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News

Father kept daughter locked away as sex prisoner [UPDATED]

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A 57-YEAR-OLD man from west Wales who raped his own daughters has been jailed for life today (Apr 27).

One of the girls was kept a prisoner in his home–and during her eight years never went to school, played outside, saw a cat or a dog or had a friend.

Judge Geraint Walters said at Swansea Crown Court she had been so deprived during her childhood she may never recover.

Her father, who lives west of Carmarthen, was jailed for life and told he would serve a minimum of 12 years behind bars before being allowed to apply for parole. But he will not be released until the parole board is satisfied he is no longer a danger to children. That, said Judge Walters, may never happen.

Robin Rouch, prosecuting, said the man raped his first daughter over a two year period and then separated from her mother.

He then spent time in Thailand but no-one knew what he had been doing there. On his return to west Wales he remarried and had a second daughter, who he also abused–this time with the help of his new wife.

She has been found guilty of child sex offences and will be sentenced at a later date.

The man’s offending was described by Judge Walters as “plunging to new depths of depravity”.

He managed to “home school” the younger girl but effectively kept her as a sex slave, said the judge: “not exactly locking her in a cellar- but not far from it.”

There were padlocks on all the doors and the curtains were always kept closed.

The girl was never allowed out and, consequently, had never played with friends, or gone swimming. She had never seen Christmas lights and had no concept of what a celebration was.

The effect on her was so profound, said Judge Walters, that she could not be left alone with other children for fear she would sexually abuse them.

“Sex is her only concept of love,” he added. “This was a campaign of rape and this wicked abuse will hit her harder as she grows older.”

He added: “You have ruined her life.”

The man admitted 25 offences of child sex abuse, including several rapes, and making indecent images of children.

He cannot be named to protect the identities of his daughters.

Dyfed-Powys Police said that they welcome the result following what has been a particularly difficult and sensitive investigation into the sexual abuse over a prolonged period for the young victims, who were naturally traumatised by the abuse they suffered.

Detective Inspector Phil Rowe said: “I am pleased with the sentence handed down today and that the offender is no longer able to cause harm to the young victims or anyone else. This was a protracted and challenging investigation with the main priority being the protection of the vulnerable victims.

“The crimes committed were abhorrent and I must commend the police officers and staff who worked tirelessly to bring them 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.

“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.”

Business

Local MP raises a glass to Pembrokeshire’s Nestlé bottling plant

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PEMBROKESHIRE’S Nestlé bottling plant was given the once over by local MP Henry Tufnell this week when he visited the Waters & Premium Beverages bottling site in Princes Gate near Narberth.

The visit marked Tufnell’s first visit to the factory since his appointment as MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire in July, 2024.

He met factory manager Matthew Faulkner, and engaged with staff, learning about the company’s commitment to stewarding water resources and helping to regenerate local water cycles.  He also learned about the plant’s operations, sustainability initiatives and its on-going commitment to local employment.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Mr Tufnell to our factory,” commented Matthew Faulkner, “as his visit provided a wonderful opportunity to introduce our team and showcase our factory and what we do.

“We take pride in being part of the local community and are committed to supporting local initiatives and helping create a positive water impact locally.”

The workforce at the bottling site consists of more than 120 employees, including specialists in production, warehouse operations, quality, safety, and water management, with the majority residing within a 20-mile radius of the factory.

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News

Police and council carry out waste carrier licence checks

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POLICE officers in Milford Haven and Neyland joined forces with Pembrokeshire County Council on Monday (Apr 14) to carry out checks on waste carriers operating in the area.

PC Kate and PCSO Gabs, alongside Matthew from the council’s enforcement team, stopped a number of vehicles as part of a joint operation targeting unlicensed waste transporters.

The officers checked that drivers were carrying the correct waste carrier licences and documentation required by law.

A spokesperson for the neighbourhood policing team said: “It was great to see our road users were compliant and were carrying the relevant documentation.”

The operation is part of ongoing efforts to tackle fly-tipping and ensure responsible waste disposal practices across Pembrokeshire.

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Crime

Man found with abuse images of children as young as three

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A PEMBROKE DOCK man has avoided an immediate prison sentence after police discovered indecent images of children on his mobile phone.

Andrew Davies, aged 36, was arrested after officers attended his home on Brewery Street on November 16, 2022. The court heard he handed over his phone and PIN without hesitation. An initial check revealed child sexual abuse material, leading to his arrest.

A full forensic analysis uncovered a total of 67 indecent images of children, including nine in Category A – the most serious level – along with 14 Category B and 44 Category C images. Some of the images dated back to 2019.

Sian Cutter, prosecuting at Swansea Crown Court, said a further 32 “borderline” images were also found. The material featured children as young as three being restrained and abused.

Davies admitted three counts of making indecent images of children when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. He had no previous convictions.

Appearing for the defendant, Ryan Bowen said: “Mr Davies is under no illusion about the gravity of these offences, which clearly cross the custody threshold. He has taken full responsibility and has not sought to deflect blame.”

The court was told there had been a significant delay in bringing the case to court, and that Davies had not re-offended since the original arrest.

Sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards said: “Viewing child sexual abuse material causes real harm to real children. It adds to their pain and suffering. A particularly serious feature of this case is the very young age of some of the victims.”

She acknowledged the delay in proceedings and accepted there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. Davies, she said, had already faced significant personal consequences as a result of his actions.

Davies was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and attend 25 rehabilitation activity days.

He will also be on the sex offenders register for 10 years. A further hearing is set to take place on April 11 to consider the imposition of a sexual harm prevention order.

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