April-2026

April 2026 Update

If you ever really thought that the campaign against Old Time Sailors was nothing more than a hate campaign without any truth or evidence, a renound online American Magazine publisher Atavist has released the story of a Shanty Band aptly named Master and Commander, all about a band called Old Time Sailors! A reporter by the name of Peter Ward has investigated the truth behind the scenes of Mr Guzman's band. As one time members of this band, we know there are far more stories of abuse that went on but we encourage you to read the story. Interestingly, we are told that Mr Guzman and Ms Richards declined to respond to Mr Ward's offer of interviewing them. It's very sad to report that none of these individuals arrested in 2025 were ever prosecuted. Read the story here> Master and Commander

This is an appalling outcome overseen by the Devon and Cornwall police. Whilst it probably isn't what the officers in charge of the case would have wanted, we can only assume that this decision was above their pay grade and would have come from their senior officers. One would think that the retired Police Officer in the Atavist story is probably hanging his head in shame of what the Policing in the UK has come to when he himself had reported the activities of these individuals to the Police.


How Guzman managed to evade his arrest at the Public House in Tavistock when the Police had been given the details of where he was, beggars belief. One can only imagine a scene from the American comedy show, The Keystone Cops.

This is an Exeter Observer story from 2024. Devon & Cornwall Police still isn’t responding to the public as quickly as it should, and that its investigation standards had deteriorated, resulting in too few offenders being brought to justice. It would seem Devon and Cornwall Police haven't learnt a lot since this was reported.


Normally April would have seen the return of the Old Time Sailors to the UK pirate shores but unfortunately for Mr Guzman and Ms Richards, it seems very unlikely they will ever be running any Shanty Band concerts in the UK ever again. This is sad news for all the fans that enjoyed these shows but very good news for all of the musicians and sound engineers that were subjected to the vile abuse of these two individuals along with other core members of the group.

It raises the very important subject of venues and agencies verifying whether they have paid due dilligence in ensuring that the people they are employing, by virtue of paying for the band, do have the right to work in the UK. The UK Government Guidlines clearly states it is the employer's legal responsibility to conduct these checks to ensure a person has the right to work in the UK. Clearly many venues failed to heed these simple checks which resulted in allowing Old Time Sailors to operate as a Modern Day Slavery unit. We will be naming and shaming these venues and agents on social media for failing in their resposibilities.


We've also beem informed that many of the companies connected to this group mentioned in the July 22nd update below, have now been dissolved.


It appears My Guzman's application to dissolve the company has been suspended because of an objection, presumably for non payment of fees. So that there is no confusion as to which Katie Richards in the UK is being referred to in the above companies, her business address is given as Rosecliston, Trevemper, Newquay, England, TR8 5JS. Hopefully her Facebook business enterprise of 'Katie Makes Stuff' will provide her an income without the need to verbally and mentally abuse those that were paying her wages!

Rumour has it that Guzman and his able henchmen are going to Florida in the USA to perform this year. They seem to have already missed the events on 11th, 16th and 23rd April! Could it be that it's another Old Time Sailors scam where they've taken deposits from the venues with no intention of turning up?


If anyone runs in to them, please share your stories on Old Time Sailors Behind The Stage Facebook Old Time Sailors Behind The Stage