Crime

Rape survivor received letters from attacker in Parc Prison

Published

7 months 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

Former police CCTV operator in court over misconduct charges

Published

21 hours ago

March 5, 2025

Court Reporter

A FORMER Dyfed-Powys Police CCTV operator appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (March 5) charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as offences under the Data Protection Act and Computer Misuse Act.

Russell Hasler, who was arrested in 2023 by the force’s Professional Standards Department, had worked as a CCTV operator since 2019. He resigned while under investigation for alleged offences committed between 2020 and 2022.

Following today’s hearing, Hasler was bailed to appear at Swansea Crown Court on April 4, 2025.

Crime

Paddleboard company owner admits to manslaughter of four

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2025

Court Reporter

FOUR people tragically lost their lives during a paddleboarding tour on the River Cleddau in October 2021, including Nicola Wheatley, 40, Morgan Rogers, 24, Paul O’Dwyer, 42, and Andrea Powell, 41.

The owner of the paddleboard company, Nerys Bethan Lloyd, 39, from Port Talbot, has pleaded guilty to gross negligence manslaughter at Swansea Crown Court. The victims were part of a tour operated by Lloyd’s now-dissolved company, Salty Dog. Lloyd also admitted to one offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

***Guilty pela: Nerys Bethan Lloyd (Image: Facebook/Herald)***

The incident occurred on October 30, 2021, despite severe weather warnings and heavy flooding in the area. The river was flowing fast, and the weir was in an extremely hazardous condition, leading to the tragic deaths of the four participants. Three of them became trapped after being pulled over the top of the Haverfordwest Town Weir.

O’Dwyer, who was an instructor on the tour, initially exited the river safely but re-entered in an attempt to rescue the others. All four victims drowned.

Lloyd, a former police officer, was not qualified to lead paddleboarding tours in such dangerous conditions. The prosecution revealed that her planning and supervision were severely inadequate, and there were no proper safety briefings or risk assessments conducted. Participants were unaware that they would be crossing the weir, and no alternatives for exiting the water were provided.

Lisa Rose, a specialist prosecutor from the CPS, described the incident as “an avoidable tragedy.” She explained, “Despite checking the river’s state before the tour, Nerys Lloyd failed to inspect the weir, where the majority of participants had limited experience.”

Lloyd’s decision to proceed with the tour despite the dangers ultimately led to the deaths. She will remain on bail until her sentencing in April.

This case followed a joint investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Crime

Man sentenced after posting ex-partner’s address on TikTok

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A COURT has heard how a woman was made to feel anxious and fearful for her safety after her postal address was published by her former partner in a TikTok video.

Daniel Brooks, 42, texted the woman on August 8, 2024, and the following day posted her full address on TikTok. On August 12, he made further contact with her despite her decision to sever their relationship and sent her two unwanted voice notes.

This week, Brooks, of Sycamore House, South Parade, Tenby, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates, where he pleaded guilty to harassment without violence.

Brooks was sentenced to a community order during which he must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days. A 12-month restraining order was imposed, preventing him from having any contact with the victim or making any references to her on social media. He was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.