A JURY at Swansea Crown Court has been shown graphic images of injuries sustained by a man whose lip was bitten off during an altercation at a Saundersfoot pub.

The incident occurred on October 28, 2022, when Stephen Kanauros visited The Boathouse to celebrate his daughter’s birthday with his wife, Kate, their daughter, and her boyfriend.

The Crown alleges that shortly before 10:30 pm, James O’Neill, 53, from Merthyr Tydfil, struck Mr. Kanauros to the ground. CCTV footage played in court on Monday showed Mr. Kanauros surrounded by O’Neill, his son, Aron O’Neill, 25, and his nephew, Shaun Nicholas, 24. Moments later, Mr. Kanauros stood up with blood pouring from his mouth.

“James O’Neill had bitten a part of his lip off,” Dyfed Thomas KC, prosecuting, told the jury. “The section that had been bitten off was later found on the floor.”

The court also heard that James O’Neill bit Mr. Kanauros’ finger during the altercation. “He intended to cause harm—really serious harm—and he certainly achieved it,” added Mr. Thomas.

Charges and allegations

James O’Neill denies charges of grievous bodily harm with intent and a lesser charge of causing grievous bodily harm. Aron O’Neill, of Dane Street, Merthyr Tydfil, and Shaun Nicholas, of Japonica Drive, Dowlais, both deny causing actual bodily harm to Mr. Kanauros.

The prosecution claims the violence stemmed from James O’Neill’s anger after bar staff questioned his daughter, Lowri O’Neill, about her ID while she was buying alcohol. Following the exchange, staff asked the group to leave.

“James O’Neill responded angrily, blowing vape smoke towards the staff and calling them the ‘c’ word,” said Mr. Thomas. “He was then seen confronting another man near the door, beckoning him outside for a fight.”

Events leading to violence

The jury was shown CCTV footage of Kate Kanauros dancing near her husband, who stood by the bar, before the altercation escalated. James O’Neill was seen walking through the bar as others, including Mrs. Kanauros, tried to usher him outside to defuse the situation.

The footage showed James O’Neill pushing Mrs. Kanauros, causing her to fall backwards. “The complainant then stepped in,” said Mr. Thomas. “You may think it was to protect his wife or because he was angry that she had been assaulted.”

The prosecution argued that James O’Neill’s claim of self-defence was unfounded. “He had already displayed aggression towards staff and another individual at the door,” said Mr. Thomas. “To claim he was acting in self-defence is simply untrue.”

The trial continues and is expected to conclude early next week.

HIGH-RISK Tenby sex offender Christopher Flavin, 72, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing young boys, and creating indecent images of children. Flavin, described by His Honour Judge Geraint Walters as a “dangerous paedophile,” admitted in October to producing 12 Category B and 296 Category C indecent images of children between 2018 and 2023.

On Friday (Dec 6) at Swansea Crown Court, the prosecution, led by Mr Scapens described Flavin as “nothing but a committed paedophile,” detailing the lengths to which he went to exploit his victims, many of whom were young boys aged between 10 and 16. The court heard a personal statement from a complainant, under 13, who detailed the psychological trauma he has endured. “In the past few months, I have had feelings of sadness, which makes me cry. I have also been having nightmares and don’t want to leave the room at night.”

Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Flavin attempted to deflect responsibility during proceedings. He represented himself after failing to secure legal counsel and claimed that the complainant had instigated inappropriate behaviours, stating, “He needs help with his mental health. He was obsessed with masturbation and sex.” Such assertions were dismissed by the court, with Judge Walters highlighting the “manipulative” nature of Flavin’s abuse.

The prosecution revealed that Flavin had groomed young boys, forcing them into sexual activities on school premises and targeting children. In addition to inappropriate touching during swimming lessons, he sought to isolate his victims by arranging camping trips. 

Further evidence presented during the hearing revealed Flavin’s continuous breaches of a sexual harm order. He was observed in a park designated for children and around a local high school, raising significant concerns about his behaviour. Flavin’s refusal to engage with court proceedings, including prison video links, proved his lack of remorse for his actions. 

His Honour Judge Geraint Walters condemned Flavin’s predatory behaviour, remarking on the disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse that had characterised his life. “You have spent a lifetime grooming and abusing boys, even at this age. I heard that the victim has been having nightmares about it all and refusing to leave his bedroom at night. That is the effect on young impressionable children. It’s wicked behaviour, and it’s not the first time you engaged in this,” he said.

Flavin’s extensive criminal record revealed 33 prior offences, 27 of which were sexual in nature. Judge Geraint Walters noted that despite previous long sentences, including one exceeding 50 months, Flavin had “learnt nothing” and continued his abusive behaviour. “You claimed that you’re the victim. The reality is you’re committed to behaving in this way,”

In addition to the 15 year prison sentence, the judge imposed an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim. Judge Walters concluded, ordering the sentence as a measure to prevent further harm to vulnerable children.

ONE of America’s most wanted fugitives has appeared in court after being apprehended in north Wales last week.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was arrested in Maenan, Conwy, following a joint operation involving North Wales Police and counter-terrorism officers. San Diego has been on the FBI’s most wanted list for over two decades, accused of orchestrating two bombings in San Francisco in 2003.

Court appearance

San Diego appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Tuesday. Wearing a grey tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. He is scheduled to appear in court again on December 31.

The charges

The FBI alleges that San Diego planted two bombs at a biotechnology corporation campus in Emeryville, California, on August 28, 2003. The bombs detonated an hour apart, causing significant damage. A month later, on September 26, 2003, a bomb packed with nails exploded outside a nutritional products company in Pleasanton.

San Diego was indicted in July 2004 at the United States District Court for his alleged involvement in the attacks. He has been linked to an animal rights extremist group, according to the FBI, which previously offered a $250,000 (£198,000) reward for information leading to his capture.

Life on the run

Born in Berkeley, California, San Diego evaded authorities for 21 years before his arrest. The FBI said he had maintained connections with groups sympathetic to his cause and utilized sophisticated methods to remain undetected.

Why North Wales?

Questions remain as to why San Diego chose a quiet Welsh village as his hiding place. His arrest in Maenan has sparked speculation about the networks that may have supported him during his years as a fugitive.

The investigation into San Diego’s activities and potential associates in the UK is ongoing.