News

Pembroke: Man jailed for 21 years after filming sexual assault on three-year-old

Published

8 years ago

October 2, 2017

A SEX beast who filmed himself sexually assaulting a three-year old-girl has been jailed for 21 years today (Oct 2).

Trevor Vinson, aged 38, shot the footage on a mobile telephone which he hid inside the bag of a vacuum cleaner as police knocked on his front door.

But his horrified partner found the phone and handed it over to the police.

Vinson, formerly of Tumble but now of Valence Walk, Pembroke, admitted six offences of sexual assault and three of making child pornography.

Catherine Richards, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that the girl – no relation to Vinson – had complained to her parents about Vinson touching her.

Trevor Vinson: A car enthusiast

Her father confronted Vinson but he talked his way out of it.

But she complained to her grandmother and the police were contacted.

Miss Richards said Vinson continued to deny doing anything wrong. On being shown the mobile telephone pictures he first denied that the phone belonged to him and then said someone else must have carried out the assaults and done the filming.

But, she added, police were able to prove that he was responsible.

Vinson sat with his head bowed and staring at the floor for the duration of the hearing.

Judge Keith Thomas ruled that Vinson was a dangerous offender as defined by law and would be a risk to young people after his eventual release from prison.

Judge Thomas issued a sexual harm prevention order restricting Vinson’s access to young people in the future.

He said he did not accept that Vinson had any real understanding of the harm he had caused.

Vinson was jailed for 15 years, with an extended licence period of six years.

Judge Thomas told him he would serve a minimum of 10 years behind bars but would be liable to recall to prison until 2038.

The parents of the three-year-old victim said: “As a family we have been rocked to the core, our world has crumbled around us. It has impacted every aspect of us physically and mentally, leading us to second guess every decision we have ever made in regards to our own parenting.

“The whole family group has been left traumatised, we never thought it would happen to our family, it’s something you hear about in the papers but never believe it will be at your own doorstep. We would never have knowingly put our children in danger and will never forgive the deceit and breach of trust that has led to this.

“Dyfed-Powys Police has been phenomenal from the beginning and we would like to personally thank the individual officers who worked with us (Paula and Carrie) and the officers behind the scenes.

“Our advice to all parents is to trust your gut instinct as without that and the bravery shown by our child, this vile person may have still been perpetrating to this day. Please don’t be afraid to speak to the police if you think your child has come into contact with this person, trust in your instincts. No family should ever have to go through this much heartache at the hands of one individual.”

DI Elaine Bendle said: “I am pleased that Vinson has today been sentenced and is no longer able to cause harm to the young victim or anyone else. This is a highly unusual case with evidence being obtained from such a young victim.

“The crimes he committed against this child were abhorrent and I must commend the detectives, digital crime investigators, police officers and staff who worked tirelessly to bring Vinson to justice.

“We would obviously wish for such offences never to occur in our communities and we work closely with colleagues in partner agencies to safeguard vulnerable people, but very sadly abuse still does happen.

“I hope there can be some reassurance felt within our communities that when such crimes are committed, we have dedicated, specially trained officers here prepared to work hard to ensure outcomes like today’s sentencing.

“Goleudy, a service for victims and witnesses, is providing support to the victim and her family to help them come to terms with what has happened.

“I hope anyone else who has experienced similar abuse at any stage of their life can find courage from this case to see that all reports will be taken seriously by Dyfed-Powys Police and fully investigated.”

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

34 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

57 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Education

Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families

PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.

The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.

Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.

“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.

“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.

“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”

The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.

Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.

Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.

“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.

“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”