Crime

Former carpenter jailed for sexual and physical abuse of children

Published

1 month ago

January 5, 2026

The sentencing of David Prothero was described by police as being “as much about freedom as it is about justice” for his young victims.

A man has been jailed for sexually abusing two young girls and physically assaulting other children, in a case in which he initially attempted to blame his offending on alcohol and drug use.

David Prothero, 39, repeatedly sexually assaulted the children, including an incident in which he molested a girl while she was wearing her school party dress. He also orally raped one of his victims. In total, he subjected four children to sexual abuse or physical violence.

At Swansea Crown Court, the judge described Prothero’s actions as “inexcusable” and warned that his behaviour would have “devastating” long-term consequences for the victims.

Prosecutor Andrew Kendall told the court that the offences came to light in August last year when one victim disclosed to her mother that she had been sexually assaulted and orally raped by Prothero. One of the assaults involved him touching the girl’s breasts while she was in a party dress.

Following these revelations, police launched an investigation, which identified further victims: a young teenage girl who had been repeatedly sexually abused, and a boy and girl who had been subjected to physical violence.

Prothero, from Tumble, Carmarthenshire, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of oral rape of a female aged 13, four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a female under 18, four counts of sexual assault, ill-treatment of a child, and assault by beating. He has one previous conviction for being drunk and disorderly from 2009.

Defence barrister James Hartson told the court that Prothero had no prior history of sexual or violent offending. He said his client was “mortified, ashamed, and deeply embarrassed” by his actions and was “struggling to come to terms” with them. Hartson explained that Prothero had previously worked as a carpenter before developing addictions to drugs and alcohol. While Prothero had attempted to attribute his offending to substance misuse, the barrister acknowledged that this “was not an explanation which washed with probation and will not wash with this court—there can be no excuse.”

Judge Huw Rees emphasised the “inexcusable” nature of Prothero’s behaviour and its “devastating” impact on both the victims and their families.

Taking into account his guilty pleas, Prothero was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison. He will serve two-thirds of the sentence in custody, with the remainder served on licence in the community. He will be a registered sex offender for life and is subject to indefinite sexual harm prevention orders, as well as lifelong restraining orders to prevent contact with his victims.

Dyfed-Powys Police detective inspector Rebecca Thomas, of the Carmarthenshire rape investigation team, described the case as “disturbing,” involving four young and innocent victims.

She praised the victims’ courage, saying: “The bravery shown by the victims in this case must be recognised. Their courage to speak out against this abuser is ultimately what has put David Prothero in prison today. These children are a credit to themselves and to their family.

“If anyone, no matter their age, finds themselves suffering in silence, I want to encourage them to come forward. We have a dedicated team of investigators, specially trained in crimes of this nature, who will support you every step of the way. We are compassionate, and we are capable. We will do everything we can to secure justice, as we have seen today.

“I won’t forget the moment one victim said, ‘He can’t control me anymore,’ when Prothero entered his guilty pleas.”

Crime

Man who threw corrosive liquid at guest and fled abroad jailed

Published

2 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A BUSINESSMAN who threw a corrosive liquid into a guest’s face during a row at a spiritual retreat before fleeing the country has been jailed for 18 months.

Dean Mayze, aged 38, from Abercrave in Powys, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm following the attack at his Hafan-y-Coed retreat in December 2022.

Swansea Crown Court heard the assault happened after an argument with guest Keifer Price, who had complained about the condition of his accommodation, including a lack of heating and washing facilities.

During the confrontation, Mayze produced a blue container and threw its contents upwards into the victim’s face.

The liquid — described as smelling like ammonia — entered Mr Price’s eyes, nose and mouth, leaving him in severe pain and struggling to breathe.

Medical evidence confirmed injuries consistent with a chemical burn to both eyes. He suffered abrasions, a corneal defect and the loss of the outer corneal layer in one eye, requiring significant treatment to prevent permanent sight loss. He has since recovered without lasting injury.

Fled across Europe

Following the attack, Mayze fled the UK, triggering an international search.

The court heard he travelled across several European countries, including Ireland, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece, before eventually being arrested in Romania in 2025.

Despite being on the run, he remained in regular contact with police by text and email, at one point telling officers he would not be returning to Wales.

His partner initially claimed responsibility for the assault and later received a suspended prison sentence after admitting perverting the course of justice.

Previous conviction

The court was told Mayze has a previous conviction for wounding involving a corrosive substance in Kent in 2013.

Defence barrister Andrew Taylor said his client had experienced harsh conditions while detained in Romania, including contracting scabies without treatment, and described him as remorseful.

However, Judge Geraint Walters said it was “pure luck” the victim had not suffered permanent injuries, describing the attack as a “particularly wicked way of inflicting violence”.

Sentence and order

Mayze, who appeared via video link from prison, had previously denied a more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and made subject to a three-year restraining order.

Crime

Police appeal after man injured in St Davids incident

Published

7 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in St Davids which left one man injured.

The incident happened in Nun Street at around 11:10am on Tuesday, December 30. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Police are now asking anyone with information, dash cam footage, or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Alternatively, email [email protected], send a direct message via social media, or call 101 quoting reference DP20251230094.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

8 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.