genuinely in need of assistance during that time.”

He emphasized that state-provided funds designated for those in need should be allocated to individuals genuinely requiring aid.

Hardy received a two-month prison sentence, suspended for a year. Additionally, he is required to undertake 180 hours of unpaid work.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

18 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.