Crime

Man with limited mental capacity sees child grooming conviction overturned

Published

6 months ago

September 13, 2024

A WEST WALES man, initially convicted of grooming and sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy, has been acquitted after a trial was ordered following a successful application to the court based on new evidence about his mental capacity.

The accused, Alec Davidson, from Carmarthen, pleaded guilty in June 2023 of two charges related to historical sexual abuse against a then 13-year-old boy. These charges stemmed from an incident in 2005, when Davidson had allegedly groomed the victim via the social media platform Bebo before assaulting him. The guilty plea by the defendant had followed a judicial review initiated by the victim, who had to take legal action to compel Dyfed Powys Police to pursue the case after their initial reluctance to do so.

However, Davidson applied to the court to vacate his pleas vacated (cancelled). The court heard that he had the mental capacity of a primary school child and had only pleaded guilty under pressure to stay out of jail. His application to vacate his pleas was granted, and the subsequent trial resulted in Davidson being found not guilty last Friday (Sept 6).

Davidson’s legal team successfully argued that their client had been wrongly advised to plead guilty. His father, John Davidson, testified that Alec, who has the cognitive capacity of a child, was told by his barrister that a guilty plea would likely result in a non-custodial sentence, while contesting the charges could lead to a guaranteed jail term if convicted.

John Davidson revealed to the court that he had instructed his son to follow the barrister’s advice, believing it was the only way to avoid prison. As a result, Alec Davidson pleaded guilty without fully understanding the consequences of his actions or the implications of the plea.

At the eventual trial, which took place on September 6, 2024, the jury returned a not guilty verdict, resulting in Alec Davidson’s acquittal.

***How The Pembrokeshire Herald reported the case in June 2023***

The man who claimed to be the victim, now in his 30s, said he had faced significant challenges in getting justice. He claimed abuse took place in the winter of 2004/2005, when Davidson groomed the victim online and took him to a secluded location where the assault occurred. He said he did not report the incident until 2019, when he confronted Davidson on Facebook. In the exchange, Davidson admitted to the sexual act but claimed he believed the boy to be 17 at the time.

Despite this admission and the evidence from the Facebook conversation, Dyfed Powys Police initially declined to prosecute, citing insufficient evidence and referencing the victim’s mental health and troubled background as potential obstacles to securing a conviction.

The man claiming to be the victim, undeterred by the police’s decision, sought a judicial review to challenge the authorities’ refusal to proceed. His persistence paid off, with the judicial review forcing the police to arrest and charge Davidson in 2023.

He described his ordeal as “a nightmare that never ends,” not only due to the abuse but also because of the systemic failures by the police, NHS, and local authorities in handling his case. He revealed that confidential medical and school records, which detailed his history of mental illness and behavioral problems, were shared with the police without his consent by the NHS and Carmarthenshire County Council. Both organizations admitted to mishandling his records and settled with the victim for an undisclosed sum believed to be less than £10,000.

These institutional failings further complicated the case, with the police initially using the victim’s background as justification for not proceeding with the investigation. The victim’s decision to pursue a judicial review forced the authorities to reconsider their position, leading to Davidson’s arrest and first conviction.

Davidson’s acquittal raises serious questions about the handling of cases involving vulnerable individuals on both sides of the legal system. While the retrial has cleared Davidson, the case highlights the difficulties faced by both victims and defendants with mental disabilities in navigating the criminal justice process.

Given the efforts made to get this case to court, the alleged victim would likely be devastated by the retrial outcome.

Many will be concerned about the broader implications of this case.

Crime

CCTV shows diners allegedly stealing from Narberth pub

Published

21 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THIS story follows a post shared on The Pembrokeshire Herald Facebook page on Sunday (Mar 23), where locals reacted with shock and anger after CCTV footage was released by The Angel in Narberth.

The pub’s owner, Louise Morgan, says she was left “annoyed and frustrated” after four diners allegedly helped themselves to salt and pepper mills from their table before walking out of the pub without paying for them.

The incident happened on Saturday (Mar 22) during lunchtime service. Louise, who has run the popular town centre pub for years, reviewed her CCTV after noticing the tableware had gone missing—and said she was stunned by what she saw.

Speaking to The Herald, she said: “They stole these salt and pepper mills which were there for less than a week. It’s like they had done it before. One of the guys blocked the camera, then the lady grabbed her coat, which allowed them to steal the mills.”

Louise added: “I am shocked. This has not happened for a while. People used to steal soap dispensers from the ladies’ toilets, but it’s been a few years since that happened. Still, I’ve replaced the dispensers with these large amber bottles.

“A person once said to me ‘If it’s not bolted down, people will take it.’ But overall, we don’t have that kind of clientele. I’m just annoyed. It’s hard enough running your own business for people to come in and steal your stuff. I like to think that most of my customers are not like that.”

The footage shows the group of four seated in the dining area, with what appears to be a deliberate attempt to block the camera while the items are taken. The Angel took to Facebook the following day, posting a still from the CCTV and a message asking for the items to be returned.

“If anyone knows Mr Kitchen Crew and his gang, please ask them to return the stolen goods & no questions will be asked,” the post said.

Hundreds of people reacted to the post, slamming the culprits and offering support to the pub.

Sue James-Davies wrote: “That is disgusting and pathetic. They should be shamed and banned from all Narberth establishments.”

Michelle Bellamy added: “That’s disgusting. Times are tough for everyone but if these people can afford to eat out surely, they can afford their own tableware at home without stealing. I hope they’re ashamed of themselves.”

James Iwan Day commented: “If they liked the tableware so much why didn’t they just ask where you got it from? Absolutely mind-blowing behaviour.”

And Graham Coslett said: “If they can afford to pay for the meal, they can afford to buy what they have stolen. I rest my case your honour.”

Police have not yet been involved, and Louise is hoping the items will be quietly returned.

Crime

Milford Haven man assaulted three police officers and carried knife

Published

3 days ago

March 24, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted assaulting three police officers and being in possession of a knife in public.

Adam Williams, aged 37, of Richard John Road, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court last week where he pleaded guilty to five charges.

The court heard that on March 16 Williams was found using a Volkswagen Golf without insurance in Milford Haven. On the same date, he was in possession of a craft knife without lawful authority or reasonable excuse on Richard John Road.

Williams also admitted three counts of common assault of an emergency worker, relating to three police officers.

Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Williams was remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on March 31.

Crime

Pair accused of counterfeit tobacco conspiracy

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TWO people from Llanybydder have been accused of conspiring to supply counterfeit tobacco products.

Kieran Pritchard and Rebecca Brammeld-Jones, both aged 33 and of Heol Y Gaer, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with conspiracy to distribute goods bearing a false trademark.

It is alleged the pair conspired to supply tobacco with packaging identical to, or likely to be mistaken for, Amber Leaf and Golden Virginia brands between October 1, 2022, and December 30, 2023.

Pritchard faces additional charges of being concerned in the supply of MDMA and cocaine during the same period.

He is further accused of possessing 4.63 grams of cocaine with intent to supply on December 29, 2023, and possession of criminal property – namely £29,139.60 in cash.

Both defendants were granted bail and are due to appear at Swansea Crown Court to enter pleas on April 22.