News

Jogger jailed for flashing at 14-year-old

Published

10 years ago

November 23, 2014

A JOGGER who exposed himself to a schoolgirl he conned into going running with him has been jailed for four years at Swansea Crown Court last week. Liam Mann, aged 24, of St Clears, convinced his 14-year-old victim and her mother that he was serious about keeping fit.

Bur the frantic teenager was forced to flee when Mann, who was kitted out in jogging gear; exposed himself to her while out in the countryside.

The former Amman Valley Comprehensive schoolboy continued to bare himself for up to 15 minutes, jogging close to the girl and encouraging her to touch him.

Judge Paul Thomas QC described Mann’s behaviour as “grotesquely sick” as he jailed him at Swansea Crown Court.

He said that he regarded earlier uneventful runs with the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, as evidence of “grooming.”

Brian Simpson, prosecuting, said Mann called at the girl’s home in Ammanford, in September, for the latest pre-arranged rural run.

After he exposed himself his distraught victim gradually managed to escape by “effectively running away from him.”

But she arrived home too upset to explain what had happened until Mann turned up a few minutes later, the court heard.

She was then able to speak lucidly enough to her mother for her to call in the police who immediately began hunting for him.

Mann, a self-employed jet wash patio cleaner, handed himself into the police and admitted what he had done.

He later made more serious admissions concerning unrelated sexual abuse of a younger child whom he had access over a period of time.

He was sentenced after admitting one count of causing or initiating a child to engage in sexual activity.

He also admitted a single count of sexual assault on a minor. He was formally found not guilty of another identical charge.

Judge Thomas said: “You asked her to go with you running, which she did, no doubt believing she was safe to do so. She put her trust in you, as did her family.

“It was not the first time you took her out for a run, in my view there was an element of grooming here, or at least planning.”

Passing sentence he said Mann would also be put on the sex offenders register indefinitely and would be made the subject of an indefinite sex offender’s prevention order.

Crime

Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.

Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.

She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.

Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.

The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Business

Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.

High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.

To enter the competition, participants must:

Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
Like the competition post
Comment with their favourite Welsh word

The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.

For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Community

Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.

Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.

Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.