A Welsh man who embarked on a prolonged campaign of harassment against two local public officials has been handed a suspended prison sentence after years of relentless intimidation. David Dade, 63, from Cwmaman near Aberdare, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court accused of subjecting both Andrew Morgan OBE, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council, and Councillor Tina Williams, to years of sustained abuse.
The court heard that Dade’s harassment persisted for over half a decade and involved more than 200 emails, 90 electronic forms, and numerous posts on Facebook. Both victims relayed how the aggressive contact left them and their families feeling threatened, with Ms Williams describing a climate of fear so acute that she routinely locked her letterbox at night following menacing messages such as being told to “burn in hell”.
Sentencing Dade, Judge [name, if available] imposed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Beyond the custodial sentence, Dade was also given a five-year restraining order, forbidding any further contact with his targets. In addition, he was ordered to pay £2,000 towards court costs. The result followed extensive proceedings that sought to address the impact his behaviour had on the personal lives and wellbeing of local officials.
In a statement released subsequently, Andrew Morgan, who has led RCT Council since 2014, detailed the distress he and his family endured throughout the “relentless” campaign. He acknowledged that while he respected public debate and the right to challenge political decisions, what he and others experienced went far beyond legitimate political disagreement. “While I have every sympathy with the person due to the issues they have experienced, it has been made clear by council officers and the Ombudsman three times that legally, it is a civil matter and not one the council can rectify,” Mr Morgan said, reinforcing the limits of official powers in such cases.
Ms Williams echoed those sentiments, describing the ordeal as an “obsession” that drastically altered her daily life. She expressed relief that justice was finally served, noting, “No one should have to lock their letterbox every night after being told to burn in hell. I do not deserve that. It’s unacceptable for anyone to have to live like that just for doing their job.” Ms Williams also took the opportunity to thank her supporters, reflecting the emotional toll the situation placed upon those involved.
The court case highlights the difficulties public servants can face when performing their roles in a sometimes hostile environment. Harassment of politicians and officials has been increasingly acknowledged as a serious barrier to public service, with calls for more robust protections and clearer pathways for redress.
In his post-sentencing remarks, Mr Morgan voiced hope that the measures put in place — particularly the restraining order and suspended sentence — would finally close a deeply troubling episode. Both he and Ms Williams stressed the importance of drawing a line under the past few years, as they look to serve the community without fear of intimidation.
Local observers and political colleagues have since expressed support for the two public officials, echoing their calls for civility and mutual respect in public life. The case has raised wider questions about the balance between accountability for public figures and safeguarding them from targeted abuse.
This incident may prompt a renewed discussion within councils and the broader community about what constitutes legitimate challenge, as opposed to personal harassment, and how best to protect those undertaking vital roles in local governance. It remains to be seen whether further measures will be introduced in response to this and similar incidents, as political representatives across Wales and the UK increasingly voice their concerns about personal safety.
Dade will avoid imprisonment provided he adheres to the terms of his restraining order over the next twelve months. Both officials have expressed a guarded optimism that this landmark ruling will mark the end of a harrowing period they and their families have endured.