Crime

Dangerous Tenby paedophile sentenced to 15 years jail

Published

1 year ago

December 6, 2024

HIGH-RISK Tenby sex offender Christopher Flavin, 72, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing young boys, and creating indecent images of children. Flavin, described by His Honour Judge Geraint Walters as a “dangerous paedophile,” admitted in October to producing 12 Category B and 296 Category C indecent images of children between 2018 and 2023.

On Friday (Dec 6) at Swansea Crown Court, the prosecution, led by Mr Scapens described Flavin as “nothing but a committed paedophile,” detailing the lengths to which he went to exploit his victims, many of whom were young boys aged between 10 and 16. The court heard a personal statement from a complainant, under 13, who detailed the psychological trauma he has endured. “In the past few months, I have had feelings of sadness, which makes me cry. I have also been having nightmares and don’t want to leave the room at night.”

Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Flavin attempted to deflect responsibility during proceedings. He represented himself after failing to secure legal counsel and claimed that the complainant had instigated inappropriate behaviours, stating, “He needs help with his mental health. He was obsessed with masturbation and sex.” Such assertions were dismissed by the court, with Judge Walters highlighting the “manipulative” nature of Flavin’s abuse.

The prosecution revealed that Flavin had groomed young boys, forcing them into sexual activities on school premises and targeting children. In addition to inappropriate touching during swimming lessons, he sought to isolate his victims by arranging camping trips.

Further evidence presented during the hearing revealed Flavin’s continuous breaches of a sexual harm order. He was observed in a park designated for children and around a local high school, raising significant concerns about his behaviour. Flavin’s refusal to engage with court proceedings, including prison video links, proved his lack of remorse for his actions.

His Honour Judge Geraint Walters condemned Flavin’s predatory behaviour, remarking on the disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse that had characterised his life. “You have spent a lifetime grooming and abusing boys, even at this age. I heard that the victim has been having nightmares about it all and refusing to leave his bedroom at night. That is the effect on young impressionable children. It’s wicked behaviour, and it’s not the first time you engaged in this,” he said.

Flavin’s extensive criminal record revealed 33 prior offences, 27 of which were sexual in nature. Judge Geraint Walters noted that despite previous long sentences, including one exceeding 50 months, Flavin had “learnt nothing” and continued his abusive behaviour. “You claimed that you’re the victim. The reality is you’re committed to behaving in this way,”

In addition to the 15 year prison sentence, the judge imposed an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim. Judge Walters concluded, ordering the sentence as a measure to prevent further harm to vulnerable children.

Crime

Trial of men accused of murdering Ian Watkins delayed

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE TRIAL of two prison inmates accused of murdering former Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins has been delayed by a day.

Watkins, who was serving a 29-year sentence for child sexual offences, died following an alleged attack at HMP Wakefield last October.

Rashid Gedel, 25, who has been referred to in court as Rico Gedel, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, were due to stand trial at Leeds Crown Court on Tuesday (May 5).

The case is now expected to begin on Wednesday (May 6).

Watkins was jailed in December 2013 for 29 years, with a further six years on licence, after admitting a series of child sex offences, including the attempted rape of a baby.

He was arrested after police executed a drugs warrant at his home in Pontypridd on September 21, 2012. Officers seized computers, mobile phones and storage devices, which later revealed evidence of his offending.

Watkins had previously been taken to hospital after being attacked in prison in 2023.

In 2019, he was jailed for an additional ten months after being found guilty of possessing a mobile phone while in prison.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.