Crime

Pensioner jailed for 20 years in shocking child abuse case spanning four decades

Published

1 year ago

October 15, 2024

A 74-year-old man from Hakin, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a series of horrific sexual offences against young girls, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community.

Alan Roberts, of Picton Road, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Oct 15), where he pleaded guilty to 23 child sex abuse offences committed over a period of more than 40 years. The court heard disturbing details of Roberts’ crimes, which took place between 1976 and 2018, involving six victims aged between five and 12 years old.

Prosecutor Craig Jones presented a harrowing account of Roberts’ offences, which began when the defendant was in his late twenties. The court was told that Roberts’ first victim was between six and 12 years old when the abuse occurred. Mr Jones revealed that Roberts would sexually touch the girl and coerce her into performing sexual acts.

As the proceedings unfolded, it became clear that Roberts’ criminal behaviour had continued unabated for decades. The court heard how he had systematically abused multiple victims, with his most recent offence occurring when he was in his late sixties, targeting a child of just five or six years old.

One particularly distressing aspect of the case was the long-lasting impact on the victims. Mr Jones told the court that one survivor had “kept it locked away” out of fear that she wouldn’t be believed, while another “struggled as a teenager and became withdrawn” as a result of the trauma she had endured.

Stuart John, representing Roberts, conceded that a significant custodial sentence was inevitable given the nature and extent of the offences. He stated that his client “understands he has ruined a great many lives over a very long period”, adding that Roberts wished to address the issues that had led to his offending.

Judge Catherine Richards, in her sentencing remarks, emphasised the prolonged nature of Roberts’ crimes, stating, “Your sexual offending against pre-pubescent girls went on over three to four decades. The blame for your repeated offending sits squarely on you.”

In addition to the 20-year prison term, Roberts will serve an extended licence period of two years. The court also imposed indefinite restraining orders to protect each of his victims, and Roberts will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

The case has raised questions about how such prolonged abuse could have gone undetected for so long. Local authorities and child protection agencies are likely to face scrutiny in the wake of this shocking revelation.

Detective Inspector Sarah Davies, who led the investigation, spoke outside the court: “This case demonstrates that no matter how long ago abuse took place, we will listen, investigate thoroughly, and bring perpetrators to justice. I commend the bravery of the victims in coming forward and hope this sentence brings them some measure of closure.”

The sentencing of Alan Roberts serves as a stark reminder of the devastating and long-lasting impact of child sexual abuse. It also underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable children and encourage survivors to come forward, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

As the community of Hakin comes to terms with the revelations, support services have been made available for those affected by the case. Local councillor Mary Evans stated, “Our thoughts are with the survivors. We must ensure that such crimes are never allowed to persist undetected in our community again.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

17 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

17 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.