News

Neyland: Paedophile sentenced to 28 years in prison

Published

7 years ago

June 29, 2018

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND paedophile John Smith has received a 28 year extended sentence for a string of child sex offences.

Smith, once known as Mathew Griffiths, had been found guilty of all the 28 child sex offences against him.

Smith, aged 47, of High Street, was told the sentence would be made up of a 21-year custodial element, of which he must serve 14 years before being allowed to even apply for parole.

Judge Paul Thomas, sitting at Swansea Crown Court, said Smith would be under stringent licence conditions until 2046 irrespective of when he is released.

Smith was found guilty of buggery, indecent assault, indecency with a child, sexual assault and vaginal intercourse with a girl aged under 13

He was also convicted of possessing indecent images of children, making such images, and the possession of extreme pornography depicting women having sex with dogs and horses.

The child assault charges involved three girls and a boy, all of whom are now adults.

Smith had denied all the charges but was convicted after a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

The court heard victim impact statements from each of his victims in which they told how their lives had been blighted by the sex abuse.

Judge Thomas told Smith he had a sexual appetite for young girls and boys, and thought only of his ‘wicked, paedophile end’.

Those he had abused, he added, had been devastated but Smith had shown ‘not a shred of remorse’.

“You called them liars and that contributed to their distress. You tried only to save your own skin,” said the judge.

Judge Thomas said he believed Mathew Griffiths had changed his name to John Smith – ‘showing a certain lack of imagination’ – to try and stop his past catching up with him.

Judge Thomas said he was confident that the steps he had taken would ensure that Smith would never again have access to young children.

After Smith had been led away he praised the victims for their courage in going to the police and the dignity they had displayed during the judicial process.

The officer in charge of the case, DC Lisa Roberts, dedicated eight months to this investigation wanting to secure a conviction for the victims.

DC Roberts said: “I have dedicated a huge amount of time and effort in this investigation. However, this is nothing compared to what the victims went through and worth every second because it wasn’t me that got him to court.

“The resilience, strength and courage of the victims was outstanding and without them and their commitment through some very demanding and stressful times we simply wouldn’t have had the result we had.

“I personally would like to thank the brave victims for coming forward and pursuing this case after what has been a long and complex investigation.”

Detective Inspector Cameron Ritchie said: “I commend the efforts of the officers involved in securing the conviction and sentence of this offender.

“Smith’s actions will have a lifelong effect on our four victims and their bravery is commendable. It is so important that survivors have the confidence to come forward and report these crimes no matter how much time has passed.

“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.”

If you have been a victim of non-recent child sexual abuse, or abuse that is happening now, report it to Dyfed-Powys Police by calling 101 and ask to speak to an officer in confidence. You will be listened to and you will be taken seriously. An initial report can also be made online via their website: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/contact-us/report-an-incident/.

Regardless of whether you choose to report the crime, Goleudy Victim and Witness Service can provide you with further support and assistance. Call 0300 1232996 or email [email protected]

Victims of child sexual abuse are also encouraged to think about sharing their experience with The Truth Project, which is part of the Independent Inquiry Into Child Sexual Abuse cases (IICSA). It was set up in 2015 to investigate organisations and institutions that have failed to protect children from sexual abuse. By sharing their experiences, victims and survivors make an important contribution to the work of the Inquiry and their experiences will feed into and influence the findings and recommendations. Visit www.truthproject.org.uk for more information.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.