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Crime

Jury due to retire in the case of Nathan John, accused of raping two 16-year-old girls

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THE JURY will soon retire 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, of Richard John Road, Milford Haven, faces a total of seven sexual charges, including two charges of rape. He denies all seven offences. He 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 will shortly 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)

Crime

Former police superintendent dismissed for gross misconduct

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Misogynistic behaviour spanned three years, hearing told

A FORMER senior officer has been dismissed from Dyfed-Powys Police following a gross misconduct hearing which found he had engaged in inappropriate and misogynistic behaviour towards female colleagues.

Gary Davies, who held the rank of Superintendent, had been suspended since July 2022 while an investigation was carried out into a series of allegations relating to his conduct between 2017 and 2020.

A Gross Misconduct Hearing was held at Dyfed-Powys Police Headquarters between 24 March and 4 April 2025. The hearing was chaired by Legally Qualified Chair, Mr Oliver Thorne.

The panel found that Davies had breached multiple standards of professional behaviour, including Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Discreditable Conduct, and Equality and Diversity. As a result, he has been dismissed from the force and placed on the College of Policing Barred List, which prevents him from returning to the police service.

Deputy Chief Constable Ifan Charles, who serves as the Appropriate Authority for complaints and misconduct within Dyfed-Powys Police, issued a formal statement following the outcome.

He said: “Dyfed-Powys Police expects the highest standards of professional behaviour from its officers and staff, both on and off duty – and especially from those in senior leadership roles.
“I apologise to the former and current officers and staff who were subjected to inappropriate behaviour by former Superintendent Gary Davies, and I thank them for their courage in coming forward.
“Over the past two weeks, we have heard accounts from a number of colleagues, the majority of whom are women, who experienced unacceptable misogynistic conduct during the course of their duties.
“They are role models, and I commend the integrity and bravery they have shown throughout this process.
“This case is deeply concerning and will understandably cause unease within the organisation. I want to reassure all staff and the wider public that immediate action was taken when allegations were made, and the matter has been treated with the utmost seriousness.
“The outcome of today’s hearing reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of conduct in policing. We will continue to use all available measures to ensure those unfit to hold the office of constable are removed swiftly and efficiently.”

Davies’s name was officially added to the Barred List on Friday (Apr 4), the day the hearing concluded.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, Dafydd Llywelyn: told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “The public rightly expects the highest standards from those who serve in policing.  Former Superintendent Gary Davies actions fell short of these expectations, and their dismissal reflects our commitment to integrity, professionalism, and public trust. There is no place in Dyfed-Powys Police for those who undermine these values.

“I would like to thank current and former staff and officers who came forward to report this misconduct.  I appreciate that this must have been incredibly difficult, but their courage has been vital in ensuring accountability and upholding the standards the public deserve.”

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Crime

Haverfordwest resident denies assault on partner during birthday break

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A HAVERFORDWEST man has gone on trial accused of attacking his partner while on holiday in Pembrokeshire.

John Roberts, aged 51, of Barn Street, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

The incident is alleged to have taken place on August 24 last year at a shepherd’s hut in Rosemarket, where the couple were staying to celebrate the complainant’s birthday.

Roberts is accused of grabbing his partner by the hair and banging her head against a wall, before damaging a fireplace inside the property. He denies both charges.

Opening the case, prosecutor Emily Bennett told the jury that Roberts and the complainant had been in a relationship for twelve years and were enjoying a holiday following a family barbecue.

She said that shortly after midnight, Roberts’ “mood changed,” and he allegedly launched the attack.

The jury heard that the complainant managed to escape, locked herself in the bathroom and called the police. When she later emerged, Roberts had left the property — taking one of their dogs and the keys with him — and she noticed the fireplace had been damaged.

Roberts was arrested later that day. In police interview, he denied assaulting the woman or causing any damage, claiming she had “started on him” after accusing him of being unfaithful.

The trial, before Judge Wayne Beard, continues.

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Crime

Fined for dropping cigarette at Milford Haven Tesco

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A LLANELLI man who dropped a cigarette outside Tesco in Milford Haven has been fined over £570 after failing to attend court.

Mark Evens, aged 42, of Llys Westfa, Llanelli, was found guilty in his absence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 3).

The court heard that on September 3, 2024, Evens discarded a cigarette butt in a public place to which section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applied.

He was fined £220 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £88 and prosecution costs of £266.66. A collection order was made, and the full balance of £574.66 must be paid by May 1.

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