Crime

Second victim takes the stand in day two of Nathan John’s trial

Published

1 year ago

October 15, 2024

THE TRIAL of Nathan John, charged with the sexual assault of two 16-year-old girls in separate incidents in Milford Haven and Haverfordwest, continued today at Swansea Crown Court.

The Milford Haven victim’s stepfather provided a harrowing account of how he first learned of the alleged rape. In the early hours of the morning, he received a photograph from a relative, showing his stepdaughter at a local pub. Shortly after, she returned home, distraught and in tears, saying, “I have been raped.” He described her appearance, noting that her clothes were soaked and covered in mud, which he later handed over to the police for forensic investigation.

The victim’s mother also gave emotional testimony, recalling how she had gone to bed after exchanging texts with her daughter, only to find her later that night standing in the living room, visibly upset and shaking. “She said, ‘I have been raped,’” the mother recounted tearfully. She immediately called the police, and the victim’s muddy clothing was seized as evidence.

Police Officer Wilson, who arrested Nathan John, testified about the events of the night in Haverfordwest. Wilson found John asleep in bed and, after waking him, placed him under arrest.

The court heard that John was swabbed for DNA.

Next, the Haverfordwest victim took the stand. In her evidence the victim bravely explained that she and John, who appeared intoxicated, had been walking together when he suddenly became violent. She pulled away and then he grabbed her neck.

Before the attack started, the victim recounted how John threatened her, saying, “If anyone harms you, I will kill them,” before showing her a knife.

She described how John then dragged her to a secluded area, where he pulled down her trousers and raped her. Despite her desperate screams for help, no one came to her aid. The victim said she had trusted John, who was part of the same group of friends.

A witness, who is a close friend of the Haverfordwest victim, gave a moving account of the moments following the attack. She described how the victim had banged on her door late at night, frantic and in tears, and told her that Nathan John had raped her.

John was arrested near Haverfordwest train station later that night, and officers testified that he was verbally aggressive, slurring his words, and smelled of alcohol. At one point during his transportation to the police station, he allegedly attempted to headbutt a police officer. Body camera footage also captured him shouting, “I never would disrespect my mother,” while threatening to harm both the police and the victim.

In addition to the witness’s testimony, the court saw body camera footage from the police showing John’s aggressive behaviour during his arrest. He reportedly shouted at the officers, “I’m going to kill you,” and made threats towards the victim and the police officers’ families.

The trial continues.

Crime

Bail revoked for teenager charged with rape following Sands Nightclub allegation

Published

11 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A TEENAGER charged with rape following an alleged incident at a Saundersfoot nightclub has been remanded into custody after bail was revoked at Swansea Crown Court.

Joshua Probert, aged eighteen, is accused of raping a woman at Sands Nightclub in the seaside village during the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity and no details that could identify her can be reported.

Probert was initially granted bail by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. However, on Thursday afternoon (Dec 18) the Crown Prosecution Service applied for a special hearing at Swansea Crown Court, arguing that the earlier bail decision had been made without all relevant information being available.

The hearing was presided over by Paul Thomas KC. After considering new material put before the court, the judge ruled that there was a risk of reoffending.

There was also discussion that the defendant was at risk in the community due to alleged threatening phone calls against him.

Bail was therefore revoked and Probert was remanded into custody.

The defendant appeared in court supported by members of his family, including his mother, stepfather and father.

Much of the detail discussed during the hearing cannot be reported for legal reasons.

Probert is due to return to court in four weeks’ time as proceedings continue.

Crime

Jury discharged after failing to reach verdict in historic abuse trial

Published

3 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

CPS have a week do decide if they wish to pursue a re-trial, judge confirms

THE JURY has been discharged in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after telling the court it was unable to reach a verdict, even by majority.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is charged with the oral rape and sexual assault of a child, with the offences alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen. He denies the charges.

On Thursday (Dec 18), the jury returned to Swansea Crown Court and was asked whether it had reached a verdict on either count upon which at least ten jurors were agreed.

The foreman replied: “No.”

Judge Paul Thomas KC then asked whether there was any realistic likelihood that further deliberations would lead to a verdict being reached.

The foreman replied: “No, your honour.”

Judge Thomas KC said that in those circumstances he would discharge the jury and give the prosecution seven days to decide whether it would seek a retrial.

Addressing the jurors, the judge said they should not think they had failed or let anyone down.

“These things happen,” he said. “It’s one of the strengths of the jury system that people hold different views.”

He thanked the jury for their service and wished them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The court heard that the prosecution will now consider its position, with a further hearing expected next week to determine whether a retrial will take place.