Crime
New BBC podcast explores chilling Pembrokeshire mystery
PEMBROKESHIRE residents are being drawn back nearly half a century in time with the launch of a new true crime podcast, Crime Next Door: Death on the Farm. This six-part series, produced by BBC Cymru Wales, re-examines one of the county’s most haunting unsolved cases: the brutal slaying of an elderly brother and sister in the quiet village of Llangolman.
In December 1976, the bodies of Griff and Patti Thomas were discovered in their remote farmhouse by a local postman. The violent nature of their deaths shocked the tight-knit community, and a wave of fear swept through the village as residents grappled with the terrifying notion that a killer was in their midst.
At first, suspicions centred on an outsider, a stranger who had invaded their peaceful rural life. But as the days passed, a more unsettling theory emerged, suggesting the possibility of a killer much closer to home. The case, which remains unsolved, has continued to cast a shadow over Llangolman, and the lack of closure has kept the tragedy alive in the memories of those who lived through it.
Crime Next Door: Death on the Farm seeks to answer the burning questions that have lingered for nearly 50 years: Did the police miss crucial evidence? Was justice ever truly served? And why does this case still matter so much to the people of Pembrokeshire?
The podcast features interviews with first-hand witnesses, members of the Llangolman community, and modern-day experts who revisit the evidence with fresh eyes. Narrated by actress Bettrys Jones and produced by Darrell Brown, the series aims to piece together the fragmented story and explore the lasting impact of the murders on the village.
Producer Darrell Brown spoke about the unique connection the community still feels to the case: “It’s unusual to find a case that remains such a topic of conversation for a community, but this one the people of Llangolman refuse to forget. It was a real privilege to tell their story and shine a light on a case that still casts a shadow on the village. We look forward to seeing how audiences respond, and to seeing how the case develops in the coming weeks and months.”
BBC Radio Wales Commissioner Bridget Curnow added: “Hearing the story directly from the voices of the community of Llangolman and their dedication to getting the closure they so want and need is so powerful. The fact that the community is still so dedicated 50 years on shows just how baffling this story is.”
Episode one of Crime Next Door: Death on the Farm is now available on BBC Sounds, with subsequent episodes set to release weekly. However, listeners should be aware that the series contains details that some may find distressing.
For those in Pembrokeshire, this podcast offers more than just a retelling of an old crime—it’s a chance to revisit a story that continues to resonate deeply within our community, and perhaps, to finally find some answers.
Crime
Pembroke Dock man denies coercive control allegations
Case sent to Crown Court amid claims of stalking, abduction and dangerous driving
A PEMBROKE DOCK man is to appear before a Crown Court judge charged with repeatedly engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour towards a woman.
Alfie Hegarty, aged 20, of Church Street, Pembroke Dock, is accused of repeatedly or continuously engaging in behaviour said to have controlled the complainant’s social media use, restricted who she could speak to and involved extreme jealousy.
“The allegations go further than that and include abduction, dangerous driving, stalking, coercive controlling behaviour and harassment,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.
Mr Davies asked magistrates to decline jurisdiction because of the seriousness of the case.
“This is not suitable for summary trial, given the effect that it’s had on the victim,” he said.
Hegarty denied the allegation. No representations were made by his solicitor.
Magistrates granted the Crown’s request and the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court, where proceedings are due to begin on March 27.
Hegarty was released on conditional bail. The conditions are that he must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly and must not enter her address in Neyland.
Crime
Milford Haven pensioner admits sexually assaulting two shop workers
76-year-old touched victims and kissed one on the neck, court hears
A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted sexually assaulting two women at a shop by touching their buttocks and kissing one of them on the neck.
“These were sexual touching elements, which made the victims feel extremely uncomfortable,” said Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies when John Mason appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.
The first incident took place at a Milford Haven store on August 3, 2025.
“The victim contacted the police as she’d been working in the store and recognised the defendant when he walked in,” said Mr Davies.
She was standing by the counter when Mason approached from behind, placed his hands on her shoulders and used his right hand to touch her bottom.
“There was definitely a sexual element there,” added the prosecutor.
The second victim told officers she also recognised Mason, who had entered the store on a number of occasions.
“He grabbed her buttock with one hand, which she found unacceptable, and kissed the back of her neck,” said Mr Davies. “This made her feel very uncomfortable and there was again a sexual touching element.”
Mason, aged 76, of Coombs Drive, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault.
Sentencing was adjourned until March 17 to allow the probation service to prepare an all-options report. Mason was released on bail with conditions not to enter the stores where the victims work and not to contact them directly or indirectly.
Crime
Man accused of sexual offences against child appears in court
29-year-old denies six charges as case sent to Swansea Crown Court
A MERLINS BRIDGE man has appeared before magistrates charged with a series of serious sexual offences involving a child.
Adam Frank, aged 29, faces three charges of sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl by penetration, namely that he allegedly penetrated her vagina with his fingers. He also faces three further charges of intentionally touching a child in a sexual manner.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between January 19, 2018 and March 1, 2020.
Frank, of St Margarets Close, Merlins Bridge, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week, where his solicitor, Michael Kelleher, indicated not guilty pleas to each charge.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case was sent to Swansea Crown Court. Frank was released on unconditional bail and is due to appear before the Crown Court on March 27.
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