THE JURY has retired to deliberate in the trial of 19-year-old Nathan John, a Milford Haven resident accused of raping two 16-year-old girls — one in Milford Haven and the other in Haverfordwest.

The charges stem from two separate incidents, the first occurring in October 2022 and the second in May 2024.

John, who has pleaded not guilty to both charges, took the stand on Wednesday (Oct 16) to give his account of events under oath. Dressed in a white shirt and black tie, he described the night of the first attack, which allegedly took place on 2nd October 2022.

The defendant testified that he and the first complainant had a friendly relationship, exchanging messages and attending the same college. On the night in question, John said he encountered the complainant at Nos Da Bar on Victoria Road while out with friends. He admitted consuming several alcoholic drinks, including a pint of Coors, four apple sours, two apple cokes, and a Jägerbomb.

According to John, he and the complainant shared a kiss at the bar before parting ways. Later, at Circles Nightclub, John claimed the complainant approached him again, and he offered to walk her home. He told the court that they were “having a laugh” before engaging in what he insists was consensual sexual intercourse. John said that a disagreement arose afterward when the complainant suggested the encounter was non-consensual. He added that he felt guilty because he had been unfaithful to his then-partner and that the complainant initially promised to keep the incident secret before changing her mind, which he found confusing.

The court was shown video footage from police bodycams taken at the time of John’s arrest. In the footage, John is heard crying and saying, “I don’t know what I have done, I just got excited,” while experiencing what was described as a panic attack. He also stated, “You can’t arrest me because there was consent, this has happened before, I haven’t done anything…”

The prosecution, led by James Hartson of Angel Chambers, questioned John about the second alleged incident on 16th May 2024, in Haverfordwest. The court heard that this second complainant was also 16 years old at the time. John admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with her on a platform halfway up a set of steps off Castle Square but maintained that the interaction was consensual. He described the two as flirting throughout the evening and claimed he called the complainant “beautiful” before they shared a kiss.

However, John said that when the complainant asked to stop midway through the encounter, he complied. He admitted that his remark, calling the complainant “a dirty girl,” may have offended her, but clarified that it was meant as “sex talk.” John told the court that at no point did he use force or violence, nor did the complainant shout for help.

Forensic evidence was presented to the court, including swabs taken from both complainants. The first complainant’s oral swabs revealed the presence of male DNA, indicating oral ejaculation, while no semen was detected on vaginal swabs. John’s DNA was also found on genital swabs. In the case of the second complainant, male DNA was detected on the internal vaginal swab, which the defence argued supported John’s claim of consensual intercourse.

During cross-examination, Hartson suggested that John became aggressive after consuming alcohol on both occasions. He also highlighted inconsistencies in John’s statements, particularly in his initial police interview, where John denied any sexual contact rather than claiming it was consensual. The prosecution accused John of “spinning a web of lies,” arguing that his behaviour was driven by alcohol-fuelled aggression.

The jury was reminded of key evidence, including the first complainant’s detailed memory of her jacket being thrown to the ground during the alleged attack—information which the prosecution argued was “very precise.”

The jury has now retired to consider its verdict, with the outcome of the case expected in the coming days.

(The image used in this article, is not a photograph, but an artists impression of the defendant in the dock – as cameras are not allowed in court)

A SIGNIFICANT milestone has been reached at the Port of Milford Haven today with the keel laying ceremony for its new state-of-the-art 22-metre pilot transfer vessel. The vessel, currently under construction by Next Generation Shipyards, is the first step in a multi-million-pound investment programme aimed at enhancing the Port’s pilotage services.

The keel laying ceremony, traditionally marking the official start of a ship’s construction, highlights the Port’s continued commitment to improving safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. This new vessel will play a vital role in maintaining the high standards of pilotage at the UK’s leading energy port.

Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, Mike Ryan, spoke of the significance of the event: “Today’s keel laying ceremony is a momentous occasion for everyone involved in the project. This new vessel represents our commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence. As the UK’s leading energy port, we understand the importance of having world-class infrastructure to support our customers and maintain our competitive advantage.”

Wayne Busby, Watch Manager at the Port, expressed his anticipation for the vessel’s arrival next year, noting: “The Marine team is eagerly awaiting the delivery of our Next Generation pilot transfer vessel. We face some of the most challenging weather conditions in the world, and this substantial investment will ensure we can continue providing excellent service long into the future.”

Next Generation Shipyards, known for its innovative designs and craftsmanship, is building the 22-metre vessel to meet the unique demands of pilot transfer operations. With advanced safety features, improved sea-keeping abilities, and cutting-edge technology, the vessel is designed to optimise performance in harsh conditions.

Technical Director at Next Generation Shipyards, Dirk Keizer, commented: “With this keel laying, the construction has begun for an extraordinary vessel. The technical and comfort capabilities combined with self-righting technology make this vessel stand out. We are pleased to contribute to the Port’s future and are involved in maintenance and training programmes to ensure smooth operations.”

Steven Lee, Chief Naval Architect at BMT, added: “This milestone reflects the dedicated efforts of the project team over the past ten months. This new pilot boat will meet regulatory and operational standards, setting a new benchmark for heavy weather operations. We look forward to supporting the vessel through its construction and trials.”

Ed Soothill, Technical Director at Camarc Design, also highlighted the significance of the project: “We have worked closely with the Port of Milford Haven and NG Shipyards to develop a pilot boat that can handle very demanding operational conditions. We are delighted to see the project reach this stage and look forward to its completion in 2025.”

The new pilot transfer vessel is expected to enter service in 2025, reinforcing the Port of Milford Haven’s commitment to providing safe and efficient marine services. This vessel will be a cornerstone of the Port’s long-term investment strategy, ensuring its continued ability to serve a wide range of vessels.

SENEDD MEMBER Paul Davies has shown his support for those affected by breast cancer once again this year by dressing up in pink and encouraging his constituents to take part in ‘Wear it Pink’ day on Friday 18^th October. It’s believed that around 2,700 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Wales and yet only 7.3% of patients started their first definitive treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of breast cancer in Wales. Wear it Pink Day calls on supporters across the country to add a flash of pink to their wardrobe for the day and raise money for Breast Cancer Now’s life-saving work.

Mr Davies said, “I’ve always been a big supporter of the Wear it Pink campaign and I’ll continue to do everything I can to support Breast Cancer Now and create a better future for everyone affected by breast cancer. The quicker that breast cancer is diagnosed, the sooner that people can start treatment and get the support that they need.”

He added, “Breast Cancer Now’s Wear it Pink day is one of the biggest fundraising events in the UK and I hope everyone in Pembrokeshire will join me by wearing it pink on Friday 18^th October. It’s a great and fun way to show your support for Breast Cancer Now. Over £41million has already been raised over the years and every penny goes towards the Breast Cancer Now’s important work. So, raid your wardrobes, find something pink and show your support this Friday!”