News

‘Incapable of changing’ paedophile jailed for two years

Published

12 years ago

February 6, 2014

A PAEDOPHILE from Pembroke Dock “incapable of changing” has been jailed for twice breaking a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

Barry William Hollingsworth, aged 72, told police he could not control his behaviour.

Hollingsworth, of Flat 4, Old Coronation School, Meyrick Street, was punished by the courts in 1984, 1989, 2004 and 2009 for indecent exposure, indecent assault on a girl aged under 14 and possessing indecent images of children.

Swansea crown court heard on Friday that on the last occasion Hollingsworth was made the subject of a SOPO, which banned him from going near children. Janet Gedrych, prosecuting, said on July 19, Hollingsworth was seen following a group of schoolchildren at Heatherton Park, St Florence near Tenby. He seemed to pay particular attention to one young child and staff alerted the park manager, Andrew MacDonald.

Hollingsworth returned to the park a week later and Mr MacDonald called the police. He was arrested for breaching the SOPO and told officers: “I know I’m not supposed to be here but I am.”

Miss Gedrych said police decided to keep Hollingsworth under surveillance and followed him as he took a train to Penally. From there he walked to a nearby beach and placed a towel close to where a girl of about six years of age was playing. Officers secretly filmed him as he appeared to rub his groin area. Police became so concerned they broke off the surveillance and arrested him.

Hollingsworth told them he could not live by the conditions of the SOPO. He said he received sexual gratification by looking at the girl and fantasising about her. He admitted both breaches.His barrister, Paul Hobson, said he had not actually touched any of the children.

Judge Keith Thomas said Hollingsworth had been through “the entire court system” and had completed various prison sentences and courses and counselling sessions.

“He finds it impossible to overcome his sexual urges but nothing deters him.

“He is incapable of changing and he represents a high risk of causing harm to children.

“It is frightening and disturbing and these matters cause great concern,” added the judge.Hollingsworth was reminded that he was still under the SOPO and would be on the child sex offences register for life.

Hollingsworth was jailed for two years.

Crime

Police stop car in Pennar as three arrested in drugs investigation

Published

5 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Suspected drug driver report leads to major police response and multiple arrests

DRAMATIC scenes were reported in Pennar on Monday afternoon (Mar 23) after multiple police vehicles were deployed to stop a car.

The incident happened at around 5:00pm near Pennar Court, Pembroke Dock, where officers located a stationary vehicle following reports of a suspected drug driver in the area.

Police attended and pre-emptively stopped the vehicle, also blocking a second car nearby.

Officers carried out searches of both vehicles and discovered suspected controlled substances.

A 32-year-old woman and a 47-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A and class B drugs with intent to supply. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of class A and class B drugs with intent to supply.

The 32-year-old woman has been released under investigation, while the 31-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been released on unconditional bail.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident followed reports of a man believed to be driving under the influence in the area earlier that afternoon.

Crime

Sex offender jailed for sending explicit messages to ’14-year-old’ girls

Published

5 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A MAN has been jailed after sending sexual messages on Snapchat to three girls he believed were aged 14.

Ciaran Carmody, aged 21, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court via video link from HM Wrexham prison, where he admitted three offences of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under 16.

The court heard the messages were sent on three separate occasions to accounts posing as 14-year-old girls, which were in fact part of an undercover police operation.

Prosecutor Nia James said each of the girls made their age clear, but the messages sent by Carmody were sexual in nature.

The offences took place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

Finance

Haverfordwest savers encouraged to seek clarity ahead of ISA tax year end

Published

6 hours ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TWO in three savers say a fixed interest rate would give them greater peace of mind when planning their finances, according to new research from Principality Building Society*, as people in Haverfordwest are encouraged to review their savings ahead of the ISA tax year deadline.

The research, conducted with more than 1,500 people, also found that while many savers feel comfortable managing their money independently, a significant number still value the reassurance of speaking to someone when making important financial decisions.

Meanwhile, around one in six people mistakenly believe they must open a new ISA every tax year, highlighting ongoing confusion around how ISAs work. In many cases, particularly for variable savings products, savers may be able to continue paying into an existing ISA.

With the tax year end approaching, Principality Building Society is inviting Members and local savers to speak with colleagues at its High Street branch in Haverfordwest to better understand their options and make informed choices about how to use their ISA allowance.

The research also highlights the appeal of certainty when it comes to savings. Two in three savers say a fixed rate would give them peace of mind, reflecting the reassurance that comes from knowing exactly what return they will receive over a set period. Fixed rate Cash ISAs can provide that certainty, making it easier for some savers to plan ahead.

Vicky Wales, Chief Savings and Lending Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “ISA season can often feel busy and confusing, particularly against the backdrop of changes in the wider financial environment. Many people value the opportunity to talk through their options and feel confident they’re making the right decision.

Every saver’s situation is unique, so having a conversation can help people better understand their choices and how these align with their longer-term plans. Understanding the differences between savings products – including fixed and variable rates – can help savers make the most of their ISA allowance, and ensure their money is working in a way that suits their individual goals.”

Principality Building Society is encouraging anyone in Haverfordwest who would like to review their savings ahead of the tax year end to visit their local branch for a supportive conversation about their options, and how they can make the most of their savings.

Source: Principality Building Society’s own online community, Member Pulse, survey on Cash ISAs, March 2026 (total respondents: 1,544)