News

Extensive historical child sexual abuse and institutional failings at Caldey Abbey

Published

1 year ago

December 10, 2024

AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW into historical child sexual abuse at Caldey Abbey, situated on Caldey Island, Pembrokeshire, has uncovered extensive abuse by members of the monastic community and critical institutional failures in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

The report, led by safeguarding expert Jan Pickles OBE, was commissioned in April 2024 by Father Jan Rossey, the Abbot of Caldey Abbey, to address longstanding allegations and promote transparency and healing within the community.

The comprehensive review examined allegations of child sexual abuse spanning several decades, focusing on the actions of specific monks and the abbey’s responses to these allegations. It incorporated survivor testimonies, historical records, and an evaluation of the abbey’s safeguarding policies and practices.

Key findings

**It is unknown how many children Father Thaddeus Kotik abused. He died in 1992 without facing justice (Image: Herald file**)

The review highlighted multiple monks involved in child sexual abuse, with significant attention on Father Thaddeus Kotik, who lived at the abbey from 1947 until his death in 1992. Kotik is alleged to have abused numerous children between 1972 and 1987.

The abbey failed to act on abuse allegations, allowing perpetrators to continue unchecked. Safeguarding policies were inadequate, and reports of abuse were ignored or mishandled.

Survivors have endured long-term trauma, worsened by the abbey’s failure to acknowledge their suffering or provide meaningful support.

The report outlined several key recommendations:

Public Apology: Acknowledge the abuse and institutional failures.
Support for Survivors: Establish accessible counseling services and avenues for redress.
Policy Reforms: Implement robust safeguarding policies, ensuring all staff are trained to report abuse.
Collaboration with Authorities: Establish clear protocols for reporting allegations to law enforcement and child protection agencies.
Ongoing Monitoring: Engage independent bodies to review safeguarding practices regularly.
Carl Harris, Assistant Director at NSPCC Cymru, said: “It is deeply troubling to read that child sexual abuse occurred ‘in plain sight’ on Caldey Island and the voices of children were not heard.

“This independent review identifies clear missed opportunities to prevent further abuse and bring Kotik to justice.

“It is particularly distressing to hear that children were not listened to and supported when they spoke up to raise concerns, and no action was taken.

“The report further highlights the importance of The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse’s (IICSA) recommendation on the need for religious organisations to have robust safeguarding processes in place.

“Child sexual abuse can have a devastating effect on victims, which is why it is so important that survivors can be confident that if they speak out they will be listened to and supported.

“We can all look out for children’s welfare, and anyone concerned about a child can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, or email [email protected].”

Response from Caldey Abbey

Father Jan Rossey expressed deep regret for the abbey’s historical failures and committed to implementing all recommendations. He emphasized the abbey’s dedication to creating a safe environment and supporting survivors.

The findings at Caldey Abbey underscore a broader issue of child sexual abuse within religious institutions, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and rigorous safeguarding measures.

The abbey plans to collaborate with survivors, safeguarding experts, and authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the recommendations. Survivors and advocates stress the importance of sustained vigilance to prevent future abuse.

Statement from Abbot Father Jan Rossey

**Father Jan Rossey became the new abbot on Caldey Island in 2023**

“It is with deep sorrow and regret that I have read in the review of the great suffering of children who were abused by Father Thaddeus Kotik and the culture of secrecy and cover-up that kept this hidden.

Opportunities were missed to stop the abuse of children. It is particularly heartbreaking to hear children spoke up to adults, and no action was taken.

Children and their families were failed when they should have been supported and listened to. The abuses should have been reported to statutory authorities.

On behalf of the monastic community, I sincerely apologise to all those who have been hurt and have suffered because of the abuse of Thaddeus Kotik and past failures to protect children.

It is a matter of great shame that this abuse was allowed to happen.

We are committed to implementing all the recommendations in the review and to ensuring that safeguarding is at the heart of our mission.

We will do all that we can to support those who have been harmed and to ensure that Caldey Island is a safe place for all.”

***Caldey island is a popular tourist destination for families (Image: Herald)***

Safeguarding overhaul: Caldey implements comprehensive reforms

CALDEY ISLAND has undertaken a major overhaul of its safeguarding protocols and governance structures under the leadership of Father Jan Rossey. Initially appointed as acting Abbot in January 2023, Father Jan was confirmed in the role in April 2024 and has since spearheaded a series of reforms to enhance the safety and well-being of residents and visitors to the island.

