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Crime

Child sexual crime in Pembrokeshire: Perception vs. reality

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IN RECENT years, concerns have grown among Pembrokeshire residents regarding the perceived high number of child sexual offences in the area. High-profile cases and anecdotal evidence have contributed to speculation that the Dyfed-Powys region, particularly Pembrokeshire, experiences these crimes at a higher rate than other parts of the UK. But do the statistics support this perception?

Protestors outside the house of an offender in Milford Haven in 2024 (Image: Herald)

National overview

The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) for the year ending March 2022 estimated that 2.3% of adults aged 16 years and over had experienced sexual assault (including attempts) in the previous year. Police in England and Wales recorded 193,566 sexual offences, the highest level on record. Among these, 103,055 identifiable child sexual abuse (CSA) offences were reported.

Key findings include:

  • Gender Dynamics: 82% of offenders were male, while 79% of victims were female.
  • Offender Age: 52% of young perpetrators (aged 10 to 17) abused other children, with 14 being the most common age.
Over 100,00 identifiable child sexual abuse (CSA) offences are reported in the UK annually

How do Dyfed-Powys figures compare nationally?

Statistical analysis of CSA cases in Dyfed-Powys presents a complex picture. While any number of such crimes is concerning, data does not indicate that the area is significantly worse than the rest of the country.

In the year leading up to March 2023:

  • Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 192 crimes related to child sexual abuse images—the lowest among Wales’ four police forces.
  • When adjusted for population, Dyfed-Powys had 37 offences per 100,000 residents, the lowest rate in Wales. In comparison:
    • South Wales Police recorded 74 per 100,000.
    • North Wales Police recorded 76 per 100,000.
    • Gwent Police recorded 84 per 100,000, the highest in Wales.

Between 2018 and 2023, Dyfed-Powys recorded 13 cases where sexual offences led to the sentencing or cautioning of an under-18, showing a marginal increase. Over six years, police recorded six allegations of rape and 61 allegations of sexual assault against children under 10, lower than North Wales, which recorded 20 rapes and 33 sexual assaults for the same age group.

Despite these figures, Dyfed-Powys Police have expressed concerns about a rise in online child exploitation. In 2018, for example, an estimated 55-58% of rape cases in the region involved victims under 18, demonstrating the significance of CSA within overall sexual crime.

The Pembrokeshire picture

Pembrokeshire has been a focal point for CSA cases within Dyfed-Powys.

Between September 2022 and September 2023, Pembrokeshire recorded the second-highest number of reported sexual offences in Dyfed-Powys, accounting for almost a quarter of all cases in the region. Several high-profile cases have reinforced public concerns, including the jailing of Paul Chesher (Milford Haven) and ex-mayor Terry Judkins (Pembroke Dock).

Additionally, historical abuse remains a significant factor. The December 2024 review into Caldey Abbey on Caldey Island revealed extensive historical CSA by members of the monastic community, contributing to long-term concerns about safeguarding failures.

Police at the home of a man accused of sexual crimes against a baby in Burton, Pembrokeshire during a protest in January 2025 (Image: Herald)

Why Wales records higher CSA rates

While Pembrokeshire’s CSA rates are concerning, it is important to consider broader factors influencing these statistics across Wales:

  • Rural policing challenges: Dyfed-Powys covers a vast rural area, making detection and prevention harder than in urban regions.
  • Improved reporting and safeguarding: Higher CSA reports may result from stronger safeguarding policies and greater awareness rather than increased offending.
  • Historical cases coming to light: Reviews of past offences, such as the Caldey Island scandal, have increased overall CSA statistics in recent years.
  • Variability in support services: Limited access to specialist victim support in rural Wales may delay investigations and reporting.

Notably, in 2022, Dyfed-Powys had one of the highest rates of child sexual exploitation per capita in Wales, highlighting ongoing concerns.

Reporting and underreporting

CSA is frequently underreported due to stigma, fear, and the relationship between victim and perpetrator. This underreporting can create discrepancies between actual prevalence and recorded cases.

Are offenders being moved to Pembrokeshire?

A common local concern is that convicted sex offenders are being relocated to Pembrokeshire. However, there is no official evidence to support this claim.

As of March 2022:

  • 587 convicted sex offenders were managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Dyfed-Powys.
  • This number has increased from 514 in 2020 to 587 in 2022.
  • Dyfed-Powys recorded 126 sex offenders per 100,000 people, in line with the national average.
  • Unlike other forces, Dyfed-Powys Police have rejected all applications from offenders seeking removal from the sex offenders register.

While the increasing number of registered offenders is concerning, the rise likely reflects improved detection and reporting rather than a deliberate relocation policy.

