Crime
Rape survivor received letters from attacker in Parc Prison

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
Woman denies using sock filled with snooker balls in street fight

A 37-YEAR-OLD woman from Pembroke Dock has denied possessing a sock stuffed with snooker balls during an alleged town centre street fight.
Frances Wallace, of King Street, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week charged with possession of an offensive weapon and using unlawful violence towards others during an incident in Pembroke Dock on June 15, 2024.
She is accused of arming herself with the makeshift weapon—a sock containing snooker balls—during what prosecutors described as a “serious public order offence” witnessed by around 20 members of the public.
Also in the dock was Stephen Charge, 52, of Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock, who faces a single charge of using threatening and unlawful violence. He entered no plea.
Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told the court: “Both defendants were involved in a street fight that took place in Pembroke Dock. Police carried out extensive investigations, including reviewing video footage, which showed Frances Wallace armed herself with the sock containing snooker balls and used it as a weapon.
“You can imagine what it must have been like in Pembroke Dock at the time.”
Magistrates declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the case and it will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on June 20.
Both defendants were released on unconditional bail.
Crime
Country sportsman loses gun licence after drug-driving conviction

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been forced to surrender his firearms licence after testing positive for a cocaine derivative while behind the wheel.
Shane Beynon, 50, was stopped by police on Clay Lane, Hundleton, on November 8, 2024. Subsequent tests revealed 240 micrograms of benzoylecgonine – a cocaine metabolite – in his system. The legal limit is 50.
This week, Beynon, of Hean Castle, Saundersfoot, pleaded guilty to drug-driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates.
“He doesn’t take cocaine and is very surprised this was found in his system,” said defence solicitor Michael Kelleher. “He’d been out the night before, but he accepts that no one is going to come to court and say they spiked his drink.”
Mr Kelleher told the court that the mandatory driving ban would have a significant impact on Beynon, both professionally and personally.
“He is a self-employed fencing contractor who relies on his vehicle, and he’s also a keen shooter. As a result of this charge, he’s had to surrender his firearms to the police,” he added. “The future is very uncertain for him.”
Magistrates disqualified Beynon from driving for 12 months. He was fined £300 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £120 victim surcharge.
Crime
Scrap metal collector’s ‘disastrous’ decision ends in court

A DECISION to drive onto the Pembroke Dock to Rosslare ferry route after consuming alcohol has been described in court as a “complete and utter disaster” for Cardiff man Charles O’Brien.
The 39-year-old was stopped by police on May 3 and tested positive during a roadside breath test. He was taken to Haverfordwest police station for further analysis.
“But he was unable to blow long enough for the machine to register,” Crown Prosecutor Dennis Davies told Haverfordwest magistrates this week. “As a result, he failed to provide a specimen for analysis.”
O’Brien, of Grangetown, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen. He was represented by solicitor Michael Kelleher.
“This was a complete and utter disaster,” said Mr Kelleher. “He took his vehicle into the restricted port area. While it is not open to general members of the public, the offence still applies.”
The court heard that O’Brien is self-employed as a scrap metal collector.
Magistrates disqualified him from driving for 12 months. He was also fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
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