Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Rapist councillor to appeal child sex conviction

Published

on

THE FORMER Mayor of Pembroke and convicted child rapist Dai Boswell is to appeal his conviction of historic child sex offences.

The Herald has been told by Pembrokeshire County Council that Boswell lodged an appeal against conviction and sentence last week.

The St Mary North representative’s conviction had led to calls on social media for him to be somehow ‘sacked’ as a councillor.

However, due to a 46-year-old piece of legislation, Boswell is still able to receive his allowance as a member of the County Council and there is nothing the Council can do to stop it.

The fact that the former Mayor of Pembroke, who has been convicted of a string of historical sex offences is able to continue to receive his allowance has caused understandable outrage. However, PCC are powerless to remove him as a councillor due to the terms of the Local Government Act 1972.

The power to amend the legislation and change the criteria for when a councillor may and may not remain in post is under the control of the Welsh Government, and amending the law would require specific legislation to the Welsh Assembly, which is now in recess.

The law currently means that steps to disqualify a councillor can only be taken if they fail to appeal to the conviction within 28 days of sentence being passed upon them – in Boswell’s case that no longer applies.

As he is appealing his conviction, Boswell cannot now be disqualified under the provisions of the relevant part of the Act covering disqualification until the conclusion of the appeal process and only then if his conviction is upheld.

To heap further misery upon the Council – which is copping an extraordinary amount o​f​ criticism – there is nothing it can do to either short-circuit that process or to take steps that would amount to going behind it by suspending the paedophile councillor until the end of his appeal.

When we asked the County Council to explain the position for our readers, a spokesperson told us: ​”​Pembrokeshire County Council is aware that there is some speculation around the position of Councillor David (Dai) Boswell following sentencing on 13 July for extremely serious sexual offences against two children.

“Unless the Councillor resigns from his position, the Council can only disqualify a Member if, since election, he has been convicted of an offence and has been sentenced to imprisonment for a period of not less than three months.

“Conviction is deemed to occur on expiry of the period allowed for making an appeal or application with respect to the conviction (the defence has 28 days in which to serve an appeal notice following conviction), or the date on which such appeal/application is finally disposed of. Councillor Boswell submitted a notice of appeal against all convictions and sentence on 16 July​.

​”​Councillor Boswell retains his seat and is currently entitled to receive a salary. The Council cannot declare a vacancy until the appeal process is completed or, if the date is sooner, the date six months from which he has failed to attend a meeting of the Council, that date being 23 October 2018​.”​

In short, due to the way the Local Government Act was drafted almost half a century ago, a ‘conviction’ does not become what might be deemed ‘a final conviction’ until after a failed appeal and Boswell remains a councillor until that point and entitled to his remuneration as such.

However, a possibility remains open for the Council to pursue in order to rid itself of Boswell in a few months’ time.Under the law, if a councillor fails to attend a meeting for a period of six months, they can be removed and a by-election called.

Child-rapist Boswell last attended a meeting of the Council on April 23.The period of six months for disqualification runs forward from that date and continues to run at the same time as any period following conviction, sentence, and/or appeal. It is highly unlikely that any Judge would even consider an application to set aside any decision by the Council to remove Boswell from his Pembroke St Mary’s seat after the six month period had elapsed, unless further assurances had been given to Boswell by Council officers in relation to the rule’s operation upon him before St George’s Day or afterwards.

We asked the NSPCC whether they were actively lobbying for a change in the law to prevent such a scandal occurring again.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Boswell was convicted of appalling sex offences against children and it is right that he now faces many years behind bars where he cannot harm others.

“It is wrong that someone convicted of sexual crimes against children can continue to serve as an elected official for any period of time and we support a change to the law to ensure situations like this are not repeated.”

The key point is that it is a change in the law which is required, not unilateral and unlawful action by the Council, however well-intentioned.Moreover, the WLGA developed the same point in its press statement on the Boswell case.

After pointing out the extreme rarity of cases such as Boswell’s, a WLGA spokesperson said: “The issue in question is a legal anomaly in the current framework that needs to be urgently addressed. A guilty verdict does mean an automatic disqualification, following a 28-day window for a possible appeal.

“This is where the problem is located and needs urgent review, especially as this deplorable offence is a fundamental breach of the statutory duty that councillors have to ensure that all children within local authority areas are safeguarded and protected.”

Meanwhile, councillors will be ruing the advice tendered to Boswell by Monitoring Officer Claire Jones last year – namely, that he did not have to attend council meetings as seminars would do – that issue now is more to do with the confidence they can have in the Monitoring Officer.The Herald has spoken to a number of councillors, all of whom are less than impressed by the position into which the Monitoring Officer’s advice to Boswell has placed them, with one suggesting it would be hard for Ms Jones to regain members’ trust in the validity of her judgements in light of the mess.

