Crime

Former Army Cadet leader sentenced for child abuse image offences

Published

4 weeks ago

December 14, 2025

Judge condemns “horribly abused” victims as Carmarthen man admits offences

A FORMER Army Cadet instructor from Carmarthen has been sentenced for a string of child abuse image offences after police uncovered indecent material on his mobile phone.

Michael Monks, aged 55, of Russell Terrace, came to the attention of officers when a warrant was executed at his home in May 2022. During the search, police seized his Huawei phone, later discovering dozens of indecent images of children.

A forensic examination found 48 illegal images, including 25 Category A images – the most serious level, involving graphic sexual abuse. Officers also located three images involving bestiality.

The investigation showed Monks had been involved in a group on the encrypted messaging app Wickr, where members exchanged illegal material. The court heard he had both received images and shared four of his own with other users.

At the time, Monks was serving as a leader at the Army Cadet centre in Llanelli.

During his police interview, Monks denied any sexual interest in children and maintained that position until moments before his appearance at Swansea Crown Court.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told him the children depicted were “real victims being subjected to horrific abuse so that people like you could derive sexual gratification”. He added he had lost count of the number of defendants who had tried to claim they viewed such material “out of curiosity”.

The judge noted it was troubling that Monks had only just accepted he had a sexual interest in children, saying meaningful rehabilitation would not be possible unless offenders first acknowledge their behaviour.

Defending, Dan Griffiths said Monks’ reluctance to admit his sexual interest was likely due to shame, not deception. He said there had been no further offending in more than three years, suggesting his client could control his behaviour. Monks also cares for his wife and was willing to comply with any order imposed.

The court also heard of significant delays in the case. Although police received the forensic report in March 2023, they did not seek charging advice from the CPS until January 2025. Judge Thomas described the delay as “wholly unacceptable”.

Monks admitted three counts of possessing indecent images of children (Categories A, B and C), three counts of making such images, two counts of distributing images (Categories B and C), and one count of possessing extreme pornography. He had no previous convictions.

With credit for early guilty pleas, the court imposed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Monks must undertake a rehabilitation programme, complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and comply with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his internet use. He will also be on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Judge Thomas said he expected the Army Cadet organisation to take whatever action was necessary following the conviction.

Crime

Man accused of GBH, threats to kill and weapons offence remanded on bail

Published

6 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Court Reporter

Multiple serious allegations before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court

A MAN accused of a series of serious violent and public order offences has been remanded on conditional bail by magistrates.

Jamie Clews, aged 39, of Spring Gardens, Hubberston, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 12) in connection with multiple alleged offences spanning 2024 and 2025.

The court heard that Clews is charged with threatening a person with an offensive weapon or bladed article on January 1, 2024.

He also faces an allegation of wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, contrary to section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act, said to have been committed on June 7, 2024.

Further charges include making threats to kill on June 1, 2024, and criminal damage to property valued under £5,000, also alleged to have occurred on January 1, 2024.

In addition, Clews is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on December 21, 2025.

The court was also told that on January 7, 2026, Clews was arrested by a police officer for breaking, or being likely to break, bail conditions, an issue which was addressed during the hearing.

Magistrates dealt with the case as an ongoing matter and remanded Clews on conditional bail. The specific conditions were not outlined in open court.

The case was adjourned for a further hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on a date yet to be fixed.

Crime

Pembroke Dock man fined for harassment offence

Published

7 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Court Reporter

Guilty plea entered at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court

A PEMBROKE DOCK man has been fined after admitting a harassment offence.

Ryan Winterford, aged 33, of Cuckoo Wood, Pembroke Dock, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 12) where he pleaded guilty to a single charge of harassment without violence.

The offence, contrary to section 2 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, was committed on December 25, 2025.

Winterford entered his guilty plea at the first hearing, and the conviction was formally recorded by the court on Monday.

Magistrates imposed a fine of £153 and ordered Winterford to pay prosecution costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Crime

Man admits harassment, assault and sharing intimate image

Published

7 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Guilty pleas entered at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court

A MAN with no fixed address has admitted a series of offences including harassment, assault, and sharing an intimate image without consent.

Brandon Pugh, aged 26, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 12) where he pleaded guilty to three separate offences committed in Pembrokeshire last autumn.

The court heard that on October 30, 2025, Pugh carried out harassment without violence, contrary to section 2 of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

He also admitted assault by beating, an offence under section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, committed on November 6, 2025.

In addition, Pugh pleaded guilty to sharing a photograph or film of a person in an intimate state without their consent, an offence under section 33 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, also committed on November 6, 2025.

All three guilty pleas were entered on December 23, 2025, and were taken into account by the court when sentence was passed.

As part of the outcome, Pugh was ordered to pay £200 in compensation. He was also ordered to pay costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.