A MILFORD HAVEN man has been jailed for 20 years after admitting to non-recent sexual offences against children spanning 42 years.

Swansea Crown Court heard how Alan Roberts had committed 23 crimes against young girls between 1976 and 2018, with each of his six victims believing they were alone in suffering his abuse.

The 74-year-old, of Picton Road in Hakin, pleaded guilty to 17 counts of indecent assault of a girl under 14, four counts of gross indecent assault with a girl under 14, and two counts of assault of a girl under 14 by touching.

Dyfed-Powys Police officer DC Paul Kelly said: “The defendant’s offending was over a period of 42 years which is a shocking, prolonging period of abuse, and his 20 year sentence reflects this.

“I would like to thank the six extremely brave victims in this case. They have all shown immense strength of character firstly in reporting the abuse, and also in working with us throughout the investigation.

“This case is an important reminder that justice can be served many years after abuse has taken place.

“I hope the victims and families who have been affected by the actions of Alan Roberts can now try to move on with their lives, and that his sentencing gives them some kind of closure.”

THE GO-SAFE speed camera van, a familiar sight in laybys across Ceredigion targeting speeding motorists in towns and villages, has been out of service since June due to the retirement of its operator.

A spokesperson for GoSafe in Dyfed-Powys stated: “A Casualty Reduction Officer based in Aberystwyth retired at the end of June 2024. The recruitment process for this role is ongoing. Whilst we seek to complete this process, we’re using a combination of enforcement officers from other areas and our Operation Ugain teams to ensure the communities continue to be served.”

Despite the vacancy, the team confirmed that an enforcement vehicle currently covers the region from Cardigan. Operation Ugain, which has carried out 11 operations in Ceredigion—including eight in Aberystwyth—has three more operations planned for October and November.

Launched in response to the 20mph speed limit rollout in September 2023, Operation Ugain allows officers across Wales to engage with drivers rather than issue fines. Those caught above the enforcement threshold (set at 26mph) may attend a free 10-minute presentation at a local centre as an alternative to a ticket, at the discretion of the officers.

A TEACHER has been sentenced for assaulting a pupil just days before the teenager tragically lost his life.

Llyr James, 31, from Adpar, was charged with assault by beating following an incident on March 9 in Newcastle Emlyn. James denied the assault on 16-year-old Llyr Davies but was found guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on October 8.

SENTENCE AND COSTS

Returning to court on October 25, James received an 18-month community order, requiring him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and undertake 20 rehabilitation activity days. He was also ordered to pay £650 in court costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

The court heard that just three days after the assault, Mr Davies died in an unrelated accident involving a tipper truck at Gilfach Quarry in the Efailwen area of Clynderwen on March 12.

TRIBUTE FROM FAMILY

Llyr’s family described him as “kind, funny, and charming,” adding that life would “never be the same without him.”