News

Judge queries rape trial delay

Published

12 years ago

September 21, 2013

The Swansea Crown Court trial of a Haverfordwest man ended in a hung jury on Friday afternoon (September 20).
The foreman of the jury informed the court at around 4pm that a verdict could not be agreed, and a majority of ten or eleven jurors could also not be agreed either. The foreman said there was no prospect that further deliberations would help. Deliberations had lasted for over six and a half hours.
Geraint Walters, prosecuting, was given seven days in which to consult with the CPS over a possible retrial.
Harley Rees, aged 19, was accused of raping a friend in August or September of 2010. The girl had taken a year to come forward with a complaint, and the police and CPS had taken a further year to make a decision to bring charges.
His Honour Judge Thomas asked discharded the jury, thanking them for their service and said that their public duty was “invaluable.”
HH Judge Thomas said “It is difficult in these case of cases when views can be polorised one way or another for jurys to reach a verdict. Please do not think that you have let anyone down by not agreeing. I would like to thank each and every one of you for your sevice today”
After the jury had left the room, and addressing prosecutor Geraint Walters in open court, HH Judge Thomas said: “This trial has been carried out by professionalism and expedition by the barriesters in this court, but what I would like to find out is why did a charging decision take so long?”
The judge added: “It seems to me that problems have been caused by a lack of manpower in the Crown Prosecution Service and that you have not received the logistical back up you needed to do you job. You have been disadvantaged and struggling. In a case of this seriousness you should be given all the support you deserve, no matter what the cost.”
Harley Rees, who had been sobbing and hugging family members whilst the jury was deliberating, was smiling and confident as he walked out of court. With his new girlfriend at his side he spoke to the Herald outside the courtroom.
“I am happy with the outcome of today’s hearing” he said.
Rees added: “Now I want to go home and relax for the next seven days and wait to find out if there is going to be a retrial”
The alleged victim can not be named for legal reasons, and Rees remains on bail pending the possible retrial.

Crime

Police renew appeal after woman found dead at Cardigan boatyard

Published

10 minutes ago

November 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Officers continue murder investigation as one man remains under arrest

POLICE have issued a renewed public appeal as the investigation into the death of Corinna Baker continues, after her body was discovered at Netpool Boatyard in Cardigan on Saturday, November 15.

Officers were called to the boatyard at around 12:35pm following the report of a woman’s body. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that Corinna’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A man remains under arrest on suspicion of murder. Police said he is currently receiving medical care in a local hospital, but remains under arrest in connection with the investigation.

Following the discovery, there was an increased police presence in Cardigan, with officers cordoning off the Netpool slipway and nearby access roads. Late on Saturday night, a boat covered in black plastic sheeting was removed from the scene as part of the ongoing forensic examination.

In a statement released on Sunday, her family said: “We as a family are distraught at the loss of our beloved Corinna.

“She was much loved and she will be greatly missed by her whole family and all those who were blessed to have known her.

“We appeal to anyone who has any information however small to please come forward.

“We ask that everybody respects our privacy at this time and allows us to grieve in peace.”

Detective Superintendent Wayne Bevan said: “Our thoughts are with Corinna’s family at this understandably tragic time.

“We have specially trained officers supporting the family and ask that their privacy is respected.

“I urge anyone with any information, to please come forward and support our ongoing investigation.”

Detectives say they are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen Corinna, had contact with her, or witnessed any activity in or around the boatyard between 7:00pm on Thursday, November 13, and 12:50pm on Saturday, November 15.

A spokesperson said: “We continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Corinna Baker. One man remains under arrest. We would like to thank those who have contacted us and assisted us in our investigation so far.”

Members of the public who may have information are urged to contact police via:

• Online: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 101

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crime

Sex offender remanded after boarding ferry without notifying police

Published

2 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Sarah Jane Absalom

Pembroke Dock foot passenger to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court

A REGISTERED sex offender has been remanded in custody after attempting to board the Pembroke Dock to Rosslare ferry without informing police of his travel plans.

Jamie Davies, aged forty-six, was seen boarding the ferry as a foot passenger on Monday afternoon (November 17). Davies was placed on the sex offenders’ register in June this year after being convicted of sexual offences and was required to notify police of any intended travel.

“The Pembroke Dock ferry port staff were conducting customs checks on Monday afternoon and saw that Jamie Davies was travelling as a foot passenger,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.

Police officers attended and arrested Davies at the port. He later refused to comment during interview.

Davies, of Greenhall Park, Johnston, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the sexual notification requirement when he appeared before the court in custody. He was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd.

“He’d booked a return ticket and was fully intending to come back,” Mr Lloyd told the court. “This was a genuine oversight and wasn’t an attempt to escape justice.”

Judge Layton declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the breach. Davies will now be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on December 4. He was remanded in custody.

Crime

Eglwyswrw driver facing sentence after three illegal drugs found in blood

Published

2 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Interim ban imposed as probation prepares full report

AN EGLWYSWRW motorist has been served an interim driving ban after police found three illegal drugs in his system.

George Cornell, aged twenty-seven, was stopped on the afternoon of June 9 after officers saw him driving his Peugeot 207 at speed through Haverfordwest town centre.

“The officers saw him driving at speed past Haverfordwest magistrates court and followed him as he drove along the A40 towards Fishguard,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.

“He was stopped just after the Treffgarne bends and he admitted being a cannabis user.”

Blood tests carried out at the police station showed that, in addition to 4.9 mcg of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, Cornell also had cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

Because of the presence of multiple drugs, Judge Layton ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared by the probation service ahead of sentencing, which will take place at Haverfordwest magistrates court on December 9.

The interim driving disqualification was imposed with immediate effect. Cornell was released on unconditional bail.