A HAVERFORDWEST man has been found not guilty of rape and sexual assault following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

RICHARD MURRAY, aged 46, of Hill Street, had faced three charges relating to an incident in Narberth in August 2022.

He was accused of orally raping a woman, sexually assaulting her by touching without consent, and causing her to engage in sexual activity against her will.

Murray denied all the allegations.

After just over an hour of deliberation, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all counts.

Murray was released from the dock and expressed his thanks to the jury as he left the courtroom.

Judge Paul Thomas KC thanked the jury before discharging them.

A WARRANT has been issued for a Haverfordwest man who failed to appear at court to be sentenced for sending a series of grossly offensive and menacing messages.

Steven Butler, 39, of Douglas James Way, had previously pleaded guilty to an offence under the Communications Act 2003 after sending a number of messages via a public electronic communications network that were described as obscene, indecent, and threatening.

The offences took place between October 23 and October 29, 2024, and were intended to cause distress or anxiety to the recipient or others who might see or be affected by the content.

Butler had been due to attend Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 13) but failed to turn up. Magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

The court heard the messages were “grossly offensive” and sent deliberately to cause harm. Prosecutor Ann Griffiths presented the case, with Mr Andrew Smith listed as defence.

A MAN is due back before the courts later this month accused of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent during an incident at a Narberth pub.

Thomas Cuffe, aged 32, of the Cartref Hotel, High Street, Fishguard, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 13) for a first hearing relating to the alleged assault.

The case concerns a serious incident said to have taken place on New Year’s Day 2023 at The Eagle pub in Narberth. It is alleged that Cuffe unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm to Wil Vallence, with intent to do him serious injury. The charge is brought under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 – one of the most serious assault offences in UK law.

During the brief hearing, no plea was entered. The court was told that Cuffe’s current address is temporary, and the Crown Prosecution Service will seek an updated address from police. As a result, the case was adjourned.

Cuffe, who is represented by defence solicitor Mike Kelleher, is now scheduled to return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, May 27 at 10:00am. The prosecution is being led by Ann Griffiths.

The next hearing is expected to include a plea, and depending on the outcome, the case may be sent to the Crown Court due to its seriousness.