Leadership and governance

One of the key developments has been a reshaping of the abbey’s leadership framework. In June 2023, Caldey appointed a new Island Manager alongside a volunteer Safeguarding Lead to focus on ensuring the highest standards of safety. By July 2023, a revised Board of Directors and Trustees was established, including lay members with legal and financial expertise. Safeguarding now features as a standing agenda item in the Board’s bi-monthly meetings, ensuring it remains a priority.

Further governance changes have made the Island Manager directly accountable to the Board, supported by newly agreed Terms of Reference and other governance structures.

Strengthening safeguarding practices

Caldey Abbey has conducted a thorough review of its safeguarding files, completed in December 2023, and commissioned an external review into historical abuse allegations. Initially launched in March 2024, this review was expanded in June 2024 to include all allegations, both historical and recent.

Training and enhanced policies

Ahead of the 2024 tourist season, the abbey provided safeguarding training to all monks, employees, volunteers, and islanders to bolster awareness and improve reporting mechanisms. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks were also expanded to include all individuals working or residing on the island. The monastic community underwent DBS checks as early as January 2023.

New policies have been introduced to address safeguarding concerns comprehensively. These include a code titled Caring Safely for Others, which monks must read and agree to, and updated processes for tenant and visiting priest applications that require rigorous vetting.

In collaboration with local authorities, the abbey has also adopted missing child forms and emergency planning measures. Safeguarding posters and dedicated reporting channels via phone and email have been implemented, making it easier for concerns to be raised.

Expertise and collaboration

A key milestone in 2024 was the appointment of a part-time Professional Safeguarding Lead, a qualified social worker, to oversee the abbey’s safeguarding practices. Additionally, a Safeguarding Subcommittee comprising independent professionals in health, education, and human resources now provides oversight.

The introduction of a GDPR-compliant system, My Concern, has further enhanced the secure storage and analysis of safeguarding concerns.

Caldey Abbey has also strengthened its partnerships with Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police, ensuring appropriate safeguarding referrals are made when necessary. The abbey benefits from guidance provided by Religious Life Safeguarding Services (RLSS) and is preparing for an audit by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) in 2025.

A safer future

Looking ahead, Caldey Abbey has advertised for a permanent part-time Safeguarding Lead and continues to expand its safeguarding culture. These reforms are part of a wider commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

The Herald says: The publication of this report is a significant step toward justice and healing for the victims. It serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in all communities. The measures now in place mark a significant step forward for Caldey Abbey, signaling a new chapter that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all who live on or visit the island.

Crime

Cowboy builders jailed after years of bullying and fraud against homeowners

Published

11 minutes ago

December 21, 2025

Court Reporter

A FATHER and son who preyed on homeowners across south and west Wales — many of them elderly or in poor health — have been jailed after a court heard how they used intimidation and deception to extract huge sums of money for unnecessary and badly executed building work.

Jim Janes and his son, Thomas James, ran a long-running roofing scam that left dozens of victims facing financial hardship, unfinished homes and costly repair bills.

Swansea Crown Court heard the pair routinely targeted householders with minor repair needs before escalating jobs into major works, demanding ever-increasing payments once roofs had been stripped or damaged.

When questioned or challenged, the defendants became aggressive, leaving victims feeling frightened and pressured into paying. In one case, a homeowner was threatened unless money was handed over.

Passing sentence, Judge Catherine Richards said the defendants showed a “cruel disregard” for the impact of their actions and deliberately manipulated vulnerable people for financial gain.

She told the court the offending was driven by greed and a willingness to exploit those least able to protect themselves.

The court heard the fraud continued for more than five years, during which the defendants traded under multiple business names, changed contact details, and used different bank accounts in an effort to avoid detection.

Lee Reynolds, prosecuting, said the pair often dismantled roofs without consent and left properties exposed to the weather, effectively forcing customers to comply with their demands or face further damage to their homes.

Many victims were in their sixties, seventies and eighties, with some paying tens of thousands of pounds. One homeowner lost £100,000.

Independent experts later found that much of the additional work charged for was unnecessary and that the workmanship carried out was of poor quality. In some cases, jobs were left incomplete, requiring extensive remedial work.

Victims told the court how they had been left anxious, ashamed and financially stretched, with some forced to borrow money or remortgage their homes to cover the costs.

Jim Janes, 55, and Thomas Michael Jim James, 37, both of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, had previously pleaded guilty to fraudulent trading.

