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

Uxbridge motorist banned after Pembrokeshire drug-drive stop

Published

30 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Driver was heading home after visiting former girlfriend when police stopped him on the A477

A WEST London motorist has been banned after being caught driving on the A477 in Broadmoor with a cocaine metabolite and cannabis in his system.

Danny Small, 32, was stopped by police carrying out routine checks at around 11:30am on January 28.

After providing a positive roadside drug swipe, Small was taken to a police station, where blood tests showed he had 157mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

He also had 2.9mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2mcg.

Small, of Little London Close, Uxbridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to two drug-driving offences.

Probation officer Julie Norman told the bench that Small had been visiting his former girlfriend in Pembrokeshire and was driving home to Uxbridge at the time of the offence.

Ms Norman said Small was a regular cannabis and cocaine user.

“This helps treat his undiagnosed ADHD,” she said.

“He didn’t think the drugs would still have been in his system, as he’d consumed the drugs several days earlier. But drugs can often remain in the system for several weeks.”

Small was sentenced to a 12-month community order, during which he must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months.

News

Uxbridge motorist banned after Pembrokeshire drug-drive stop

Published

32 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

Driver was heading home after visiting former girlfriend when police stopped him on the A477

A WEST London motorist has been banned after being caught driving on the A477 in Broadmoor with a cocaine metabolite and cannabis in his system.

Danny Small, 32, was stopped by police carrying out routine checks at around 11:30am on January 28.

After providing a positive roadside drug swipe, Small was taken to a police station, where blood tests showed he had 157mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

He also had 2.9mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2mcg.

Small, of Little London Close, Uxbridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where he pleaded guilty to two drug-driving offences.

Probation officer Julie Norman told the bench that Small had been visiting his former girlfriend in Pembrokeshire and was driving home to Uxbridge at the time of the offence.

Ms Norman said Small was a regular cannabis and cocaine user.

“This helps treat his undiagnosed ADHD,” she said.

“He didn’t think the drugs would still have been in his system, as he’d consumed the drugs several days earlier. But drugs can often remain in the system for several weeks.”

Small was sentenced to a 12-month community order, during which he must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months.

Crime

Carpenter banned after drug-driving in camper van

Published

39 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Pembroke Dock man was five times over the cannabis limit

A PEMBROKESHIRE carpenter has been banned from driving after being caught behind the wheel of his camper van while five times over the drug-drive limit.

James Toulouse, 35, was stopped by police shortly before midnight on December 20, 2025, as he drove his white Mercedes Vito along Buttermilk Lane in Pembroke.

“There was a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle and the driver, who was James Toulouse, appeared glazed, as his eyes were red and bleary,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

A roadside drug swipe proved positive. Further tests showed Toulouse had 11mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2mcg.

The court heard this was Toulouse’s second drug-driving offence in ten years.

Toulouse, of Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to drug-driving.

He was represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher, who said the defendant works as a carpenter.

“Obviously it’s not going to be easy for him to carry on with his work, but he’s fully intending to do so,” he said.

Toulouse was disqualified from driving for 36 months. He was fined £350 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £140 surcharge.