Crime

Jury hears ‘distressing’ medical evidence in Baby C abuse trial

Published

4 months ago

November 21, 2025

Medical teams describe fractures and trauma ‘consistent with sexual and physical abuse’

THE JURY in the trial of Christopher Phillips – the man accused of sexually penetrating a seven-week-old baby at a flat in Haverfordwest – has been presented with deeply distressing medical evidence detailing the catastrophic injuries suffered by the child.

Baby C was taken to Glangwili General Hospital in the early hours of January 24, 2021, after his mother phoned 999. On arrival, paediatric teams carried out extensive examinations.

Doctors identified:

Rectal bleeding and a 1.7cm fissure to the child’s anus
Significant perianal redness, consistent with possible penetrative trauma
A fracture to the right petrous pyramid in the skull, causing bleeding from the baby’s right ear
Fractures to the left ribs
Multiple bruises to his neck, chest and back

A consultant paediatrician concluded the constellation of injuries was non-accidental and consistent with both physical and sexual abuse.

Neighbours reported ‘horrific crying’

A written statement from neighbours in Haverfordwest, was read to the court. They told the jury they heard “awful and horrific crying” coming from the first-floor flat in the hours before paramedics arrived.

“At around 2am we heard a front door closing and then a car engine start,” one neighbour said. “The engine ran for around five minutes before the car drove off. Soon after, we heard a baby crying from the flat. It sounded awful and then became horrific. It appeared that something was really wrong.”

They added the same vehicle had been heard leaving the property “four or five times” in the early hours on previous occasions.

Senior nurse describes baby’s condition

Senior sister Bethan Osmond, who examined Baby C on Cilgerran Ward, said the child was “irritable and crying a loud, painful cry”.

“There was dried blood on his right ear that appeared fresh,” her statement continued. “When I changed his nappy I could see the perianal area was bright red and large in appearance. When the baby opened his bowels he immediately screamed in pain. It was obvious he had a cut or some form of pain there.”

Three bruises were also noted running down the baby’s back.

Because of the medical findings, Dyfed-Powys Police and social services were immediately alerted.

Charges

The baby’s mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested and charged with two counts of causing or allowing serious physical harm and two counts of child cruelty. She denies all charges.

Her boyfriend Christopher Phillips, 33, of Warrier Reach, Burton, is accused of sexually penetrating Baby C on two occasions, assaulting him causing actual bodily harm, and causing grievous bodily harm on four occasions. He also denies all allegations.

Jury released until Monday

The jury at Swansea Crown Court was released on Friday afternoon until Monday, when they will hear further medical detail. Judge Paul Thomas KC told jurors they will not be shown photographs of the injuries because of the extreme sensitivity of the case.

The trial is expected to last another three weeks.

Crime

Driver accused of dangerous driving sent to Crown Court

Published

4 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Court Reporter

Alleged incident in Ammanford

A MOTORIST accused of dangerous driving has been sent to the Crown Court following a hearing at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court.

Kyle Morgan, aged 27, of Heol Y Meinciau, Pontyates, appeared before magistrates on Thursday (Mar 5) charged with driving dangerously.

The court heard that the alleged offence took place on February 14 this year on Dyffryn Road, Ammanford.

Prosecutors allege that Morgan drove a motor vehicle in a manner that fell far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver, and that it would have been obvious to a competent driver that driving in that way was dangerous.

Dangerous driving is one of the most serious road traffic offences and carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a mandatory driving disqualification.

Magistrates were told that because of the seriousness of the allegation the case should be dealt with by the Crown Court.

Morgan was therefore sent to Swansea Crown Court where the case will proceed.

He was granted bail ahead of his next court appearance.

Crime

Witness intimidation allegation sent to Crown Court

Published

4 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant accused of confronting man connected to criminal case

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man has been sent to the Crown Court after appearing before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with intimidating a witness connected to a criminal investigation.

Justin Griffiths, aged 41, of Brynhaul Street, Llanelli, appeared before magistrates on Thursday (Mar 5) accused of attempting to interfere with the course of justice.

The court heard that the alleged incident took place on February 10 this year in Llanelli.

Prosecutors allege that Griffiths approached and verbally confronted a man whom he knew to be a witness in an ongoing criminal matter. It is claimed that his behaviour was intended to intimidate the individual and discourage them from assisting the police investigation.

The charge states that Griffiths intimidated a witness in order to obstruct, pervert or interfere with the course of justice, contrary to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

Witness intimidation offences are treated particularly seriously by the courts because they can undermine the integrity of criminal proceedings and discourage victims or witnesses from coming forward.

Magistrates were told that because of the nature of the allegation and the potential seriousness of the offence, the case was unsuitable for summary trial.

The court therefore sent Griffiths to Swansea Crown Court, where the case will proceed.

He was granted bail ahead of his next appearance at the Crown Court.

Crime

Steelworks theft conspiracy case sent to Crown Court

Published

4 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Court Reporter

Tin ingot theft alleged

THREE men have been sent to the Crown Court accused of conspiring to steal valuable materials from the Tata Steel plant at Trostre.

The case was heard at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 5), where the defendants appeared charged with conspiracy to steal tin ingots from the Trostre Steelworks in Llanelli.

Prosecutors allege that the three men – Christopher Carter, aged 38, of Pemberton Road, Llanelli; Scott Phillips, aged 37, of Bryngwyn Road, Llanelli; and Gareth Lewis, aged 41, of Heol Stanllyd, Llanelli – entered into an agreement to steal quantities of tin ingots belonging to Tata Steel UK.

The alleged conspiracy is said to have taken place over an extended period between July 1, 2023 and October 31, 2024.

Tin ingots are a processed metal product used in steel coating and manufacturing, and the material produced at Trostre is widely used in the packaging industry, including food and drink containers.

The charge alleges that the defendants dishonestly agreed together to remove the metal from the steelworks without authority, contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

Conspiracy offences are treated seriously by the courts as they involve agreements between two or more people to commit a criminal offence.

Because of the seriousness of the allegation and the potential value of the materials involved, magistrates ruled that the case was not suitable to be dealt with at the magistrates’ court.

All three defendants were sent to Swansea Crown Court where the case will proceed.

They were granted bail pending their next appearance before the Crown Court.