Man to be sentenced for multiple child rape offences

Published

1 week ago

January 3, 2026

A CARMARTHENSHIRE man will be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (January 5) after pleading guilty to multiple serious sexual offences involving children.

David Prothero, aged 39, from Tumble, is due to appear before a Crown Court judge for sentencing

The victims in the case are children who are legally entitled to lifelong anonymity.

Abuse disclosed to police

The court previously heard that allegations of sexual abuse were disclosed in early 2025, relating to offences said to have taken place from February 2025 onwards.

The offending included rape and other serious sexual acts, as well as sexual touching. The abuse was later reported to police, triggering an immediate investigation.

Officers arrested Prothero on Thursday, August 14, 2025. He was subsequently charged and remanded into custody.

Further allegations uncovered

Following his arrest, police worked alongside social services, during which additional allegations of assault and child neglect were identified.

On Friday, December 5, Prothero appeared at Swansea Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the following offences:

Two counts of rape of a female aged 13
Four counts of sexual activity with a female aged 13–17
Four counts of sexual assault on a female
One count of ill-treatment or neglect of a child
One count of assault

Sentencing due Monday

Sentencing will take place on Monday, with police expected to issue a statement following the hearing.

The case has been described as highlighting the courage of the victims in coming forward to report serious sexual abuse.

The Herald will report fully from court once the sentence has been handed down.

Man pleads guilty after £150k drugs haul found in Pembroke traffic stop

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Routine police check led to discovery of cocaine and cannabis in car boot

A MAN has pleaded guilty after a routine traffic stop in Pembroke led to the discovery of Class A and Class B drugs with an estimated street value of more than £150,000.

On the morning of Friday (Jan 2), officers from the local Road Policing Unit stopped a grey Seat Ateca on Holyland Road, Pembroke, driven by 43-year-old Dean Evans.

During the stop, Evans made comments to officers suggesting they would find “stuff” in the vehicle. As a result, both he and the car were searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

A cardboard box was discovered in the boot containing a one-kilogram block of cocaine along with ten half-kilogram packages of herbal cannabis. The combined street value of the drugs was said to be well in excess of £150,000.

Evans was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply controlled drugs.

Following his arrest, officers carried out a search of Evans’ property, which led to the seizure of a black Mercedes AMG and a VOGE DS900 motorcycle under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The Mercedes was also searched and found to contain a wallet holding more than £200 in cash, along with a clear snap-seal bag containing a white substance which later tested positive for cocaine.

Evans was charged with possession with intent to supply both Class A and Class B drugs and pleaded guilty at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (Jan 3).

He was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on Friday (Jan 23).

Crime

Man fined after admitting public order offence

Published

4 days ago

January 8, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been fined after admitting a public order offence.

Gareth Williams, aged 45, of Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jan 7).

The court heard that Williams was charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour, contrary to the Public Order Act, during an incident on December 28, 2025.

He pleaded guilty to the offence at the first opportunity.

Magistrates imposed a fine, and ordered Williams to pay prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.

Crime

Man fined and banned from driving after insurance offence

Published

4 days ago

January 8, 2026

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKE man has been fined and disqualified from driving after admitting a motoring offence.

Rhys Phillips, aged 33, of Bush Street, Pembroke, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jan 7).

The court heard that Phillips drove a motor vehicle without insurance on October 2, 2025.

He pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates imposed a fine, endorsed his licence with penalty points, and imposed a driving disqualification due to his record. He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.