Crime
Judge orders Carmarthen man to face retrial in sexual assault case
SWANSEA CROWN COURT has ordered a retrial for Andrew Chapman, age 29, from Peniel, Carmarthen who is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in Carmarthenshire. The incident allegedly took place on September 21, with Chapman facing charges of reaching out from his vehicle to touch the teenager’s jacket around her chest area, after soliciting a kiss.
Chapman has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The decision for a retrial came after Judge Catherine Richards was compelled to discharge the original jury following approximately six hours of deliberation.
The jury struggled to reach a consensus, finding it unlikely to achieve a verdict agreed upon by at least ten members, even with additional time.
Chapman has since been remanded back into custody, pending the retrial. This development followed the Crown Prosecution Service’s consideration, leading to the confirmation of a retrial scheduled to commence on July 8, as announced in Swansea Crown Court on March 28.
Crime
Fishguard man admits assault and criminal damage
Court orders no contact with woman and bans him from address ahead of sentencing
A FISHGUARD man has admitted assaulting a woman and damaging property during an incident earlier this year.
Peter Bromley, aged 50, of Parc y Chwarel, Fishguard, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing.
He pleaded guilty to assault by beating and criminal damage.
The court heard that on January 13, 2026, at Fishguard, Bromley assaulted a woman by beating her.
During the same incident, he also damaged crockery belonging to her.
Magistrates adjourned the case for sentencing to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Bromley was remanded on conditional bail and must return to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 26 at 12:00pm.
Strict bail conditions were imposed. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly and must not attend her address in Fishguard.
Sentencing will take place later this month.
Crime
Pembroke Dock man admits threatening to hack woman’s head off with sword
Court imposes strict bail conditions and bans contact with named individuals ahead of sentencing
A PEMBROKE DOCK man has admitted sending a message threatening serious violence and has been remanded on conditional bail while the court prepares a pre-sentence report.
Charles Bianchy, aged 37, of Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
He pleaded guilty to making a communication conveying a threat of serious harm, contrary to Section 181 of the Online Safety Act 2023.
The court heard that on September 16, 2025, at Pembroke Dock, Bianchy sent a message to a woman, threatening to hack that woman’s head off with a sword, intending, or being reckless as to whether, the recipient would fear the threat would be carried out.
Magistrates adjourned the case for sentencing to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.
Bianchy was remanded on conditional bail and must attend the next hearing at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, February 26 at 10:00am.
Strict bail conditions were imposed. He must not contact the alleged victim and one other witness to the case, directly or indirectly, and must not attend at a specified address in, Pembroke Dock.
He is also prohibited from entering any data, or permitting any data to be entered, onto any electronic network referencing the complainant .
The case will return to court later this month for sentencing.
(Image: File photo)
Crime
Community order for man who breached sexual harm prevention order
Walters fined and ordered to complete rehabilitation programme after admitting breach of court-imposed restrictions
A NARBERTH man has been handed a community order after admitting breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
John Walters, aged 61, Townmoor, Narberth, appeared before magistrates at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Tuesday (Feb 4).
The court heard that between December 5 and December 7, 2025, Walters breached the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which had been imposed by Swansea Crown Court in June 2022.
Walters indicated a guilty plea at an earlier hearing.
Magistrates imposed a community order running until August 3, 2027. As part of the sentence, he must complete the Building Choices Programme, consisting of 21 sessions, and comply with up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity at the direction of a responsible officer.
The court also fined him £200, stating the penalty was set as a punitive element.
Walters was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge. A collection order was made for the money to be deducted from benefits at a rate of £20 per month.
Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are designed to restrict behaviour and protect the public. Breaching the terms of such an order is a criminal offence and can lead to further penalties, including imprisonment.
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