News

Darryl Evans sentenced to eight years for defrauding over half a million pounds

Published

2 years ago

January 5, 2024

IN A REMARKABLE hearing at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Jan 5), Darryl Evans, 62, of Green Court Crescent, Tenby, faced the consequences of his deceitful actions. Described by Judge Paul Thomas KC as the most “fundamentally dishonest” individual he’s encountered in his extensive 40-year career, Evans was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison.

The case, which lasted nearly three weeks, culminated this week in Evans being found guilty of 26 counts of fraud and one count of theft. The jury, after approximately two hours and 45 minutes of deliberation, returned guilty verdicts on all 27 charges.

Evans’ fraudulent activities spanned from 2013 to 2020, during which he deceitfully obtained over half a million pounds. Masquerading as a financial advisor, Evans lured friends and acquaintances into a so-called “Ponzi scheme,” convincing them to invest large sums in fictitious schemes for their supposed benefit. However, in reality, he was unemployed and misused these funds for his personal expenses.

The deception unraveled in 2018 when the victims noticed the absence of returns on their ‘investments,’ leading to police investigations. It was then revealed that Evans had repaid some of the money to continue his charade, yet the actual losses amounted to over £377,000.

One of the most shocking aspects of his crimes included appointing himself as the executor of a will and diverting the money directly into his bank account. The prosecutor, Robin Rouch, highlighted that this and one of the fraud charges occurred post Evans’ initial arrest.

Victims, many of whom considered Evans a friend, were left financially and emotionally devastated. Their testimonies, as summarised by Mr. Rouch, spoke of savings and pensions lost, and a profound sense of betrayal. Some victims, as per Mr. Rouch’s statement, suffered severe anxiety, with at least one being hospitalised multiple times.

Defending Evans, Jim Davis acknowledged his client’s consistent denial of guilt throughout the proceedings. He emphasised Evans’ previously unblemished character and noted that these offenses were his first at a late stage in his life.

Judge Thomas, in his sentencing remarks, underscored the egregious nature of Evans’ actions. He highlighted the cynical and ruthless manner in which Evans exploited the trust of people, many of whom could ill-afford to lose their money. Particularly striking was the case of two victims in their 70s, who were led to believe they had become millionaires through investments in “algorithms,” only to find out they had been defrauded.

In addition to his prison sentence, Evans’ case will be subjected to the Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings to determine the fate of the embezzled funds. Judge Thomas also took a moment to commend the investigative efforts of officer Dawn Jones and Dyfed-Powys Police’s Economic Crime Team manager Paul Callard for their dedication in bringing Evans’ full range of criminal activities to light.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential ramifications of fraudulent schemes and the importance of vigilance in financial dealings. The Swansea Crown Court’s ruling not only delivers justice to the victims but also reinforces the legal system’s commitment to upholding integrity and trust.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

4 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

27 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Education

Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support

Published

51 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families

PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.

The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.

Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.

“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.

“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.

“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”

The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.

Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.

Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.

“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.

“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”