Crime
On trial for multiple historical sexual offences
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
Driver sentenced for cannabis offences on Cleddau Bridge and in Wolverhampton
A WOLVERHAMPTON motorist has been disqualified from driving after admitting two separate cannabis-driving offences, including one on the Cleddau Bridge.
Doel Lyons appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (July 23), where he pleaded guilty to both charges.
The first offence took place on December 22, 2025, when Lyons drove a Honda Civic along the A477 Cleddau Bridge at Pembroke Dock.
A blood test showed seven micrograms of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, per litre of blood.
The second offence occurred on March 30 this year, when Lyons drove the same Honda Civic along Tithe Croft in Wolverhampton with cannabis in his blood above the legal limit.
Magistrates imposed a 12-month driving disqualification for each offence and fined Lyons £233 on each charge.
He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs in relation to each conviction.
The court register does not specify whether the two periods of disqualification are to run concurrently.
Separate allegations that Lyons drove another vehicle while over the cannabis limit and without insurance in Staffordshire in September 2025 remain outstanding.
No pleas have been entered to those charges, which were adjourned for a plea hearing at Wolverhampton Magistrates’ Court on July 29.
Crime
Pembrokeshire teenager given referral order after shoplifting spree
A PEMBROKESHIRE teenager has been given a 12-month referral order after admitting a string of shop thefts and damaging a police vehicle.
The youth appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (July 23), where guilty pleas were entered to 11 theft offences committed between April and June.
The offences involved shops in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Neyland, with alcohol targeted in the majority of the incidents.
Items stolen included BuzzBall alcoholic drinks, vodka, cans of Red Bull, crisps, chewing gum and a sandwich.
The court heard that several of the thefts took place at retail parks in Haverfordwest and Milford Haven, while others occurred at stores in Neyland and Milford Haven town centre.
The individual also admitted causing £180 worth of damage to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle in Neyland on June 26.
Magistrates imposed a 12-month referral order, which will require the teenager to work with the Pembrokeshire Youth Offending Team and comply with a contract agreed with a youth offender panel.
Compensation totalling £336.77 was ordered in relation to the stolen property and damage to the police vehicle. The teenager’s guilty pleas were taken into account.
The court imposed reporting restrictions under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. Nothing may be published which could identify the youth.
Crime
Murder investigation launched into death of Pembrokeshire man in 1991
A 67-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after new potential evidence emerged in connection with a death more than three decades ago.
Dyfed-Powys Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of 58-year-old Bentley Mathias, who died in hospital in 1991.
Mr Mathias died at Morriston Hospital on November 19, 1991, with his cause of death recorded at the time as a brain haemorrhage.
His death was not initially treated as suspicious. However, police said new potential evidence had since come to light, prompting the case to be investigated as a murder enquiry.
On Wednesday, July 22, officers arrested a 67-year-old man from the Llandewi Velfrey area of Pembrokeshire on suspicion of murder.
He has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue.
Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.
The enquiry remains ongoing.
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