Crime

Prove job losses or face jail time, judge tells businessman

Published

3 years ago

June 27, 2023

LAYTON NOLAN, a local business owner from Victoria Road, Pembroke Dock, appeared in Swansea Crown Court today, Monday, in front of Judge His Honour Paul Thomas KC for sentencing.

Nolan pleaded guilty to one charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice at the higher court and was subsequently convicted of assault charges at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court.

During the hearing, it was revealed that three of the assaults took place in Pembroke Dock in July, while the fourth occurred at the Bluestone holiday resort in August of the previous year.

The court heard that the assaults were inflicted upon Nolan’s partner.

According to the testimony presented, the couple was en route to Bluestone when they engaged in an argument, resulting in Nolan becoming verbally abusive.

As tensions escalated, he began driving erratically, prompting his partner to pull up the handbrake. In a disturbing turn of events, Nolan proceeded to physically assault her, punching and slapping her legs as she cowered.

Upon their arrival at the resort, a concerned staff member noticed the distressing state of Nolan’s partner and witnessed him forcefully pushing her into nearby bushes.

The court was informed that the July assaults involved incidents where perfume was sprayed into the victim’s eyes during an argument, she was pushed causing injuries to her arm and thigh, and she was slapped on the right cheek while also being kicked in the leg.

Despite being found guilty after trial, Nolan continued to deny the assault charges, as revealed during the proceedings.

Subsequently, following the victim’s visit to the police, Nolan contacted her via phone, urging her to withdraw the charges and even offering her financial compensation during their conversation.

Furthermore, he had previously contacted the victim’s sister, requesting her to retract her witness statement.

In Nolan’s defence, his counsel, Amelia Pike, highlighted that he had previously maintained a clean record. Nolan acknowledged that he had indeed attempted to pervert the course of justice and expressed remorse for his actions.

He claimed that at the time, he was unaware that he was committing an offence, given that he had been initially released without charge and the victim had initiated the contact.

He admitted his own foolishness in this regard.

Pike also acknowledged the toxic nature of the relationship and argued that Nolan should have ended it earlier.

She further revealed that Nolan had grown up in an environment marked by regular domestic violence, which had a lasting impact on him.

Additionally, he was under medication for anxiety and depression.

It was also revealed during the hearing that Nolan is the proprietor of a company engaged in the sale of life insurance, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Pike emphasised that if Nolan were to be incarcerated for attempting to pervert the course of justice, the company would be forced to shut down, resulting in the loss of ten jobs.

Judge Thomas acknowledged that the probation service’s pre-sentence report had provided minimal information regarding the potential job losses.

However, he stated that if substantiated evidence were presented within the next two weeks, he would consider it during the sentencing.

Judge Thomas cautioned that should this proof not be provided, Nolan could face an additional charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

“I was about to send you to prison for several months,” Judge Thomas stated, “But I will give you the opportunity to prove that you have ten employees.”

Consequently, the sentencing was adjourned for two weeks, and Nolan was remanded in custody until the next hearing. During this period, he must provide independently verified evidence to support his claim of job losses within his company.

The court awaits the forthcoming evidence, which will play a significant role in determining Nolan’s ultimate fate in this case.

Crime

Cocaine deaths spark regional summit across West Wales

Published

4 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Health, police and support services unite after rising concerns in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire

COCAINE has been identified in a significant number of drug-related deaths across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire over the past year.

Frontline teams have also reported rising incidents of violence, aggression and criminal justice involvement among people accessing drug and alcohol support services.

Dyfed-Powys Police data shows cocaine is now the force’s second most seized drug, and remains widely used across a range of settings.

In response, the Dyfed Area Planning Board brought together representatives from health, policing, commissioned services, social services and community organisations for a regional summit aimed at understanding the scale of the problem and agreeing joint action.

Hywel Dda’s Community Drug and Alcohol Team opened the event with an overview of emerging substance use trends. Dyfed-Powys Police then shared enforcement intelligence, while Public Health Wales provided a national perspective on stimulant use.