Protests highlining the issue in Pembrokeshire

Some sex offenders are arrested following investigations led by ‘paedophile hunters’

​In Pembrokeshire, public protests against the presence of sex offenders in local communities have been notable, often amplified through social media and press coverage. These demonstrations have played a significant role in shaping public perception regarding the prevalence of child sex offenders in the area.​

Notable protests in Pembrokeshire

  1. Milford Haven protest (December 2024): Approximately 70 residents gathered in Wentworth Close, Milford Haven, protesting the bail release of Jamie Hughes, who had pleaded guilty to possessing over 400 Category A child abuse images—the most severe classification. The protest led to a substantial police presence, including armed response units, to maintain order.
  2. Burton demonstration (January 2025): Around 40 individuals assembled outside a residential address in Burton, objecting to the bail granted to a man accused of abusing a baby. The peaceful protest highlighted community concerns over the suspect’s presence in their vicinity.
  3. Hubberston incident (December 2024): A large protest occurred in Hubberston, where residents expressed outrage over a man released on bail after pleading guilty to possessing child abuse images. The situation escalated to the point where police had to remove the individual from his residence for his safety.

Influence of media and social platforms

Police at the protest involving a sex offender in Haverfordwest (Image: Herald)

These protests have been extensively covered by local and regional media outlets. Social media has further amplified these events, with live broadcasts and widespread sharing increasing their visibility. This extensive coverage contributes to heightened public awareness and concern, potentially leading to the perception that child sex offenders are more prevalent in Pembrokeshire than statistics alone might suggest.​

Research indicates that media portrayals can significantly influence public perceptions of crime, often leading to misconceptions about the frequency and nature of offences. For instance, sensationalized reporting can create a perception gap, where the public believes crime rates are higher than official statistics indicate. ​

In Pembrokeshire, the combination of high-profile protests, extensive media coverage, and the viral nature of social media content has likely contributed to a heightened perception of the prevalence of child sex offenders in the community. While community vigilance is crucial, it’s essential to balance public concern with factual data to avoid unnecessary fear and ensure informed discussions on public safety.

Conclusion

There is no conclusive evidence that Pembrokeshire experiences higher CSA rates than other parts of the UK. However, the county has seen significant cases, contributing to local fears. High-profile convictions, historical abuse revelations, and an increasing number of registered sex offenders have fueled public concern.

Authorities continue to strengthen policies such as Operation Soteria Bluestone, aimed at improving investigations. Police anticipate further rises in online CSA cases, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance. With public concern still high, transparency and continuous crime analysis will remain essential to safeguarding children and addressing community fears.

 

Crime

Armed police attend knife-related incident in Fishguard street

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ARMED police were deployed to a residential street in Fishguard this evening following reports of a teenage boy with a knife.

The incident happened in the Dan y Bryn area on Sunday evening (Mar 23).

Armed police negotiated with the suspect, persuading him to hand over the weapon. He was subsequently detained, handcuffed, and taken away in an ambulance.

The situation was brought under control without any reported injuries.

The police told The Herald: “Officers attended the Dan Y Bryn area, Fishguard on the evening of Sunday, March 22 following concerns of an individual reported to be in possession of a knife.
Officers have attended the location and secured the knife.

“The incident cleared with the individual taken to receive further care in hospital.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

 

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Crime

Child rapist found with abuse images after moving to west Wales

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Registered sex offender Wayne Evans, who moved to Carmarthenshire for a fresh start, was caught after the National Crime Agency flagged activity linked to a Kik account

A CONVICTED child rapist who moved to rural west Wales in an apparent attempt to start over was found with indecent images of children on his phone after his online activity was flagged by the National Crime Agency.

Wayne Evans, 59, of Pentrecourt Road, Llandysul, appeared before Swansea Crown Court after officers discovered the images during an investigation triggered by the NCA.

The court heard that in January last year, the NCA alerted Dyfed-Powys Police to a Kik messaging account involved in downloading indecent images of children. The email address linked to the account was already known to police and belonged to Evans, a registered sex offender.

Officers went to his home on January 28 and arrested him. Evans told police he had not downloaded the images himself and claimed they had appeared in a Kik group he was part of, adding that the group had since been shut down.

Police seized six devices from the property and Evans handed over the pin numbers for his phones and tablets. He later answered “no comment” to questions in interview and was released under investigation while the devices were examined.

A forensic analysis of his Samsung Galaxy phone uncovered 13 Category A images, eight Category B images and two Category C images. The material involved children aged between four and 12.

Category A images are considered the most serious and involve the gravest forms of sexual abuse.

The court was told Evans has six previous convictions covering 23 offences. In 1990, he was convicted of gross indecency with a child and indecent assault of a child. In 2002, he was jailed for 15 years for raping a child under 16, attempted rape, gross indecency and five further counts of indecent assault. He was placed on the sex offenders register for life and released from prison in 2011.

Evans had admitted three counts of making indecent images of children, covering Categories A, B and C.

Emily Bennett, representing Evans, said her client knew the court would view the offences in the “dimmest of lights”. She said he had moved to a rural part of Wales where he kept himself to himself and had taken steps to reduce his contact with females.

