Crime

Nathan John: Judge emphasises need for unanimous verdict

Published

1 year ago

October 18, 2024

AT Swansea Crown Court on Friday morning (Oct 18), His Honour Judge Huw Rees addressed the case involving Nathan John, accused of seven sexual offences including two counts of rape against two 16-year-old girls in Pembrokeshire.

Judge Rees provided crucial guidance on how the jury should evaluate the evidence.

In his address, Judge Rees stressed that the complainants did not know each other before the incidents and that there was no evidence to suggest any conspiracy or collusion between them. This clarification was pivotal in framing the context of the allegations. “He accepted that the complainants did not know each other,” Judge Rees stated. “He accepted that there had been no challenge or suggestion that the complainants colluded together.”

The evidence presented to the jury included body camera footage from the initial incident, arrest footage of the defendant in Haverfordwest, and recordings from two Ring doorbells.

Judge Rees also shared the defendant’s statement regarding the first complaint. According to John’s account, the complainant had accused him of non-consensual behaviour, which left him feeling “scared” and “overwhelmed.” He described an emotional reaction, stating that he cried for approximately five minutes after the incident and that he struggled to comprehend the situation and the accusations against him.

John’s statement included, “Complaint one started making accusations, she said it was not consensual. I felt scared, overwhelmed, everything. She left and went the other way, I was on the floor crying for five minutes. I don’t remember her being present. I went back to circles; I was still panicked but calmed myself down at that point. I was concerned about what she said about the sex; I was concerned that things would be a problem for me the next day.”

He continued, “After she told me she was going to tell everyone, my head was all fuzzy. After that conversation, I didn’t see her again.” During a police interview, John mentioned feeling embarrassed discussing his private life in front of his mother, and although he acknowledged the opportunity to speak more openly with the police, he was uncertain about how to proceed. “At no stage did I believe she was not consenting, I did believe she was consenting,” he added.

Judge Rees then turned to John’s statement regarding the second complaint. The defendant described his social habits, noting that he often spent time with friends in Haverfordwest, where he also worked as a barber and attended college part-time. He recounted the events of May 16, when the second complainant approached him, leading to what he described as a consensual kiss and subsequent interactions.

In his statement, John explained, “May 16 of this year, she came up to me and asked where I was going. I was heading to the train station, and she was going to Tesco’s. I asked if she wanted company, knowing that I was going the opposite direction. There was no connection between us other than friendship. I felt a bit iffy and thought I was going to be sick, but I was not. The complainant asked if I was alright, then we exchanged a kiss. It was a consensual exchange, 100%. We continued flirting and kissing at the top of the steps.”

He further claimed, “We kissed again and then took things further.”

Judge Rees reminded the jury of their responsibility to reach a unanimous verdict, highlighting the importance of thoroughly considering all evidence and testimonies. “You should now concentrate on reaching a unanimous verdict,” he instructed. He emphasised that the jury should take their time and that there was no pressure to rush their decision. “No one is looking at the clock. Take whatever time you need to reach a true verdict. You are now retired to consider your verdict, please.”

The jury has since retired to deliberate on the case, tasked with reaching a verdict that reflects a careful and thorough examination of the facts presented in court.

Crime

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

Published

17 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

18 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

18 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.