HIGH-RISK Tenby sex offender Christopher Flavin, 72, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing young boys, and creating indecent images of children. Flavin, described by His Honour Judge Geraint Walters as a “dangerous paedophile,” admitted in October to producing 12 Category B and 296 Category C indecent images of children between 2018 and 2023.

On Friday (Dec 6) at Swansea Crown Court, the prosecution, led by Mr Scapens described Flavin as “nothing but a committed paedophile,” detailing the lengths to which he went to exploit his victims, many of whom were young boys aged between 10 and 16. The court heard a personal statement from a complainant, under 13, who detailed the psychological trauma he has endured. “In the past few months, I have had feelings of sadness, which makes me cry. I have also been having nightmares and don’t want to leave the room at night.”

Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Flavin attempted to deflect responsibility during proceedings. He represented himself after failing to secure legal counsel and claimed that the complainant had instigated inappropriate behaviours, stating, “He needs help with his mental health. He was obsessed with masturbation and sex.” Such assertions were dismissed by the court, with Judge Walters highlighting the “manipulative” nature of Flavin’s abuse.

The prosecution revealed that Flavin had groomed young boys, forcing them into sexual activities on school premises and targeting children. In addition to inappropriate touching during swimming lessons, he sought to isolate his victims by arranging camping trips. 

Further evidence presented during the hearing revealed Flavin’s continuous breaches of a sexual harm order. He was observed in a park designated for children and around a local high school, raising significant concerns about his behaviour. Flavin’s refusal to engage with court proceedings, including prison video links, proved his lack of remorse for his actions. 

His Honour Judge Geraint Walters condemned Flavin’s predatory behaviour, remarking on the disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse that had characterised his life. “You have spent a lifetime grooming and abusing boys, even at this age. I heard that the victim has been having nightmares about it all and refusing to leave his bedroom at night. That is the effect on young impressionable children. It’s wicked behaviour, and it’s not the first time you engaged in this,” he said.

Flavin’s extensive criminal record revealed 33 prior offences, 27 of which were sexual in nature. Judge Geraint Walters noted that despite previous long sentences, including one exceeding 50 months, Flavin had “learnt nothing” and continued his abusive behaviour. “You claimed that you’re the victim. The reality is you’re committed to behaving in this way,”

In addition to the 15 year prison sentence, the judge imposed an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim. Judge Walters concluded, ordering the sentence as a measure to prevent further harm to vulnerable children.

ONE of America’s most wanted fugitives has appeared in court after being apprehended in north Wales last week.

Daniel Andreas San Diego, 46, was arrested in Maenan, Conwy, following a joint operation involving North Wales Police and counter-terrorism officers. San Diego has been on the FBI’s most wanted list for over two decades, accused of orchestrating two bombings in San Francisco in 2003.

Court appearance

San Diego appeared via video link from HMP Belmarsh at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Tuesday. Wearing a grey tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. He is scheduled to appear in court again on December 31.

The charges

The FBI alleges that San Diego planted two bombs at a biotechnology corporation campus in Emeryville, California, on August 28, 2003. The bombs detonated an hour apart, causing significant damage. A month later, on September 26, 2003, a bomb packed with nails exploded outside a nutritional products company in Pleasanton.

San Diego was indicted in July 2004 at the United States District Court for his alleged involvement in the attacks. He has been linked to an animal rights extremist group, according to the FBI, which previously offered a $250,000 (£198,000) reward for information leading to his capture.

Life on the run

Born in Berkeley, California, San Diego evaded authorities for 21 years before his arrest. The FBI said he had maintained connections with groups sympathetic to his cause and utilized sophisticated methods to remain undetected.

Why North Wales?

Questions remain as to why San Diego chose a quiet Welsh village as his hiding place. His arrest in Maenan has sparked speculation about the networks that may have supported him during his years as a fugitive.

The investigation into San Diego’s activities and potential associates in the UK is ongoing.

A MOTORIST who was nearly three times over the drink-drive limit has been sentenced following a crash on the B4314 in Pendine.

Stuart Rickford, 43, was driving his Audi at 1:30pm on November 15 when he collided with another vehicle.

“There were no injuries, but when officers spoke to the defendant they had a strong smell of intoxicants,” Crown Prosecutor Linda Baker told the court.

A roadside breath test proved positive, and Rickford, of Beach Hotel, Marsh Road, Pendine, later gave a reading of 93 mcg of alcohol at the police station. The legal limit is 35.

Rickford pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order with 80 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 23 months and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.