News
18 year sentence for sick Haverfordwest paedophile Kevin John
A HAVERFORDWEST sex offender videoed himself raping an young girl whilst she was unconscious, Swansea Crown Count heard on Monday (Jul 20).
Kevin John, 49, of Coronation Avenue, plied his victim with alcohol to the point where she was out cold, and then recorded the horrendous assault on his mobile.
The court heard that this youngster was one of several girls John sexually assaulted. John admitted that his offending spanned over 20 years.
John had a sick collection of thousands of indecent and extreme images.
Sentencing him to an extended 18-year sentence, a Judge Geraint Walters said he posed a significant risk to young girls.
Barrister Jim Davies, acting for the CPS, explained to the court that John’s offending was only discovered when someone glimpsed an image on his mobile phone. The concerns were reported to police, and an investigation uncovered the offending.
When police raided his home, they found he had 97 computers, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices, and around 1,000 DVDs and CDs.
Officers uncovered almost 9,000 indecent films and pictures, including one showing him raping an unconscious schoolgirl. Other clips were of young girls he had secretly recorded.
Speaking after the sentencing Dyfed-Powys Police detective inspector Richard Lewis said: “Today’s sentence sees a prolific sexual predator sent to prison.
“This has been a detailed and sensitive investigation from the outset, involving a number of vulnerable victims and witnesses. Their courage in speaking out and the information they shared with us was invaluable in getting John to court. It is very likely that their bravery will have prevented others from being subjected to similar vile abuse.
“We are hopeful that they can draw strength from this sentence and from the courage and character they have displayed throughout.”
He added: “Police officers throughout Pembrokeshire played a role in this enquiry, and I would like to convey my sincere thanks to all staff involved for their professionalism and dedication in what has been a challenging and sensitive enquiry.”
Judge Walters said that the victim of the 2003 assault which was never prosecuted had been let down, but now allegations made by young people and children were treated with the seriousness they deserve – “a change of attitude long-overdue”.
Speaking after the sentencing Dyfed-Powys Police detective inspector Richard Lewis told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “This sentence sees a prolific sexual predator sent to prison.
“This has been a detailed and sensitive investigation from the outset, involving a number of vulnerable victims and witnesses. Their courage in speaking out and the information they shared with us was invaluable in getting John to court. It is highly likely that their bravery will have prevented others from being subjected to similar vile abuse.
“We are hopeful that they can draw strength from this sentence and from the courage and character they have displayed throughout.”
He added: “Police officers throughout Pembrokeshire played a role in this enquiry, and I would like to convey my sincere thanks to all staff involved for their professionalism and dedication in what has been a challenging and sensitive enquiry.”
News
Motorcyclist dies after four-vehicle crash on A40 in Carmarthenshire
A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a four-vehicle collision on the A40 between St Clears and Whitland.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the crash happened at around 12:00pm on Sunday (Jun 21) and involved a grey Audi, a blue Seat, a grey Vauxhall and an orange KTM motorbike.
Sadly, the rider of the KTM died from their injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries continue.
The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and reopened at around 8:30pm.
The latest tragedy follows two other serious motorcycle crashes in west Wales.
On Sunday afternoon, another motorcyclist was injured in a separate collision and is recovering in hospital.
Last week, a 22-year-old rider sadly died in a crash near Narberth, while his female pillion passenger was taken to hospital.
Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Quote reference: DP-20260621-177.
Health
Ambulance delays and blocked beds putting Welsh patients at risk, watchdog warns
AMBULANCE handover delays, long waits in emergency departments and delays discharging patients from hospital are continuing to put people at risk across Wales, Audit Wales has warned.
The public spending watchdog said urgent and emergency care remains under “constant pressure” despite extra funding and new policies aimed at improving joined-up working between the NHS, ambulance service, councils and social care providers.
In an article published today, Monday (Jun 22), Audit Wales said its work since 2024 had examined how health boards and the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust manage demand for urgent and emergency care, as well as how health boards and local authorities support timely discharge from hospital.
It found that pressures across the system are increasing patient safety risks and driving up costs.
Key problems identified include ambulance handover delays, lengthy waits in emergency departments, underused new services despite extra funding, and delayed hospital discharges which continue to result in hundreds of thousands of lost bed days each year.
Audit Wales also said workforce problems across health and social care remain a major factor in delayed discharges.
The watchdog warned that data is still not being shared effectively across the system, making it harder for public bodies to make informed decisions and manage pressure.
The findings will add to growing concern about the state of urgent and emergency care in Wales, with patients, families and frontline staff repeatedly warning that delays in A&E and problems arranging social care packages are leaving people waiting too long for treatment or stuck in hospital after they are medically fit to leave.
Audit Wales said staff and leaders across the system had made clear that “something must change”.
It has set out six questions for the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and local authorities to consider as they look at how urgent and emergency care can be improved.
The Auditor General for Wales is the independent statutory external auditor of the devolved Welsh public sector and is responsible for auditing most public money spent in Wales.
The Herald has asked the Welsh Government and Hywel Dda University Health Board for comment.
Entertainment
Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod
HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.
Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.
She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.
Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.
Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.
Caption:
Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.
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