Those feelings are intensified by the fact that had Boswell applied for a leave of absence under the rules, as a person innocent until proven guilty it would have been bound to have been granted. It is possible that in seeking to avoid one unpopular decision, a ‘solution’ was reached which has now come back to bite those officers involved in the original decision. A decision upon which no councillors were consulted.

That confidence will have been further eroded by the extraordinary debacle that saw members of the Council’s staff scuttling around County Hall to find records and a dramatic reinterpretation of the status of a sandwich lunch attended by Boswell in November 2017 before James Goudie QC was able to support the Monitoring Officer’s peculiar interpretation of the rules and regulations.

 

Crime

Four youths linked to night of disorder in Milford Haven

Published

on

A GROUP of four youths are believed to have been involved in a series of incidents in Milford Haven late on Sunday night, culminating in a reported break-in at the Lord Nelson Hotel.

At approximately 11.50pm, four young males walked into The Pembrokeshire Herald building on Victoria Road directly from the street.

They spoke briefly with editor Tom Sinclair and asked him for £10. When he refused, the group left the premises without further incident.

The youths are then believed to have gone to a nearby flat, where resident Ri Marr said they climbed scaffolding beside her home, banged on her windows and attempted to open her door.

Ms Marr, who lives alone, said she was terrified because she did not initially know who was outside.

She said police attended quickly and took a statement.

It is understood that two members of the group later entered the nearby Lord Nelson Hotel, where a substantial amount of stock was allegedly stolen from the bar.

Hotel manager James Findlay has released CCTV images showing two young males in the rear service area of the premises and appealed for help identifying them.

He said those responsible had an opportunity to return the stolen stock, adding that the hotel would otherwise fully support any police investigation using CCTV, fingerprints or other evidence.

The incidents all took place within a short distance of each other and over a relatively brief period.

The Herald understands that four youths were present during the earlier incidents, although only two are alleged to have entered the Lord Nelson.

Anyone who recognises those shown in the CCTV images, or who has information about the movements of the group, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

The Herald has approached the force for confirmation of the reported incidents and details of any investigation.

 

Continue Reading

News

RNLI lifeboat and lifeguard rescue kayakers blown offshore at Llangrannog

Published

on

TWO kayakers were brought safely ashore after getting into difficulty off Llangrannog on Sunday afternoon.

New Quay RNLI was tasked by Milford Haven Coastguard at around 4:00pm on Sunday, July 12, following reports that two people in a double kayak were struggling in the prevailing conditions.

An RNLI lifeguard had already reached the casualties and was assisting them from a rescue board. However, strong conditions were pushing the group further offshore and making it difficult for them to return safely to the beach.

New Quay RNLI’s D-class inshore lifeboat, the Will Morgan, launched immediately with three volunteer crew members on board.

The crew made their way quickly to Llangrannog, where they located the two kayakers alongside the lifeguard.

All three people were taken aboard the lifeboat and brought safely back to Llangrannog beach. No casualty care was required.

The volunteer crew then returned to sea to recover the double kayak and the lifeguard’s rescue board, bringing both back to the beach before returning to New Quay Lifeboat Station.

The lifeboat was then refuelled and made ready for its next service.

Huw Williams, New Quay RNLI’s volunteer helm, said: “This was a great example of the RNLI working together to help people in difficulty.

“The lifeguard had already reached the casualties, but the conditions were making it challenging to return safely to shore. Our crew was able to bring everyone back safely and recover the equipment.

“Remember, if you see anyone in difficulty in the water or on the shore, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

 

Continue Reading

Business

Welsh financial and legal firms set to benefit from landmark Swiss trade deal

Published

on

WELSH financial, legal and technology businesses could gain improved access to the Swiss market under a major new trade agreement announced by the UK and Switzerland.

The UK Government estimates the agreement could increase British services exports to Switzerland by £5.2 billion a year in the long term, although no separate estimate has been published for the potential benefit to Wales.

However, Wales already has an established services trading relationship with Switzerland.

UK Government analysis found that Welsh businesses exported £175 million of services to Switzerland in 2020, with financial and insurance services making up the largest category.

The new Free Trade Agreement is intended to make it easier for lawyers, accountants, architects, consultants and digital businesses to sell their expertise in Switzerland.

It will also reduce barriers for businesses transferring employees between the two countries and provide greater certainty for firms considering investment or expansion.

Cardiff-based Capital Law, which already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, said the agreement could strengthen the Welsh capital’s position as a growing professional services centre.

Christopher Nott, senior partner at Capital Law, said: “This FTA is a terrific result for Capital Law, our clients and Cardiff’s growing reputation as a leading professional services hub.

“The agreement locks in legal market access, reduces unnecessary barriers and provides the certainty we need to pursue opportunities in Switzerland.

“As a firm that already works in Switzerland and advises Swiss clients, with one of our partners based there, we understand the value of a strong and predictable trading relationship.

“It’s exactly the kind of practical, modern trade deal that helps UK businesses compete and succeed internationally.”

