| Owner 'demolished his own pub with a JCB causing thousands in damage after being refused pint at closing time' |
A wealthy businessman allegedly demolished his own pub with a JCB after being refused a pint at closing time.
Mark Swistun, 45, is alleged to have driven a JCB digger into his own pub
It was claimed that he did so after being refused a pint at closing time.
Around £40,000 damage was caused to the Royal Oak pub in South Wales.
Mr Swistun arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and bailed.
Mark Swistun, 45, is said to have stormed off after being told he couldn't have a beer at the Royal Oak pub he bought last year and spent £60,000 refurbishing.
Locals claim he returned hours later in a 28-tonne digger and smashed through the pub walls in Penclawdd on the Gower, South Wales.
Mr Swistun was arrested after £40,000 damage was caused, with outdoor tables and chairs crushed and roof tiles sent flying.
Landlady Heather Skipper, 50, was asleep when the JCB flattened the walls of the lounge bar extension.
She said: 'I came down in my pyjamas to see half the pub had been demolished.
'The JCB had crashed into it but there was no sign of anyone.'
Mr Swistun and a business partner Colin McDonald took over the seaside pub last year to save it from closure.
Mr Macdonald said: 'The pub was closed, so there were no injuries. I'm concentrating on getting the pub open.'
The two businessmen spent tens of thousands of pounds on refurbishing it and held an opening party in July.
Mr Swistun was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and bailed by South Wales Police following the 1am incident.
A spokesman said: 'Police have arrested a 45-year-old man following an incident which happened during the early hours of Sunday July 26 when a JCB was driven into the Royal Oak hotel.
'Anyone with information about the incident should contact South Wales Police.'
A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Services said they had ensured the safety of the building and isolating gas and electricity supply.
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