Crime

Independent inquiry into child sex abuse commissioned by Caldey

Published

2 years ago

April 11, 2024

WE have reported on this story for years, but in a very significant development this week, Caldey Island Abbey has taken a decisive step by commissioning an independent review. It is to investigate allegations of historical child sex abuse. The announcement was made by Father Jan Rossey, the superior of the Abbey, underscoring a commitment to addressing historical concerns.

Leading the inquiry is Jan Pickles, a former assistant police and crime commissioner with South Wales Police. This move comes after persistent demands for a thorough examination of the allegations, particularly those voiced by Kevin O’Connell, who has been at the forefront of campaigning for justice since 2019. O’Connell, alongside other alleged victims, claims to have suffered abuse on Caldey, a serene isle off Tenby’s coast in Pembrokeshire.

Caldey Island: 6-year-old who drowned in 1977 was victim of abuse, says sister

Kevin O’Connell expressed cautious optimism regarding the announcement, viewing it as a significant, albeit initial, step forward. His relentless advocacy through the Caldey Island Survivors’ Campaign, which he established, has been instrumental in bringing these issues to light.

The inquiry also sees Maria Battle, the former deputy children’s commissioner for Wales, stepping in as the safeguarding lead. Battle stated that the inquiry is currently in the phase of “awaiting outcomes,” with an emphasis on transparency and public disclosure of the findings. She relayed Father Jan’s hope to engage with all affected parties, reinforcing the Abbey’s openness to listening and learning from these experiences.

Caldey Island: 20 victims claim monk abused them as children

Herald report from 2018

Father Jan Rossey addressed the gravity of the allegations, acknowledging that Caldey Abbey has faced disclosures and allegations in the past regarding inappropriate behaviour of some monastic community members towards children. He affirmed the Abbey’s unwavering dedication to creating and maintaining a safe environment for visitors, residents, and employees alike, through the implementation of robust safeguarding measures.

This inquiry follows a troubling backdrop, notably the case of Father Thaddeus Kotik. Kotik passed away in 1992 without facing charges, despite accusations of abusing children between 1977 and 1982. In March 2017, six of Kotik’s alleged victims received compensation from Caldey Abbey in an out-of-court settlement, with more individuals coming forward since then.

The Abbey’s decision to embark on this independent review marks a pivotal moment in its history, reflecting a broader acknowledgment within institutions of the need to confront and rectify historical injustices.

Crime

Milford Haven man admits assault and harassment charges

Published

3 days ago

May 21, 2026

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN has admitted assaulting a family member and harassing another relative following incidents in the town last year.

Wayne Whatling, 39, of Howarth Close, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 21).

Whatling changed his pleas to guilty to one charge of assault by beating and one charge of harassment without violence.

The assault charge relates to an incident in Milford Haven on September 13, 2025, when Whatling assaulted Ben Whatling by beating him.

He also admitted pursuing a course of conduct amounting to harassment against Carol Whatling between September 1 and September 13, 2025.

The court heard the harassment allegation involved repeatedly asking Carol Whatling for money, with the complainant said to have feared repercussions if she did not provide it.

Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Whatling was remanded on conditional bail and ordered not to contact Carol or Ben Whatling directly or indirectly.

He is due to be sentenced at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (June 9).

Crime

Milford Haven man admits affray after alleged pub incident

Published

3 days ago

May 21, 2026

Court Reporter

A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted affray following an incident at a town centre pub.

Stephen Collier, 38, of Vaynor Road, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 21).

Collier has pleaded guilty to affray, relating to an incident at Nos Da, Victoria Road, Milford Haven, on December 3, 2025.

The charge states that he used unlawful violence towards John Dean Hilton and that his conduct was such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their personal safety.

Collier also faces a separate charge of burglary dwelling with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. It is alleged that, on the same date, he entered a flat at Nos Da as a trespasser and inflicted grievous bodily harm on Mr Hilton. He denies that charge.

The court also dealt with a breach of bail allegation after Collier was arrested on May 20 for allegedly breaching a curfew condition. He admitted the breach.

Magistrates re-admitted him to conditional bail.

His bail conditions include a daily electronically monitored curfew between 9:00pm and 6:00am, residence at his Vaynor Road address, and exclusions from Mount Estate, Milford Haven town centre, and Nos Da.

He must also not contact prosecution witnesses, including Molly Martin, Jack Martin, Lily Rose Martin and John Hilton.

Collier is due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, June 5, for sentence.

A spokesperson for Nos Da said the incident was connected with rooms upstairs at the Victoria Road premises, and did not take place in the bar itself, in the licensed area.