Crime
Phillips found guilty of raping baby in “worst case” judge has ever dealt with
Baby’s mother cleared as judge says case “shaken me to my core”
CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS has been found guilty of the most serious offences in the devastating case of seven-week-old Baby C, including multiple counts of penetration and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
The baby’s mother, who cannot be named, has been cleared of every charge, including allegations that she failed to protect her child.
The verdicts were delivered this afternoon (Dec 9) at Swansea Crown Court following a harrowing three-week trial.
Following the verdicts, Judge Paul Thomas KC delivered an emotional statement rarely heard from the bench. He told the courtroom: “In my over forty years of experience, this has been the most distressing case I have ever had to deal with.
“This has truly shaken me to my core.”
Turning to the jury, he said: “I would like to show my admiration to you all. I appreciate the toll this may have had on your mental health. You are a testament to our jury system. Thank you for all of your great effort.”
Judge Thomas ordered a pre-sentence report and requested an updated assessment of Baby C’s current physical and psychological health following the injuries he sustained.
He also directed that a psychiatric evaluation be prepared on Phillips to determine the level of danger he poses and to assist in setting the appropriate sentence.
He warned Phillips that he is facing “an extremely long prison sentence”.
Phillips will also be required to sign the Sex Offenders Register within three days of arriving in prison.
The jury’s verdicts confirm Phillips was responsible for the catastrophic injuries inflicted on Baby C in January 2021, including a bleed on the brain, multiple fractures, severe bruising, blunt-force trauma to a testicle and anal injuries described in court as “gaping”.
Medical specialists told the court they had administered morphine to a baby so young only “a handful of times” in their careers.
A sentencing will take place on January 16.
He was taken to prison.
Additional reporting by Rieve Nesbitt-Marr
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
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
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.
Crime
Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site
A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.
Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.
The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.
Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.
Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.
The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.
The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.
The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.
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