High Court judges free Haverfordwest sex offender

Published

10 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.

Pendine cliff fall victim recovering after major emergency response

Published

14 minutes ago

June 10, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 22-YEAR-OLD man who suffered serious injuries after falling from cliffs overlooking Pendine Beach is recovering well following emergency surgery.

The man was visiting Pendine with friends on a weekend break when the incident happened on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the scene after he fell from a cliff edge above the beach, sustaining significant chest, facial and pelvic injuries.

A major multi-agency response was launched involving the Welsh Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, Dyfed-Powys Police and the Wales Air Ambulance. Personnel from Pendine Community Council also assisted at the scene.

After receiving emergency treatment, the casualty was airlifted to Cardiff for specialist hospital care, where he underwent surgery.

An update released with the consent of the injured man and his family confirmed that he is now recovering well.

The young man, his family and friends have expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in the rescue effort, treatment and ongoing care.

Special thanks were paid to local resident Michaela Dance, an Emergency Nurse Practitioner, who was first on the scene and provided immediate assistance before emergency crews arrived.

The family said they were extremely thankful for the professionalism, skill and compassion shown by all emergency service personnel and those who helped during the incident.

Despite the seriousness of the injuries sustained, the outcome has been positive, with family and friends acknowledging that the situation could have been far worse.

Pictured are the injured man’s friends with Michaela Dance, presenting her with a gift as a token of their appreciation for the assistance she provided following the incident.

News

Hakin motorist banned after driving 14 times over drug limit

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A HAKIN motorist has been banned from driving for three years after being caught behind the wheel with cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

Mark Briskham, 53, of Waterloo Square, Wellington Road, Hakin, was stopped by police on January 5 as he drove a Ford Kuga along Steynton Road, near Milford Haven.

Blood tests carried out at the police station showed he had 800mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

He also had 64mcg of cocaine in his system. The legal limit is 10mcg.

Briskham pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for three years, taking into account a previous drug-drive conviction from 2020.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.cr

Crime

Begelly man remanded over alleged May Day assault

Published

16 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged May Day assault against a woman in Begelly.

Tomas Baker, 34, of Ty Dee, New Road, Begelly, is accused of assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm, at an undisclosed location in Begelly on May 1.

Baker appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from Swansea Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 22.