A 76-YEAR-OLD monk from Caldey Island has been arrested on suspicion of sending indecent images to a local woman, Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed. The incident, which surfaced earlier this summer, has led to the monk’s suspension from his duties on the island pending further investigation.

The monk, who has resided on Caldey for over 30 years, was questioned by police on Sunday, 21st July. He has since been released on bail while inquiries continue. It is alleged that he sent a series of inappropriate photographs to a woman in her thirties via social media after she made contact with him regarding a potential interest in the religious life.

Police sources indicate that the nature of the images resembled ‘camp’ or ‘Playboy mansion-style’ photographs. Reports suggest that after initial contact was made on 17th July, the communication quickly escalated to the exchange of suggestive images by the following day. Further allegations have surfaced, claiming that other explicit images may have been sent to another woman in Kent.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police stated: “A 76-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of sending indecent images and has been released on bail pending further inquiries.”

The Tenby Observer has reported today, that due to the individual’s status within the Caldey community, the monastery’s disciplinary authority has suspended him as the investigation proceeds. It is understood that the monk, who previously served as a church organist, denied having any specific fetish but admitted to what he termed as ‘misbehaviour’ during police questioning.

The police investigation is ongoing, with examinations of the monk’s electronic devices currently underway. Local residents have expressed shock at the allegations, given the individual’s longstanding presence on the island.

A JOHNSTON man is to appear before magistrates for trial accused of sharing a photograph of of a woman’s bottom on social media.

Keith Lovell, 56, is accused of sharing the photograph on February 29 without consent. 

He is further accused of assaulting Ms Lovell by beating between January 1 and January 31.  The Crown alleges that he put both his hands on the victim and pushed her into a toy, causing her to fall to the floor.

Lovell, of Brookside Avenue, Johnston, denied both charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week. 

The Crown said Lovell claimed the photograph was shared ‘accidentally’.

The case was adjourned to November 18 when Lovell’s trial will take place. 

He was released on conditional bail, the conditions being not to contact Ms Lovell,  not to enter her home address and not put anything in relation to the complainant nor the police investigation on social media.

A COURT has heard how alcohol dependency turned into ‘a third party in the marriage’ after a 36-year-old chef was sentenced for assaulting a woman and of being in charge of a child despite being drunk in a public place,

Ashley Mardon, who is a chef at the Castlemartin Firing Range, admitted two charges of assaulting Deborah Mardon by beating on September 8 and again on July 28.  He also pleaded guilty to being in charge of a child when he was drunk and in a public place and of threatening to cause damage to Ms Mardon’s property in Pembroke Dock.  

“The bruising [as a result of the assaults], was very minor and hard to make out,” his solicitor, Michael Kelleher, told Haverforwest magistrates this week.

“There has been a third party in this marriage all along, and that was alcohol.  Mr Mardon now hopes that things will move forward as a family, but the alcohol first needs to be addressed.  And that’s what this is all about.

“He needs to curb his substance misuse and is under no illusions that things will have to change.”

After considering a lengthy probation report Mardon, of Riverside Avenue, Neyland was sentenced to a 24-month Community Order.  He must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days which will include engagement with the Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Service.

He must also pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 court costs.