Crime

Man accused of raping women after nights out in Carmarthen denies charges

Published

8 months ago

April 28, 2025

A MAN allegedly raped a woman just “30 seconds’ walk from the police station” after they left a pub together, a court has heard.

Daniel Gravell, aged 43, denies three counts of rape said to have taken place over a 20-year period following nights out at venues and parties in Carmarthen.

During the trial at Swansea Crown Court, jurors heard evidence from the alleged victims, two of whom the prosecution claim were “hopelessly and helplessly” intoxicated at the time of the alleged assaults.

On Monday, the court heard from one woman who claimed Gravell raped her in an alleyway in 2005. She told the jury that after leaving the Rose and Crown pub, she and Gravell walked towards Carmarthen Athletic Club and entered an alleyway. She said Gravell grabbed her arm, and although she tried to escape, “he was stronger than me. I tried my best.”

The court was told Gravell began having sex with her while her back was pressed against a wall. The woman said she mouthed “help” to a passer-by and attempted to lift her head to be seen by someone in a window of the Athletic Club, but Gravell pushed her head back down.

Defence barrister Tom Crowther KC questioned why this “crucial piece of information” about a potential witness had only emerged last week, suggesting the detail had been invented. The alleged victim denied this, telling the court she could not remember exactly when she recalled it.

Another alleged offence dates back to 2002, when a second woman attended a friend’s party where Gravell made her two cocktails. After later visiting a venue in Carmarthen town centre, she felt unwell and returned to the house where the party had been. The court heard she was helped into bed by a friend but later woke to a “heavy sensation” and a “thrusting movement,” seeing Gravell “very close” in front of her. She said: “I said ‘get off’ twice. My hands didn’t work to push someone off. I was trying to push him off.” She claimed Gravell told her: “It’s OK, it’s [her ex-boyfriend’s name].”

The final allegation involves a third woman, who had been on a night out with her sister in February 2022. The court heard she visited bars in Carmarthen but could not remember anything after arriving at the second venue. She woke up alone in bed, feeling sick and unwell, and noticed a burning sensation. She later arranged to take the morning after pill. Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe told the jury that she found beer cans and white powder she did not recognise in her home.

When arrested, Gravell told police he had met the woman at the bar and that the sex had been consensual.

Gravell, of Porth Y Plas, Johnstown, denies all three counts of rape. The trial continues.

Crime

Police investigate suspicious disappearance of white-tailed eagle in mid Wales

Published

52 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Appeal launched after satellite tag is found cut from bird and dumped on remote moorland

POLICE and wildlife crime officers are investigating the suspicious disappearance of a satellite-tagged white-tailed eagle in mid Wales after its tracking device was found cut off and deliberately hidden.

Dyfed-Powys Police is working alongside the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) following the disappearance of the juvenile bird in the Newtown area.

Officers say the satellite tag and harness were recovered from remote moorland and show clear signs of having been removed from the bird using a sharp instrument, most likely a knife, before being concealed in an apparent attempt to dispose of the evidence.

Despite searches in the area, the body of the eagle has not yet been located.

Police are now appealing for information from anyone who may have been in the area at the time and witnessed suspicious activity.

Investigators are particularly keen to hear from people who were:

At or around Gwgia Reservoir, Tregynon, between 11:00am and 1:00pm on Saturday (Sept 13)
On access land near Bryn y Fawnog between midday and 3:00pm on the same day

All potential lines of enquiry are being pursued, including detailed forensic examination for DNA and fingerprints.

Police are working closely with the tag owners, the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, and Forestry England to analyse tracking data and support the investigation.

The disappearance is being treated as a serious wildlife crime. The persecution of birds of prey remains a national policing priority, with species such as white-tailed eagles, golden eagles and hen harriers fully protected by law.

Satellite tags are widely used for conservation and research purposes, providing vital information about bird movements and survival. Each tag carries contact details so that any recovered device can be returned directly to researchers.

Members of the public who enjoy the countryside are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving birds of prey or their habitats.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101 quoting reference 25000766626. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crime

Teenager faces multiple charges after series of alleged incidents

Published

1 hour ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Youth accused of assaults on police, criminal damage and railway trespass

A TEENAGE boy has appeared before the courts charged with a series of alleged assaults, public order offences and criminal damage incidents said to have taken place in Haverfordwest over several days in December.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to his age, is accused of multiple offences alleged to have occurred between Wednesday (Dec 11) and Monday (Dec 16).

The charges include several counts of assault by beating, obstructing or resisting a police officer, using threatening or abusive behaviour, and criminal damage involving property valued at under £5,000.

It is alleged that a number of the incidents involved police officers acting in the execution of their duty. One charge relates to alleged trespass on or near a railway, while another concerns an arrest for an alleged breach of the peace.

The teenager appeared before the Youth Court, where reporting restrictions were confirmed under Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, preventing the publication of any information likely to identify him.

The court made further directions in the case, and the youth was remanded on conditional bail pending future hearings.

The case remains ongoing.

Crime

Haverfordwest man denies historic rape charges involving underage girl

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Trial listed at Cardiff Crown Court for 2027

A HAVERFORDWEST man has denied a series of historic sexual offences against an underage girl and is due to stand trial at Cardiff Crown Court in 2027.

Lee Mahagan, aged 52, of High Street, Haverfordwest, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.

The charges relate to allegations involving a girl aged between 13 and 15, which are said to have occurred in Cardiff between 2009 and 2010.

The court was told that the case is expected to take around five days when it goes before a jury. A trial date has been set for January 25, 2027.

Mahagan was granted conditional bail by Judge Hywel James following a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

The defendant is represented by David Pinnell, while Daniel Jones is appearing for the prosecution.