Crime

Rape survivor received letters from attacker in Parc Prison

Published

2 years ago

August 5, 2024

A RAPE survivor has condemned HMP Parc in Bridgend, South Wales, for failing “to keep victims safe” after receiving multiple letters from her jailed attacker.

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr, 21, waived her right to anonymity to reveal that she had been sent seven letters from her rapist over a period of 10 months, despite pleading with authorities to intervene.

HMP Parc, already under scrutiny after 10 inmate deaths earlier this year, stated that it takes public protection “extremely seriously” and claimed efforts were made to halt the letters.

Ms Nesbitt-Marr had been seeing John Harding, 28, for only 12 days when he imprisoned and raped her in her Newport flat in July 2023. During the prolonged assault, Harding stood on her head and dragged her along the floor, telling her she was “not scared enough.”

She escaped the next morning, seeking refuge in a local Boots store where she reported the rape. Harding was arrested the same day and detained at HMP Parc pending trial.

Three weeks later, Ms Nesbitt-Marr received the first letter from Harding, sent via another inmate. In the letter, Harding expressed his desire to resume their relationship upon his release, making inappropriate references to her “naked skin.”

Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the attack, Ms Nesbitt-Marr said receiving the letter was like reliving the assault. Despite contacting Gwent Police and the prison, the letters continued.

In total, she received seven letters, both before and after Harding’s trial and conviction in December for multiple counts including rape and false imprisonment. Harding was sentenced to 15 years and given a restraining order, but the correspondence persisted.

Ms Nesbitt-Marr shared her ordeal on TikTok, gaining hundreds of thousands of views and messages from other women with similar experiences. However, the prison has yet to apologise or contact her, leaving her feeling “completely in the dark.”

Her father, Paul Nesbitt-Marr, who worked in prisons for 20 years, criticised HMP Parc, stating that preventing such letters is a “basic” duty. Despite assurances from the prison, the letters continued.

Speaking to the BBC, G4S, the company managing HMP Parc, acknowledged the issue and said it had taken “all appropriate steps,” including disciplining Harding and two other inmates. However, they admitted Harding used third parties to breach the restraining order.

Gwent Police confirmed they are investigating the letters.

Ellie Wilson, a campaigner and fellow rape survivor, praised Ms Nesbitt-Marr’s bravery and criticised the justice system for treating survivors as an “afterthought.” Wilson highlighted the need for better support and transparency for victims.

Sara Kirkpatrick of Welsh Women’s Aid confirmed that unwanted contact from offenders in prison is not uncommon. She urged victims to report such incidents to the police and prison authorities, as it constitutes a further offence.

Ms Nesbitt-Marr hopes her story will protect other victims and called for an apology from the prison. She emphasised that victims should not feel embarrassed and that the only person who should be ashamed is the perpetrator.

“I want women to know that this is nothing to be embarrassed about,” she said. “The only person that needs to be embarrassed is the person who violated you.”

Crime

Teen denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher

Published

2 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TEENAGER REMANDED AHEAD OF JULY TRIAL

A 15-YEAR-old boy has denied attempting to murder a teacher during a stabbing incident at Milford Haven School.

The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (May 8).

He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding with a knife.

The charges relate to an incident at Milford Haven School on Thursday, February 5, when emergency services were called after reports that a teacher had been assaulted by a pupil carrying a weapon.

The school was placed into lockdown and pupils were later safely evacuated.

The injured teacher was taken to hospital with stab wounds, but was discharged later the same day.

Police said at the time that specialist officers were supporting the victim and the wider school community.

The teenager was remanded in custody following Friday’s hearing.

A trial is due to begin on July 6.

Crime

Racial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge

Published

2 days ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

ARMED police were called to a supported accommodation building in Johnston after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside a room while behaving aggressively and racially abusing staff.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were called to Silverdale Lodge at around 8:55am on Saturday (May 2) following reports of disorder involving a resident.

According to police, the man allegedly acted aggressively towards staff members and made racially abusive comments before barricading himself inside a room at the property.

The force said armed officers were deployed to ensure the safety of staff, other occupants and the man himself.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police was called to Silverdale Lodge in Johnston at approximately 8.55am on May 2 following a report of a male behaving in an aggressive manner and being racially abusive towards a member of staff.

“Officers attended the scene and the male had barricaded himself in a room.

“In order to ensure the safety of the male, staff members and other occupants of the building, armed officers attended the scene.

“The man was detained and arrested. There were no injuries to members of staff or officers reported. There is currently no ongoing threat to the public.”

Police confirmed Billy Pitman, aged 29, has been charged with racially aggravated public order offences, criminal damage and threats to cause criminal damage in connection with the incident.

Pitman was remanded into custody and appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 4).

We will bring you the court result as we receive it.

Crime

Milford Haven woman denies causing suffering to cat

Published

2 days ago

May 7, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Jury hears evidence over alleged failure to seek treatment for tumour

A MILFORD HAVEN woman has denied causing unnecessary suffering to her cat by allegedly failing to seek treatment for a cancerous tumour.

Maria Jane Hicks, 61, of Willow End, appeared before Swansea Crown Court accused of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely a cat called Max.

The prosecution alleges that between May 6 and May 17, 2023, Hicks failed to obtain veterinary treatment for a tumour on the cat’s nose, resulting in unnecessary suffering.

Hicks previously appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where she entered a not guilty plea and elected for trial at Crown Court. She repeated her plea when the case came before Swansea Crown Court.

The trial was heard on Tuesday (May 6).

During proceedings, Hicks was asked to retake the oath after the judge said it had not been given correctly the first time, reminding her to state “the whole truth and nothing but the absolute truth.”

The jury heard evidence from Ellie West, an animal rescue officer, who told the court she attended a welfare check after Max had been staying with one of Hicks’ neighbours, Mrs Jarvis.

West said the cat had dried blood around his nose and alleged Hicks had advised Mrs Jarvis to apply a homemade mixture containing frankincense, turmeric, coconut oil and myrrh.

Veterinary surgeon Jonathan Fitzmorris told the court Max had a body condition score of two out of nine and was approximately 10 per cent underweight. He said the cat was also suffering from severe dental disease, fleas, weeping eyes and an ulcerating wound to the nose.

Asked why he prescribed pain relief, Mr Fitzmorris said ulcerating wounds would be “extremely painful” and added that it should have been obvious veterinary treatment was required.

The court also heard from RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper, who said the charity had offered to take over Max’s care, but Hicks declined. However, Cooper said Hicks agreed to allow the RSPCA to board the cat and pay for treatment.

While giving evidence, Hicks became emotional and accused Inspector Cooper of lying. She claimed Cooper had threatened to take Max away and have him put down.

Hicks told the jury she did believe in traditional veterinary treatment, but added that she felt “everything will happen in its own time.”

The trial continues.