Crime

On trial for multiple historical sexual offences

Published

2 years ago

February 15, 2024

THIS week at Swansea Crown Court, Kevin Offland, a 45-year-old man from Nichols Road, Great Yarmouth, stands accused of a series of grave sexual offences spanning over two decades. The charges include 18 sexual offences purported to have occurred in the Pembrokeshire and Shrewsbury areas between 1998 and 2021.

The allegations against Offland are severe and numerous, consisting of three counts of rape involving three separate complainants, one charge of raping a child, a charge of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and 13 charges of sexual activity with a child, specifically relating to two girls.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Offland had provided prepared statements to both West Mercia Police and Dyfed-Powys Police in response to the accusations. Mr Davies, the prosecutor, presented these statements to the jury, shedding light on Offland’s stance regarding the allegations.

In an interview dated January 29, 2019, Offland firmly denied the accusations, stating, “I deny the allegations made against me. I did not rape [the child] in 2010, nor have I ever had any sexual activity with the child.” He further claimed that the complainant had “lied” about the incidents.

Further interviews with Offland were conducted in May 2019 regarding the first two rape allegations, where he reiterated his denial, stating, “I vehemently deny any assaults, sexual or otherwise. I further deny raping either of the complainants.”

The court also heard about an interview with Dyfed-Powys Police on December 5, 2022, in which Offland continued to deny the allegations made by two teenage complainants, stating, “In relation to the allegations made against me by the two teenage complainants, I deny these in their entirety. I do not have anything to add to my interview on August 13, 2021.”

DC Duggan, the case officer for Dyfed-Powys Police, was asked about the referenced interview on August 13, where she confirmed to the jury that Offland had responded with no comment to all questions at that time.

Additionally, on December 5, 2022, Offland addressed an allegation of rape in Pembrokeshire in 2014, emphatically stating, “I, Kevin Offland, never drugged or raped [the complainant].”

This case continues to attract attention as the jury deliberates on the evidence presented. The allegations span a considerable period, reflecting the serious nature of the charges Offland faces. The trial is ongoing, with the legal proceedings carefully scrutinized by both the public and media.

Crime

Police seize off-road bike after anti-social driving complaints in Hakin

Published

27 minutes ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

OFFICERS from Milford Haven and Neyland Police have seized an off-road bike following multiple reports of reckless and anti-social driving in the Hakin area.

Members of the public raised concerns about the manner in which the bike was being ridden, prompting police action. The vehicle was seized yesterday (Tuesday) as part of efforts to address ongoing issues linked to illegal off-road biking.

Police have reminded residents that such bikes are not road legal and must only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Officers are urging the public to continue reporting incidents and sharing information to help tackle the problem in local communities.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, via email at [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Milford roofer fined after abusive call to rival firm

Published

3 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

56-year-old admitted making threats and using offensive language in business dispute

A MILFORD HAVEN roofer has been fined after making an abusive and threatening phone call to a rival company.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that on Sunday (Feb 2), John Fitzgerald, 56, made a single phone call to a competing roofing business.

“During the course of the phone call, threats were made to the other company’s boss,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.

“The reason for the threats was that the defendant believes this other company is taking business away from him. The lady who took the call felt alarmed and distressed as he used foul language towards her.”

The court heard the victim contacted police following the incident but chose not to provide a victim impact statement and did not seek a restraining order.

“When he was spoken to by officers he said he’d been a d***,” added Nia James.

“He said he’d had a couple of beers and was getting wound up, as he was fed up with them nicking his work. But it was just one phone call.”

Representing Fitzgerald, Fenn Richards said he accepted his wrongdoing.

“He accepts wrongdoing as he’d had a few too many drinks, he made the phone call, and people were winding him up,” she said.

“The defendant has been in the roofing trade since he was 14, and he believed this person had set up a new business and was taking business away from him. But he didn’t mean any harm by it.”

Fitzgerald, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge.

Crime

St Davids man banned after drink-driving in Haverfordwest

Published

3 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Army veteran over limit after veering across centre line in town centre stop

A ST DAVIDS man has been disqualified from driving after being caught drink-driving in Haverfordwest town centre.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that just after 12:30am on Monday (Mar 10), police officers saw a black Mercedes C220 pull away from a green light on Thomas Parry Way.

“As he tried to pull away the officers saw him veer over the centre line, so as a result of the manner of his driving, he was stopped,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.

A roadside breath test proved positive. Further breathalyser tests showed Gray had 52 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Gray, 49, of Bank House, Goat Street, St Davids, pleaded guilty to drink-driving.

Representing him, Fenn Richards said he had intended to wait until he reached home before drinking.

“But after stopping in Carmarthen, he had some alcohol assuming he wouldn’t be over the limit, and then stupidly, decided to have another drink,” she said.

The court heard Gray is a former army serviceman of 13 years and is currently employed by Stena Ferries in Fishguard.

“Naturally he’s unsure how his disqualification is going to affect his employment,” added Fenn Richards.

“He’s absolutely devastated to be here today.”

Gray was disqualified from driving for 15 months. He was fined £438 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £175 surcharge.