News

Mystery at Carmarthen tip: After 30 years, the search for a lost child continues

Published

2 years ago

September 18, 2023

IT WAS an ordinary autumn day in September 1990 at the refuse tip at Nantycaws. But what lay amongst the rubbish transformed a routine day into a chilling mystery that has remained unsolved for over three decades.

Police have recently confirmed that the investigation into the gruesome discovery of a child’s body part at this West Wales rubbish tip remains active. A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said, “The investigation remains open and unidentified at this time. Our main objective is to identify the child, and liaising with any family members remains our top priority.”

Mike Lewis of Carmarthen recalled that grim day when he stumbled upon what seemed to be a baby’s leg amidst the waste. “I thought it was medical waste from a hospital. It looked so perfect and cleanly cut, but the reality was far more sinister,” Lewis commented.

Police immediately cordoned off the area, embarking on an extensive search to find any other body parts or evidence. The initial findings suggested the leg belonged to a baby girl, just a few months old. Further examinations hinted at the disturbing possibility that the limb had been severed using a sharp tool, raising unsettling questions about the circumstances of the child’s death.

In the aftermath of the discovery, local rumours ran rampant. Theories from accidental death to ritualistic sacrifices circulated the town. The police’s initial investigations were vast, encompassing refuse lorry drivers and hospitals. Yet, conclusive answers have been elusive.

Jeff Thomas, the then Detective Superintendent at Dyfed-Powys Police, had appealed for information and broadened the search beyond the Dyfed-Powys region, suggesting the refuse might have even come from areas as distant as West Glamorgan.

Despite the initial efforts, the mystery surrounding the child’s leg has endured. However, findings from the National Crime Agency (NCA) indicate that such grim discoveries, though uncommon, are not unheard of. In the 2016/17 period alone, 57 unidentified bodies or body parts were reported, with 11 being partial remains. Startlingly, of the 929 cases reported since 1950, a significant 97% belong to babies.

The NCA is striving for answers alongside local police. Louise Vesely-Shore, senior officer at the UK Missing Persons Unit, highlighted the role of DNA in solving such mysteries, “DNA has certainly made a difference… But wider publicity and international reach also play an essential role in identifying some of these cases.”

Three decades later, many organisations linked to the initial investigations have disbanded, and the tragic tale of the infant girl found at Nantycaws seems to be fading from memory. Yet, the relentless quest for answers, led by the police and supported by the community, continues. For now, the mystery endures, a sombre reminder of a child lost in time.

(Cover image: File)

Crime

Man who threw corrosive liquid at guest and fled abroad jailed

Published

11 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Court Reporter

A BUSINESSMAN who threw a corrosive liquid into a guest’s face during a row at a spiritual retreat before fleeing the country has been jailed for 18 months.

Dean Mayze, aged 38, from Abercrave in Powys, admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm following the attack at his Hafan-y-Coed retreat in December 2022.

Swansea Crown Court heard the assault happened after an argument with guest Keifer Price, who had complained about the condition of his accommodation, including a lack of heating and washing facilities.

During the confrontation, Mayze produced a blue container and threw its contents upwards into the victim’s face.

The liquid — described as smelling like ammonia — entered Mr Price’s eyes, nose and mouth, leaving him in severe pain and struggling to breathe.

Medical evidence confirmed injuries consistent with a chemical burn to both eyes. He suffered abrasions, a corneal defect and the loss of the outer corneal layer in one eye, requiring significant treatment to prevent permanent sight loss. He has since recovered without lasting injury.

Fled across Europe

Following the attack, Mayze fled the UK, triggering an international search.

The court heard he travelled across several European countries, including Ireland, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece, before eventually being arrested in Romania in 2025.

Despite being on the run, he remained in regular contact with police by text and email, at one point telling officers he would not be returning to Wales.

His partner initially claimed responsibility for the assault and later received a suspended prison sentence after admitting perverting the course of justice.

Previous conviction

The court was told Mayze has a previous conviction for wounding involving a corrosive substance in Kent in 2013.

Defence barrister Andrew Taylor said his client had experienced harsh conditions while detained in Romania, including contracting scabies without treatment, and described him as remorseful.

However, Judge Geraint Walters said it was “pure luck” the victim had not suffered permanent injuries, describing the attack as a “particularly wicked way of inflicting violence”.

Sentence and order

Mayze, who appeared via video link from prison, had previously denied a more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and made subject to a three-year restraining order.

Crime

Police appeal after man injured in St Davids incident

Published

17 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an incident in St Davids which left one man injured.

The incident happened in Nun Street at around 11:10am on Tuesday, December 30. The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers confirmed that a man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident.

Police are now asking anyone with information, dash cam footage, or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online at:
https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/

Alternatively, email [email protected], send a direct message via social media, or call 101 quoting reference DP20251230094.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Sexual assault allegation to be tried

Published

17 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Tamsin Mathias

Accused granted conditional bail

A SEXUAL assault allegation has been listed for trial following a hearing before magistrates.

David Fletcher, 45, of Chestnut Way, Mount Estate, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, appeared before magistrates in Llanelli on Thursday (Feb 12) charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The charge alleges that on March 16, 2025, at Johnston, Pembrokeshire, he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that she was consenting.

The matter was adjourned for trial and Fletcher was remanded on conditional bail.

The trial is listed for March 9, 2026 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court. Bail conditions prohibit him from entering a specified premises in Johnston, from contacting directly or indirectly the complainant or any prosecution witnesses, and from posting any information relating to the investigation on social media. The conditions were imposed to prevent further offending and to prevent interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.