Crime
Independent inquiry into child sex abuse commissioned by Caldey
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.
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.
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
Pembrokeshire man admits ‘overstepping’ in stalking case
A HAVERFORDWEST man acknowledged he ‘overstepped’ following charges of home burglary and stalking.
Spencer Lepetit, aged 35 and residing in Hawthorn Rise, faced Swansea Crown Court accused of entering a Pembroke property on August 16 with the intent to steal a mobile phone. Additionally, between September 3 and 19, he allegedly trespassed repeatedly on a woman’s property, made multiple phone calls from an unknown number, and loitered outside her home, causing her significant alarm and distress.
Lepetit denied both charges but accepted responsibility for a lesser stalking offence, which was deemed suitable by Prosecutor Thomas Scapens, leading the Crown Prosecution Service to drop the burglary charge.
Lepetit’s defence, Jon Tarrant, described the circumstances as a result of a “toxic relationship,” stating, “He attempted to reconnect but went beyond acceptable limits.”
Judge Huw Rees ordered a pre-sentence report and remanded Lepetit in custody, with sentencing scheduled for November 22.
Crime
Fishguard man jailed for sexual assault on stranger in her own home
A FISHGUARD man who subjected a woman to a “brutal” assault in her own home, dragging her back by her hair when she tried to escape, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Benjamin Guiver, 35, broke into the woman’s Goodwick home on May 24, 2024, while she was asleep, launching a violent attack that has left her emotionally and physically scarred.
Swansea Crown Court heard how the victim, whose identity is protected by law, had fallen asleep around 9:00pm while watching TV in her living room, waiting for her partner’s return. She awoke to find Guiver, a stranger, kneeling beside her. Attempting to flee, she was pursued outside, where Guiver stifled her screams, kicked her, and threw her across the driveway. He then dragged her back inside by her hair, where the assault escalated.
During the ordeal, Guiver repeatedly beat the woman, sexually assaulted her, and choked her while threatening to kill her. She attempted to reason with him, observing that he seemed upset, but he responded with more violence, telling her he intended to rape and kill her. At one point, he repeatedly slammed her head against a radiator. The attack only ended when her relative and partner arrived home, forcing Guiver to flee the property.
The victim’s son, who intervened to stop Guiver, recounted the trauma of hearing his mother’s screams, saying: “I can’t get the noise my mother was making out of my head.”
Guiver was quickly apprehended by Dyfed-Powys Police after officers were alerted by a family member who returned to find the victim covered in blood. The court heard that officers were called to the scene just before 10:30pm, where they discovered the victim with visible injuries. Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Briggs explained: “Our focus was on prioritising her care with the help of paramedics, and getting officers out on the street to find the suspect.” Guiver was arrested nearby shortly after police arrived.
Police enquiries revealed that Guiver had earlier attempted to enter another nearby house. He was charged with six offences on May 26, including sexual assault by penetration, grievous bodily harm with intent, intentional strangulation, trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, threats to kill, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Faced with overwhelming evidence, he pleaded guilty to all charges in court on July 10.
The victim shared in her impact statement that she no longer feels safe in her home, saying, “I am a shell. Constantly nervous and frightened of my own shadow.” She described her struggles with daily activities, relying on her partner to help with tasks like getting dressed. “My whole life has been ruined by one person on one night,” she added. “I know what has happened is going to continue to haunt me for the rest of my life.”
Judge Geraint Walters, who sentenced Guiver to a 20-year prison term, including a 15-year custodial sentence and a five-year extended licence period, condemned the assault as “a brutal and terrifying attack within a person’s own home.” He remarked on Guiver’s apparent lack of remorse during the attack, noting, “She was right to fear that you might kill her because you’d completely lost all reason and control due to the drugs and alcohol you’d consumed that day.”
The victim’s relative, who also suffered injuries during the struggle to stop Guiver, was praised by DCI Briggs for their bravery in intervening during the assault. “They put their own safety at risk to ensure further harm was not caused,” he said.
Following sentencing, DCI Briggs commended the victim’s courage, stating: “The victim in this case has shown immense courage throughout the investigation, and I commend her for that. Suffering such an attack in your own home is unimaginable, and – as she detailed in her statement – has impacted every aspect of her life.” Judge Walters concluded, “The chances are that she won’t ever completely recover from what you did.”
Crime
Fine and points for road traffic offences in Fishguard incident
A HAVERFORDWEST man, Mervin Craig Bousie, 50, of Y Glyn, Hayscastle, appeared at Carmarthenshire Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Oct 30) to face multiple charges relating to a driving incident last year in Fishguard.
Bousie, driving an Audi TT, was involved in an accident on Llandeloy and Mathry, Fishguard, on Oct 20, 2023, where he failed to stop after causing damage to a Volvo bus.
The court heard that Bousie initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty for several offences.
The charges included driving without due care and attention, failure to stop after an accident, failure to report an accident, and driving without insurance.
Bousie received a £1,080 fine, with nine points added to his licence for the failure to stop and report offences. The court noted his guilty plea when determining the sentence.
In addition to these charges, Bousie was fined another £1,080 for driving without insurance. His driving record was endorsed, and notification was sent to the DVLA regarding his offences. The court allowed him to pay the total £2,160 fine in monthly instalments of £150, starting Nov 13, 2024.
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