She also told the court Evans accepted that he still had an inappropriate sexual attraction to children, and said he was in a long-term stable relationship with a partner who knew about his past offending.

Sentencing Evans, Recorder Mark Powell KC said he accepted that the defendant had taken some steps to change his life, but said it was clear he continued to have a sexual interest in children.

The judge said his priority was to pass a sentence which reduced the risk Evans posed. He said an immediate prison term available under the guidelines would be relatively short, could be destabilising, and might even increase the danger to the public.

With credit for his guilty pleas, Evans was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation activity requirement, a Building Choices programme, and 100 hours of unpaid work.

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed for 10 years, and Evans will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

Photo caption:

Wayne Evans was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after indecent images of children were found on his phone

 

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Crime

Milford Haven drug dealing pub boss who boasted of ‘best coke around’ jailed

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Dealer who claimed £160,000 profits was later calling police for protection as threats escalated over money he owed to his suppliers

A MILFORD HAVEN drug dealer who bragged he had “the best coke out there” and claimed to have made up to £160,000 in just four months has been jailed for six years.

But behind the image of a confident, high-earning operator, the reality was starkly different — a man in debt, under threat, and repeatedly calling police for protection as his world closed in.

Police at Marble Hall Road, Milford Haven in 2025, protecting Dan Booth from drug dealers who threatened to kill him (Pic : Herald)

The 35-year-old defendant admitted multiple offences relating to the supply of cocaine and cannabis when he appeared before Swansea Crown Court.

The court heard he played a significant role in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, purchasing large quantities — including claims he was buying cocaine by the kilogram — and maintaining contact with upstream suppliers.

In messages shown to the court, he boasted about his profits, claiming to have made £38,000 and suggesting that far larger sums were within reach. He also claimed to have earned £160,000 in just four months and said he had bought two houses.

He told customers he had “the best coke out there” and responded aggressively to complaints, stating: “Out of £30,000 worth, you’re the only one to complain,” before adding: “Bad mouthing me is a bad idea you little slag.”

The Vibe pub in Milford Haven is now closed following Dan Booth being jailed for six years

Violence and intimidation

The court was also shown chilling footage of a confrontation at a property on the Mount Estate, where the defendant was heard directing violence over a debt.

In the video, he shouted: “I got boys, yeah, I got boys,” before telling others to “kick his head in” as the attack unfolded inside the victim’s home.

Witnesses described him as having become a “kingpin” in Milford Haven’s drug scene, operating from The Vibe public house, which they claimed was used as both a legitimate business front and a base linked to drug dealing.

Fear behind the façade

Yet the court heard that behind the bravado, the defendant was living in fear.

He had accumulated drug debts estimated at between £18,000 and £26,000 and was being threatened by those higher up the supply chain. His partner reported people turning up at their home, with threats including claims it would be bombed or burned down.

The Herald attended his home address on multiple occasions to report on police activity after he called officers for protection.

In a direct call to this newspaper during the period, he said: “There are threats to my life — people want me dead, dead. I don’t want this in the paper. It’s over money… hundreds of thousands of pounds.”

Documents reveal further pressure

The Herald can also reveal that the defendant was served with a statutory demand in late 2025 over an alleged unpaid debt relating to stock, fixtures and fittings following his takeover of The Vibe public house in March 2024.

Documents seen by this newspaper indicate the financial pressures he was under extended beyond drug debts.

National attention

The case has already drawn national interest, with Channel 4 making a documentary featuring the defendant after interviewing local people in Milford Haven over recent months.

‘Significant role’ in drug trade

Police arrested the defendant on January 5 last year on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. A search of an address on Priory Road uncovered 18 grams of cannabis, while a separate incident involving a vehicle led to the discovery of 73 grams of cocaine and cannabis.

Prosecutors said he was actively involved in the supply of drugs and purchasing large quantities, describing him as a key player in the local trade.

He has 57 previous convictions, mostly for theft-related offences.

‘Only a custodial sentence’

Defending, Mr Ibrihim described his client’s background as a “tale of woe,” telling the court his father was addicted to heroin and his mother struggled with alcohol. His younger sister died in 2022.

The court heard he had gone “off the rails” in his late teens and that his drug dealing was linked to debts, including those connected to his father. It was also said that many of his claims about wealth were exaggerated and amounted to “bravado”.

Sentencing, the judge said: “The seriousness of this offending means that only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate.

“You played a significant role in drug dealing. What is clear is that you were dealing with a lot of cocaine.

“I have no doubt that some of what you did was due to pressure, but some of it was for your own gain.”

The judge added that despite the defendant’s claims of wealth, “you haven’t got hardly anything left”.

For the supply of cocaine, he was sentenced to six years in prison, with a concurrent sentence of 30 months for supplying cannabis.

He will serve at least half the sentence in custody before being eligible for release.

A victim surcharge of £228 was also imposed.

 

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