News

Rape trial at Swansea Crown Court expected to last three weeks

Published

1 year ago

February 6, 2024

KEVIN OFFLAND, a 45-year-old man currently of Nichols Road, Great Yarmouth, stands accused of a series of grave sexual offences spanning over two decades.

The trial, unfolding at Swansea Crown Court, sees Offland vehemently denying eighteen charges levied against him, including the rape of three women and a child, alongside multiple counts of sexual activity with a child. The alleged offences trace back over a 24-year period in both Pembrokeshire and Shrewsbury.

The prosecution, led by Mr Davies, paints a chilling portrait of Offland as a “sexual predator” who allegedly exploited the vulnerability of women and children.

According to the charges, Offland’s spree of abuse began in February 1998 when he is accused of anally raping an 18-year-old woman after binding and gagging her.

A pattern of predatory behaviour emerges with further accusations detailing the anal rape of another woman between December 2000 and December 2003, under circumstances of restraint.

Disturbingly, the charges extend to the abuse of minors, with Offland accused of raping an 11-year-old girl between 2008 and 2009, allegedly after intoxicating her with vodka and Red Bull.

Another instance in October 2014 involved a complainant who suspected her drink was spiked by Offland in Pembrokeshire, leading to her waking up in pain without recollection of the preceding events.

Further allegations involve sexual abuse against two young girls, aged 14 and 15, across different time periods and locations in Pembrokeshire.

Offland is accused of forcing one girl to perform a sex act on him in Milford Haven and of sexually abusing her and another girl on multiple occasions.

The prosecution claims that Offland took advantage of his position to inappropriately touch the girls under the guise of massages and applying fake tan.

The trial, presided over by Judge Catherine Richards, is expected to last three weeks.

The case continues

Crime

Haverfordwest bank clerk accused of theft and fraud

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.

Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.

She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.

Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.

The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Business

Cardigan shop wins St David’s Day competition

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.

High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.

To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.

To enter the competition, participants must:

Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
Like the competition post
Comment with their favourite Welsh word

The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.

For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Community

Haverfordwest fire station hosts community engagement event

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.

Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.

Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.