News

Haverfordwest man jailed for over 17 years for child abuse offences

Published

3 years ago

August 15, 2023

DOMINIC DEWICK, 45, from Harrier Road in Haverfordwest, was sentenced to 17 and a half years behind bars after being convicted of 20 counts of historical abuse against two girls spanning from 1993 to 2017. The verdicts, unanimous on all charges, were delivered by the jury on August 5 after a four-day trial.

The court was informed that the abuse began when one victim was just seven, continuing until she reached 15. The second girl experienced the abuse from age nine to 12. Despite the weight of the evidence, Dewick vehemently denied the charges, insisting the victims had concocted their testimonies.

Nicola Powell, who led the prosecution, remarked in court, “He is a man in sheer denial. He thought he’d escaped his actions, but the past has now caught up.”

One of the survivors, during the sentencing, shared her heart-wrenching testimony: “The abuse has left me shattered, both mentally and emotionally. I was just a vulnerable child. His actions have had a profound impact on me.” She went on to share the lasting trauma she experiences, including nightmares and constant anxiety.

James Hartson, defending Dewick, admitted to the limited defensive arguments available, pointing only to Dewick’s lack of prior convictions. However, Judge Paul Thomas retorted that this was overshadowed by Dewick’s lengthy period of criminal activity.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Thomas pointedly said, “For a span of 24 years, from your teenage years to adulthood, you targeted and harmed young girls. The psychological scars you’ve inflicted on these now grown women are immeasurable.”

Breaking down the sentence, Dewick received four years for the abuse of the first victim and 13 and a half years for the second. He is mandated to serve at least two-thirds of this sentence before being eligible for release on licence, which will be followed by an additional two-year extended licence period.

Furthermore, an indefinite sexual harm prevention order has been issued against Dewick, and he is required to register as a sex offender for life.

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

Published

4 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

Published

6 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

Published

6 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle