Crime

Dangerous Tenby paedophile sentenced to 15 years jail

Published

1 year ago

December 6, 2024

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.

Crime

Carmarthen man denies coercive control allegations

Published

23 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody ahead of further hearing

A CARMARTHEN man has denied allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour towards his partner during a prolonged period of alleged abuse.

Mark Hanson, aged 51, of no fixed abode but previously linked to Llangunnor Road, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a further case management hearing on Wednesday (Mar 19).

The court heard that Hanson is accused of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship, contrary to Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2024 and March 12, 2026, at Stackpole, Hanson repeatedly or continuously subjected a female to threats of violence. Prosecutors say the pair were partners at the time, and that the behaviour had a serious effect on the complainant, which Hanson either knew or ought to have known.

Hanson entered a not guilty plea to the charge on March 13.

The court was told that he has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, with magistrates citing concerns that he may commit further offences, including causing injury or fear of injury to a person connected to the case.

Additional information presented to the court indicated that Hanson is currently serving a custodial sentence of two months for breaching a Domestic Violence Protection Order.

The case was adjourned for a further case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 23) at 10:00am. The hearing is expected to be conducted via video link and is listed for a duration of 20 minutes.

Magistrates Mr A Allison, Mrs J Morris and Mr D England presided over the hearing. The prosecution was led by Sian Vaughan, with Hanson represented by Alaw Harries of DGJ Solicitors.

Crime

Youth, 15, admits assault on police officer in Milford Haven

Published

43 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A 15-YEAR-OLD has admitted assaulting a police officer during an incident in Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offence took place on Saturday (Mar 1), when the youth assaulted Police Constable 573 Evans.

The defendant appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where a guilty plea to common assault was entered.

The court granted unconditional bail and adjourned the case for sentencing.

The youth is due to appear again at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 2) at 10:00am for sentencing. The hearing is expected to last around 30 minutes.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.

Crime

Youth given conditional discharge after series of offences in Haverfordwest

Published

45 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

A YOUTH has been given a conditional discharge after admitting a series of offences in Haverfordwest, including assault, shop theft and interfering with motor vehicles.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court heard that the offences took place over a number of days in December 2025.

The court was told that on Saturday (Dec 6), the youth assaulted another child by beating them during an incident in the town. On the same date, they also stole two cans of Red Bull worth £5.40 from Tesco.

Further offences were committed on Tuesday (Dec 9), when the youth interfered with multiple vehicles at a vehicle repair workshop at Havens Head Business Park, Milford Haven. The offences involved attempts to interfere with vehicles with the intention of theft.

The youth appeared before magistrates on Wednesday (Mar 19), where guilty pleas were entered to all matters.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge for each offence, taking into account the early guilty pleas.

The court also ordered the youth to pay £100 in compensation to the victim of the assault and £5.40 in compensation to Tesco. No order for costs was made due to the financial circumstances involved.

Under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, the youth cannot be identified.