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.”

PEMBROKSEHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’S Cabinet has agreed an additional £1.4m of capital funding, alongside grant funding, to support a Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange.

Subject to confirmation of further funding contributions from Welsh Government, work could start to begin on site next year and be completed in 2026.

Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We have been working closely with Welsh Government, Network Rail and the train operating companies for some time now and am delighted to be able to bring these proposals forward.

“This project is important in its own right but it’s also a key enabler for dramaticallyimproving rail connectivity for Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire as a whole.

“A new station will do much more than simply improve the station. It will also allow for more frequent services to and from Milford Haven.

“As well as more frequent services, we are working hard with Welsh and UK Governments as well as Great Western Railways to secure the return of direct, high speed, intercity services to the town and this project includes the realignment of the platform to allow the new Hitachi High Speed Services to serve Milford Haven directly.”

The scheme involves improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a, taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.

The scheme will also work in synergy with the Port Authority’s initiatives to improve walking and cycling access to the Milford Haven Dock, further encouraging tourism and urban development and links to the pre-existing retail area within the town.

Local Member and Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “If this bid is approved by Welsh Government, it will be fantastic news for Milford Haven and go a long way towards increasing and improving transport connectivity both for those visiting the town but more importantly for the residents of the area.

“The associated works with the scheme to enhance safety and parking measures as well as provide a focal point for a public transport interchange with bus services much needed in our town.”

The scheme, if supported by Welsh Government, will be delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council.

A draft design package was developed and submitted to Network Rail in December 2023 with a revised design ready for resubmission.

Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Milford Haven Public Transport Interchange as part of the Local Transport Fund Bids Grant application for 2025/26 for the sum of £6million to continue the development and phased delivery of the project.

Capital funding totalling £1.4million over 2025-26 and 2026-27 has been committed by the Cabinet.

Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell said: “It’s fantastic to see changes being made to Milford Haven Train Station. Good public transport and associated facilities are vital to communities in Pembrokeshire. I am pleased to be working alongside the Council and Welsh Government to positively impact Milford Haven.”

A SEXUAL assault was reported at Pembroke Fair on Main Street on Friday, October 11, 2024 between 7:00pm and 8:30pm.

Police are seeking witnesses or anyone with relevant information to assist with enquiries.

Information can be submitted via their website, by email at [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101, quoting reference 24000869978.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.