Crime

Cardigan man avoids prison after online child sex sting

Published

7 months ago

September 29, 2025

A MAN from Cardigan who sent explicit videos to what he thought was a 14-year-old girl has been handed a suspended sentence at Swansea Crown Court.

The court heard Gavin Carter, of Felin Bach, struck up contact with a social media account called “Lilly” on June 26. Unbeknown to him, the profile was operated by a group dedicated to exposing adults seeking sexual contact with children.

Grooming attempts exposed

When Carter told Lilly he was 45, the account replied that she was 14. Despite this, he gave her his number and began speaking to her on WhatsApp.

Prosecutor Ian Wright said Carter quickly turned the conversation sexual. He said he wanted to join her in the bath and talked about kissing and intimate touching. That same day, Carter sent a video of himself masturbating.

Four days later, another video was sent, along with instructions that the “girl” should carry out a sexual act with a banana. Further sexual discussions followed before Carter broke off communication.

On July 12, members of the paedophile-hunter group went to his home. Police were called and he was arrested.

Admissions and guilty pleas

Carter told officers he did not have a sexual interest in children, but admitted sending the videos and requesting images despite knowing Lilly had said she was 14.

He later pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, attempted incitement of a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

Sentencing remarks

The court was told Carter had numerous previous convictions, mainly linked to alcohol misuse, but none of a sexual nature.

Defence barrister Dan Griffiths said his client had been living as “a recluse,” struggling with isolation and drinking heavily. He added that Carter recognised the seriousness of his behaviour, had ended the conversations himself before being confronted, and told police he was “disgusted” by his actions.

Recorder P. Lewis imposed a 20-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years. Carter must complete a six-month alcohol treatment course, 150 hours of unpaid work, and 25 rehabilitation activity days.

He will remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same length of time.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

1 hour ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

1 hour ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.

Crime

Hakin woman handed five-year behaviour order over household waste

Published

1 hour ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAKIN woman has been made subject to a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order after repeated problems involving household waste outside her home.

Marie James, 47, of John Lewis Street, Hakin, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates after being convicted of offences linked to accumulated rubbish at her address.

The court heard that James had failed to remove all refuse and household waste from 36 John Lewis Street, Hakin, in Milford Haven.

Magistrates imposed a Criminal Behaviour Order which will remain in force for five years.

Under the terms of the order, James must not engage in conduct causing alarm or distress to others within the perimeter of her address in Hakin. She is also prohibited from keeping, storing or accumulating household waste at the property.