In mitigation, the court heard Janes had worked in the building trade for much of his life, while James was said to have played a lesser role in the operation. However, the judge rejected claims that either man bore reduced responsibility.

Sentencing both men to eight years in prison, Judge Richards said they had acted ruthlessly and without any regard for the harm caused to their victims.

Both defendants will serve 40 per cent of their sentences in custody before being released on licence.

A further hearing will be held on Thursday (May 22) next year to consider confiscation proceedings and the imposition of serious crime prevention orders.

Crime

Cocaine dealers jailed after flooding Aberystwyth streets with drugs

Published

1 hour ago

December 20, 2025

Court Reporter

TWO men who supplied cocaine in Aberystwyth have been jailed after police seized large amounts of cash, drugs and weapons during coordinated raids.

Luke Hutton, aged 25, and Lee Mark Walsh, 37, were sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after admitting possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possessing criminal property.

The court heard that police attended Walsh’s flat in Aberystwyth on Thursday (Nov 14) to execute a search warrant. Officers saw several people outside the address, including both defendants. When police approached, Walsh remained at the property while Hutton attempted to flee but was quickly detained.

Walsh, of Yr Hafan, Aberystwyth, was found with cannabis, £160 in cash and a mobile phone. Hutton, of Corporation Street, Aberystwyth, was carrying £8,795 in cash and a phone.

During a strip search in custody, officers recovered a wrap of white powder concealed on Hutton. Further searches uncovered £850 in cash laid out on Walsh’s bed, five mobile phones, a silver knuckleduster and a large kitchen knife hidden beneath the bed.

Police also recovered scales with white powder residue, a bank card contaminated with drug traces, and a further bag of white powder elsewhere in the flat. At Hutton’s address, officers found £1,060 in cash, bicarbonate of soda and empty snap-seal bags, consistent with drug preparation.

Prosecutor Dean Pulling told the court both men were clearly involved in drug supply for financial gain.

Walsh also admitted possession of an offensive weapon and possession of cannabis. He has previous convictions for cannabis offences and failing to comply with a drugs test.

Hutton has a longer record, including offences involving communications, driving matters, domestic abuse and breaching a restraining order.

Mitigating for Walsh, Ryan Bowen said the defendant had experienced a troubled childhood, moving schools frequently, and had struggled with cannabis use from a young age. He said Walsh had shown a strong work ethic and hoped to pursue barbering on release.

Jon Tarrant, representing Hutton, said his client had been heavily addicted to cocaine and that drug use had dominated his life, contributing to the breakdown of relationships, including contact with his two young children.

Sentencing, Judge Vanessa Francis said both men had been involved in dealing with the expectation of making “significant financial gain”.

Addressing Hutton, she said: “You told the author of the pre-sentence report that when your benefits stopped, you ‘did what you had to do’. This court will do what it has to do to take off the streets those who spread the misery of drug supply.”

After reductions for guilty pleas, Hutton was jailed for three years and Walsh for 32 months. Both will serve up to half of their sentences in custody before being released on licence.

Community

Crowds line streets as tractor run hailed a festive success

Published

4 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CROWDS lined streets and pavements across Pembrokeshire on Saturday evening (Dec 20) as Clarbeston Road AFC’s illuminated Christmas tractor run was hailed a resounding success.

More than 200 tractors took part in the event, travelling through villages and towns including Newmoat, Maenclochog, Llys-y-frân, Walton East, Clarbeston Road, Wiston, Newbridge, Poyston Cross, Crundale and Haverfordwest, where large crowds gathered to watch the festive convoy pass through.

Families, children and residents wrapped up against the cold to enjoy the sight of tractors decorated with Christmas lights and festive displays, with applause and waves greeting drivers as they made their way through built-up areas and rural roads alike.

The convoy set off from the Clarbeston Road AFC Knock Playing Fields at 5:30pm and concluded at the County Showground in Haverfordwest later in the evening. At the end of the run, refreshments were available and the raffle draw took place at the Park House building, which was open to the public.

Organisers said the turnout from both drivers and spectators exceeded expectations, with the event once again bringing communities together while raising funds for local causes, including The Catrin Vaughan Foundation, In It With Isaac, and Wales Air Ambulance.

Clarbeston Road AFC thanked tractor drivers, volunteers, sponsors and members of the public for their support, as well as residents and road users for their patience while the convoy passed through.

The illuminated tractor run has become a firm fixture in the local festive calendar, with Friday night’s event described by many spectators as one of the best yet.