News

John Cooper: Application to review two double murder convictions accepted

Published

3 years ago

April 25, 2023

JOHN COOPER, the man convicted of committing two brutal double murders in Pembrokeshire in the 1980s, has applied to the Criminal Cases Review Commission for a review of his case.

The independent body deals with cases where individuals have been possibly wrongly convicted.

The commission is the last avenue for appealing against a verdict if an individual believes they have been wrongly incarcerated. It is capable of forcing public bodies such as the police to release documents relating to a case.

Cooper, who is now 78, was found guilty of the murders of siblings Richard and Helen Thomas in December 1985, and of Oxfordshire couple Peter and Gwenda Dixon in June 1989, following a forensic review by the Dyfed-Powys police. He was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice John Griffith Williams for both murders.

The commission confirmed that it had “accepted an application to review this case”.

Cooper has consistently denied having any involvement with the murders.

During his trial in 2011, CCTV footage was shown of Cooper on the television programme Bullseye, just a month before he committed the murder of Peter and Gwenda Dixon. The images were shown in court to allow the jury to compare the way Cooper looked at the time with a man seen on the programme using Peter Dixon’s bank card on the same day as the murders.

Cooper’s case was also dramatised in the ITV drama The Pembrokeshire Murders, in which Luke Evans played the lead role.

During the trial, Judge Griffith Williams described Cooper as a “very dangerous man who would more than likely escape justice were it not for advances in forensic science.”

Cooper was also found guilty of crimes against a group of young people in Mount Estate near Aberdaugleddau in 1996, including assault, indecent assault and attempted theft. His appeal against these charges was dismissed in 2012.

From April 1997 to February 2023, the Criminal Cases Review Commission received 29,845 applications, with 811 of those referred for appeal. Of the 791 cases heard in court, 557 verdicts were overturned, with the courts finding that there had been a miscarriage of justice.

Crime

Haverfordwest man denies historic rape charges involving underage girl

Published

13 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Luke Sinclair

Trial listed at Cardiff Crown Court for 2027

A HAVERFORDWEST man has denied a series of historic sexual offences against an underage girl and is due to stand trial at Cardiff Crown Court in 2027.

Lee Mahagan, aged 52, of High Street, Haverfordwest, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child.

The charges relate to allegations involving a girl aged between 13 and 15, which are said to have occurred in Cardiff between 2009 and 2010.

The court was told that the case is expected to take around five days when it goes before a jury. A trial date has been set for January 25, 2027.

Mahagan was granted conditional bail by Judge Hywel James following a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

The defendant is represented by David Pinnell, while Daniel Jones is appearing for the prosecution.

Crime

Teenager charged following rape allegation at Saundersfoot nightclub

Published

2 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Staff Writer

Incident reported at Sands Nightclub in early hours of Sunday

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is investigating an allegation of rape following an incident reported at Sands Nightclub in Saundersfoot in the early hours of Sunday (Dec 14).

An 18-year-old man was arrested after officers were called to the venue, which is a popular late-night spot in the seaside village. The allegation relates to events said to have taken place during the early hours of the morning.

Joshua Probert, aged 18, has since been charged with one count of rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 18).

The complainant is entitled to lifelong anonymity under law, and no further details about the allegation can be reported at this stage.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Officers are understood to have carried out initial investigative work shortly after the report was made, including speaking to witnesses.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Anyone affected by sexual assault or rape can contact the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line, run by Rape Crisis England & Wales, on 0808 500 2222. Calls are free and confidential.

Local Government

Mayor visits Milford Haven Library Christmas event

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Milford Haven, Cllr William Elliott, paid a visit to Milford Haven Library on Tuesday morning to attend its festive Mince Pie and a Cuppa event.

The event brought together library staff and local residents, with the Mayor thanking staff for their work supporting the community throughout the year. During the visit, Cllr Elliott also spent time speaking with residents who had come along to the event or were visiting the library to borrow books.

Milford Haven Library is part of the Pembrokeshire Libraries service, which provides access to books, information, and community activities across the county.

The Mayor wished residents a Merry Christmas at the close of his visit.