High Court judges free Haverfordwest sex offender

Published

8 years ago

November 23, 2016

Stephen David Evans: Freed from jail

A FORMER councillor who bombarded a schoolgirl with “disgusting and obscene” texts has been freed from jail as an act of mercy by top judges.

Stephen David Evans, 57, was in a highly troubled state when he sent lewd anonymous texts to his 15-year-old victim, London’s Appeal Court heard.

In one text the former Pembrokeshire councillor bluntly told the distraught schoolgirl, “I want to s**g you.”

Later on, he sent her further “disgusting and obscene messages”, said Lady Justice Sharp today.

In one message, he fantasised about a “threesome” with the girl, although by that time she was no longer under age.

Evans, of Haverfordwest, was caged for 16 months at Swansea Crown Court in August.

He admitted two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

But his case reached the Appeal Court today as he successfully challenged his sentence.

Lady Justice Sharp noted the distressing impact of the messages on Evans’ victim – whose GCSE grades suffered badly as a result.

But the judge highlighted Evans’ previous good character – plus the “devoted care” he gives his ailing wife.

The court heard that she suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and that Evans took on the “enormous burden” of looking after her before being locked up.

The judge, sitting with Mr Justice Morris and Judge Jeremy Carey QC noted Evans’ “exemplary devotion”.

He had also shown “genuine remorse and sense of shame and regret”.

Although “very unpleasant”, this was not a case where Evans had tried to groom or make physical contact with his victim.

“There were reasons to be merciful in view of the difficulties in this case,” said Lady Justice Sharp, cutting the sentence to 20 weeks.

The reduction should mean Evans’ immediate release.

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

7 mins ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

2 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

2 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.