The agreement could also create opportunities for Welsh businesses operating in life sciences, financial technology, cyber security, digital services and the creative industries.

Switzerland is the UK’s sixth-largest services export market, with bilateral services trade worth more than £30 billion during 2025.

Services account for around 81 per cent of UK economic output and 83 per cent of employment, making improved access particularly significant for regions seeking to grow professional and technology-based businesses.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the agreement would open new doors for businesses across Wales.

She said: “The UK-Switzerland trade deal shows how the UK Government is delivering real results for businesses in Wales and across the UK.

“Wales already has a thriving services sector. This landmark agreement supports further economic growth and encourages job creation by opening new doors for businesses and enhancing Wales’s reputation on the world stage.”

Under the agreement, UK services professionals will be able to travel visa-free to Switzerland for up to 90 days a year.

British businesses will also be able to transfer employees to work in Switzerland for periods of up to five years without being subjected to some of the economic needs tests currently applied to work permit applications.

The Government said this would make it easier for British professionals and graduates working in areas including finance, insurance and consultancy to obtain Swiss work permits.

The deal also aims to reduce paperwork, support digital payments and remove requirements for certain back-office functions to be physically based in Switzerland.

Provisions will lock in future liberalisation of Swiss services markets, meaning British companies would automatically benefit from further easing of trading rules.

British travellers are also expected to receive practical benefits.

Under a separate initiative announced alongside the agreement, UK passport holders will soon be able to use electronic passport gates at Swiss airports.

The UK and Switzerland also intend to remove international mobile roaming surcharges, allowing tourists and business travellers to use their phones as part of their normal contracts without additional charges.

Around 800,000 visits are made to Switzerland by UK residents each year.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Whether you’re growing a business or travelling for work, this agreement is about making life easier and creating more opportunity for people across the UK.

“It means British firms will find it easier to sell their expertise in one of our most important markets in Europe, supporting jobs and investment here at home.

“British people will also be able to enjoy using their mobile in Switzerland without extra roaming charges and, alongside the FTA, they will soon also have quicker trips through Swiss airports.”

Trade Secretary Peter Kyle described it as the most significant services trade agreement negotiated by the UK.

He said: “This deal will mean faster journeys through the border, cheaper phone use for families and business travellers to Switzerland, and new opportunities for British firms selling their world-class services overseas.”

Government figures estimate that exports to Switzerland supported 171,400 UK jobs in 2022, including 144,800 linked to services exports.

Those employment figures are based on economic modelling and include people employed directly by exporters and those working for businesses within their supply chains.

While ministers have presented the agreement as a major opportunity for Welsh businesses, its precise economic value to Wales remains uncertain.

The £5.2 billion estimate applies to the whole of the UK and the Government has not yet published a Wales-specific assessment of the expected increase in trade, investment or employment.

The agreement will now move towards formal signature and implementation, subject to the usual parliamentary scrutiny.

 

Continue Reading

Local Government14 hours ago

Calls grow for independent investigation into Manorbier school closure

Councillor alleges misleading figures, inadequate insurance and poor treatment of staff CALLS for an independent investigation into the controversial closure...

Community20 hours ago

Neyland Carnival hailed a huge success after streets fill with colour and crowds

NEYLAND CARNIVAL organisers have thanked the community, volunteers and local businesses who helped make this year’s event a memorable success....

Community24 hours ago

Tenby Summer Spectacular: Anger grows over ‘disaster waiting to happen’ warning

A growing backlash has followed police calls for the event’s licence to be revoked, with supporters questioning why authorities failed...

Charity2 days ago

RSPB secures ‘missing link’ to reconnect wildlife habitats in Carmarthenshire

RSPB CYMRU has purchased a 96-hectare upland site in Carmarthenshire, describing it as a vital step towards reconnecting one of...

Crime3 days ago

Ann Widdecombe: Welsh politicians pay tribute as murder probe launched

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the former minister’s “conviction and dedication”, while political figures in Wales remembered her...

News3 days ago

Solardo pulls out of Haverfordwest show as organisers offer full refunds

Headline act confirms non-appearance as Park House Series announces major event changes DANCE music duo Solardo will no longer perform...

Local Government3 days ago

Conservatives win Pembroke Dock seat as Reform stalls and Dowson polls just 11

Jamie Street takes Market ward with a 43-vote majority as Reform finishes fourth despite its major Senedd breakthrough two months...

Health3 days ago

Hospital ward closed after highly contagious scabies outbreak

Hywel Dda confirms wider rise in cases across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion as patients and staff are offered treatment A...

Crime4 days ago

Teacher stabbing trial: The first week of evidence

Jury hears accounts of alleged planned classroom attack, teacher’s fear she was dying, and boy’s words after leaving school A...

Community4 days ago

Haverfordwest Castle refurbishment reaches new heights as roof goes on

Major milestone reached in project to transform historic gaol building into flagship visitor attraction A MAJOR milestone has been reached...

Popular This Week