Clinical specialists also outlined the impact of cocaine use on maternity services, blood-borne virus transmission, exercise culture and the night-time economy.

The summit concluded with harm reduction training and group discussions focused on strengthening prevention, treatment pathways and community support across West Wales.

Steve Reynolds, Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service manager, said: “DDAS are incredibly encouraged by the success of this cocaine summit. Cocaine-related harms are complex and evolving, and through collaboration and open dialogue we can respond effectively.

“The summit reinforced the importance of reducing stigma, expanding access to support, and ensuring that people who use our services receive compassionate, person-centred care.

“We remain committed to working with partners in developing practical actions that improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.”

Detective Superintendent Gareth Roberts, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “It was a pleasure to host this valuable event at Dyfed-Powys Police.

“As a force, we are committed to working in partnership to improve the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities as we work hard to reduce the risk of drug-related harm.”

Craig Jones, Hywel Dda Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, said: “This summit marks the beginning of a coordinated regional effort to reduce harm, improve outcomes and strengthen support for individuals, families and communities affected by cocaine use.

“Partners will now work together to address availability, risk reduction and access to support.”

Anyone experiencing problems with substance use, or anyone seeking more information about the Community Drug and Alcohol Team, can visit hduhb.nhs.wales/drug-and-alcohol.

Crime

Farm owner in court after 26 dogs removed over welfare concerns

Published

5 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Council awarded control of animals after magistrates hear claims of unlicensed breeding

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm owner has appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court after 26 dogs were removed from her care under animal welfare legislation.

Rachel Roberts, of Penlan Oleu, Puncheston, appeared in court on Friday (May 1) in relation to an application brought under Section 20 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 following action by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that 26 dogs had been taken into possession, including spaniels, dachshunds, poodles, chihuahuas and six puppies.

It was alleged in court that Roberts had been breeding and selling dogs without the appropriate licence, and that some animals had not received the correct vaccinations.

Magistrates granted the application, allowing Pembrokeshire County Council to take control of the dogs and make decisions about their future, including rehoming.

Roberts was also ordered to pay £99,463.35 in costs to the council.

RSPCA investigation

An RSPCA investigation was reportedly opened last year after images emerged of horses said to be in poor condition.

The Herald has also been contacted by a concerned member of the public, who provided videos and photographs which they claim show a dead horse concealed beneath wooden pallets.

The source further alleged that a person staying at the property had witnessed a horse being dragged by its neck using a tractor.

These claims have not been independently verified by The Herald.

Wider allegations

The Herald has also been told that other members of the family may have been involved in the sale of dogs from the property, with allegations that animals were later sold outside Pembrokeshire.

The paper understands that Roberts’ daughter, Eliza Roberts, has previously appeared before the courts in connection with dog-related offences.

Roberts, 36, was sentenced to three months in prison and banned from owning animals for seven years after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of a fighting dog and one count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

The charges followed an incident in Hanwell, near Banbury, on March 26, in which a schnoodle named Winnie was killed by two XL Bully dogs, Kobi and Kardi.

At the sentencing hearing, Roberts was ordered to pay £1,295 compensation, and a destruction order was made for the dogs.

Crime

Man remanded in custody over assault and criminal damage allegations

Published

7 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Goodwick defendant accused of assault and damaging property as magistrates refuse bail

A GOODWICK man has been remanded in custody after appearing before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with assault and criminal damage.

Scott Hughes appeared before magistrates on Monday (May 18) following allegations relating to an incident in Goodwick.

The court heard Hughes is accused of assault by beating during an incident at an address in Stop and Call, Goodwick, on Saturday (May 16).

He also faces a charge of criminal damage after allegedly damaging property during the same incident.

Hughes did not enter pleas at Monday’s hearing.

Magistrates refused bail and remanded him in custody ahead of a further hearing.

The court was told bail was refused due to concerns Hughes was likely to cause injury or fear of injury to an associated person and because of concerns regarding possible interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.

He is due to appear again before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 26).