Crime

Haverfordwest sex offender breached order by keeping unregistered phone

Published

3 weeks ago

November 26, 2025

Eighty-four-year-old claimed he “forgot” terms of lifelong ban

A HAVERFORDWEST sex offender has avoided jail after admitting he breached a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order by keeping an unregistered smartphone at his home.

Police officers visited the home of Barry Hollingsworth, 84, in Slade Park on October 1 as part of routine checks. When no-one answered the door, an officer looked through a window and spotted two phones on the kitchen counter — a red device already registered with police, and a black smartphone which was not.

Officers returned the following day and asked Hollingsworth about the second phone. Swansea Crown Court heard he told them the handset had been given to him by a member of his church, but that he “didn’t know how to use it”.

Prosecutor Alexandra Wilson said an examination of the device found nothing of concern. The only activity identified was a single text confirming the phone had been activated on July 29, and one internet search reading: “How to set up a new phone please.”

Hollingsworth later told police in interview that he “must have forgotten” the terms of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which requires him to register any internet-capable device within three days.

The court was told that Hollingsworth has 15 previous convictions for 33 offences, including 11 sexual offences and multiple breaches of court orders. He originally received a five-year extended sentence in 2018 after being caught with dozens of child abuse images and videos.

‘Minimal use’ of device

Defence solicitor Alex Scott said there had been “minimal use” of the smartphone and that Hollingsworth had struggled to set it up. He said his client intended to use the phone only to access church activities online and deal with correspondence.

Mr Scott added that at Hollingsworth’s age, there may be an element of cognitive decline, and stressed that the phone had not been hidden from police.

Community order imposed

Sentencing, Judge Huw Rees said Hollingsworth’s criminal record was “long” and “concerning”, reflecting “sexual deviant behaviour” over many years.

Hollingsworth was handed an 18-month community order, including 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days. His sex offender notification requirements and lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order remain in force.

Mr Scott told the court that Hollingsworth does not want the phone and intends to surrender it to police.

Crime

Van driver avoids ban after speeding on A48

Published

12 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A VAN driver who was caught speeding on the A48 near Nantycaws avoided disqualification after magistrates accepted that a ban would cause exceptional hardship to others.

Norman Andrew Chapman, aged 59, of Rock Drive, Gelli, Pentre, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15).

Chapman admitted driving a Ford Transit 350 panel van at 68mph on a dual carriageway subject to a 60mph limit for that class of vehicle. The offence occurred at 1:05pm on April 2 and was detected using laser equipment.

The court heard detailed mitigation outlining Chapman’s caring responsibilities. He helps care for his housebound mother, who is on oxygen, and has taken on additional responsibilities while his brother undergoes cancer treatment. Magistrates were also told he assists a lifelong friend with panic attacks by taking her shopping, and that losing his licence would jeopardise his employment and potentially affect his employer’s business.

Finding exceptional hardship, the court decided not to disqualify Chapman.

He was fined £193, ordered to pay £400 in prosecution costs, and had three penalty points added to his driving licence.

Crime

Harassment case against Milford Haven man dismissed

Published

12 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A HARASSMENT case against a Milford Haven man was dismissed after prosecutors offered no evidence.

David Daley, aged 45, of Murray Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15) for trial.

Daley had denied a charge of harassment without violence, relating to allegations that between October 28 and October 30 he persistently sent unwanted messages and attended at the home address of a female in Prioryville, Milford Haven.

No evidence was offered by the Crown Prosecution Service, and the charge was formally dismissed by the court.

Crime

Carmarthen man given restraining order after public order offence

Published

12 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Court Reporter

A CARMARTHEN man has been handed a restraining order after admitting a public order offence involving a woman known to him.

Joe Davies, aged 40, of Rhos Las, Carmarthen, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Dec 15), where he pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The offence took place in Carmarthen on April 10, when Davies directed his behaviour towards Helena Davies.

The court heard that a victim personal statement was presented and read aloud by the prosecution.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge, taking Davies’ guilty plea into account. He was also ordered to pay £350 in prosecution costs.

A restraining order was imposed, banning Davies from contacting Helena Davies directly or indirectly, entering her home, or referring to her on any electronic device or online platform. The order will remain in force until December 15, 2026.